The UB Interview: Emmy-Winning Kenneth L. Johnson

Kenneth L. Johnson is an Emmy Award–winning supervising sound designer whose innovative artistry has shaped the sonic landscape of some of television and film’s most acclaimed projects.

With a career spanning over two decades, his work is currently featured on Netflix’s hit series “Forever” and Kevin Hart’s animated BET+comedy “Lil Kev,” solidifying his reputation as one of Hollywood’s most trusted post-production visionaries.

Born and raised in South Central Los Angeles, Kenneth L. Johnson found refuge in music, channeling his creative energy to navigate the challenges of his environment.

Both talent and tenacity marked his rise in Hollywood—overcoming systemic barriers, subtle discrimination, and the isolating reality of often being the only Black professional in the room. “I had to break the sound barrier—not just in technology, but in perception,” he recalled.

Kenneth L. Johnson’s award-winning portfolio includes groundbreaking work on projects such as “Road to Perdition,” “Monk,” “Stephen King’s Storm of the Century,” and “John Adams,” among others.

He is a recipient of multiple MPSE Golden Reel Awards and Friends of the Black Emmy Nominees Awards, and has earned numerous Emmy nominations for excellence in sound.

His technical mastery, combined with a deep understanding of narrative, has allowed him to elevate stories across genres—from historical dramas to thrillers, comedies, and cultural epics.

Beyond his individual accolades, Kenneth L. Johnson is deeply committed to mentorship and industry equity.

Influenced by mentors such as Victor Ray Ennis, Mark Stoeckinger, and Scott Hecker, he now pays it forward by advocating for broader representation in post-production.

He emphasizes that diversity behind the scenes is just as critical as what’s on screen: “The way a story sounds, feels, and resonates is determined in rooms most people never see. If those rooms lack diversity, the industry is missing an essential part of authentic storytelling.”

As conversations around diversity, equity, and inclusion in Hollywood continue to evolve, Kenneth L. Johnson stands as both a creative force and a cultural leader—shaping not only the sound of television and film, but also the future of who gets to tell those stories.

THE UB INTERVIEW: Kenneth L. Johnson

UB spoke with Kenneth about his career, his Emmy win, and his commitment to shaping not only the sound of stories but the future of Hollywood itself.

UrbanBridgez.com: What does your job entail as a sound designer and engineer?
Kenneth L. Johnson: Think of me as a storyteller that uses sound to help tell the story. My job is to shape everything you hear on screen, from the subtle rustle of a jacket to the echo in a haunted hallway or the comedic punch of a joke landing. As a sound designer and re-recording mixer, I blend art and science, capturing, editing, and mixing audio so that it not only supports the story but elevates it.

UrbanBridgez.com: Tell us some of your current work, such as with Kevin Hart’s Lil Kev?
Kenneth L. Johnson: Working on Lil Kev has been a blast. Animation is a playground for sound designers because you get to create everything from scratch. For Kevin Hart’s energy, every laugh, stumble, or exaggerated move needs a sonic punch that feels alive but still authentic. I’m also working on Netflix’s Forever, which is a completely different challenge—more grounded and emotional, where the sound has to pull you in without calling attention to itself. It keeps me on my toes.

UrbanBridgez.com: Congrats on your Emmys. What did it mean to you to achieve that honor?
Kenneth L. Johnson: Thank you. Honestly, it’s validation not just for me, but for every Black sound designer fighting to be seen behind the scenes. Winning an Emmy says, “Yes, your work matters. Your ears matter.” It’s also a reminder that success in Hollywood doesn’t come overnight. It comes from persistence, creativity, and a lot of caffeine.

UrbanBridgez.com: How do you think growing up in South Central LA prepared you for Hollywood?
Kenneth L. Johnson: South Central LA teaches you to pay attention. To survive, you learn to read a room, read people, and adapt fast. Those instincts translate perfectly to Hollywood, especially in post-production where collaboration and problem-solving are constant. And growing up there gave me a deep appreciation for storytelling. It’s everywhere—in the streets, in the music, in the culture. You carry that with you.

UrbanBridgez.com: Talk a bit about how you overcame racism and industry politics in Hollywood.
Kenneth L. Johnson: Honestly, it’s been a mix of patience, resilience, and strategic listening. There were times I was the only Black person in the room, or my work was overlooked because of who I was, not what I could do. I leaned on mentors like Victor Ray Ennis, Mark Stoeckinger, and Scott Hecker, who taught me to assert my value without burning bridges. It’s about staying excellent at your craft, speaking up when necessary, and finding allies who actually believe in inclusion—not just say the words.

UrbanBridgez.com: Why is mentorship important to you?
Kenneth L. Johnson: Because I didn’t get here alone. Mentors showed me the ropes, the shortcuts, and the hidden pitfalls. Now I make it my mission to do the same, especially for young Black talent in post-production who often feel like they’re navigating a maze blindfolded. Mentorship is how we multiply success. It’s not just about making your own mark—it’s about making room for others to thrive.

UrbanBridgez.com: Share the meaning of the Overlooked DEI Frontier.
Kenneth L. Johnson: The Overlooked DEI Frontier is the part of Hollywood that most people don’t see: the sound rooms, editing suites, and visual effects bays. Diversity there is just as important as on camera because it shapes the story you hear, not just the one you see. If these rooms aren’t inclusive, the stories we tell—no matter how diverse the cast—will always be incomplete.

UrbanBridgez.com: What’s next for you?
Kenneth L. Johnson: Lots of great things. I’m doubling down on mentorship, helping young talent navigate the industry. I’m producing a podcast that dives into sound design, storytelling, and breaking barriers. I also have two indie film projects I did sound for that are nominated at the Micheaux Film Festival. And of course, I’ll keep working on award-winning projects that challenge me creatively. The goal is to keep building, teaching, and reshaping Hollywood one sound wave at a time.

Learn more about Kenneth L. Johnson and his work at artistryinsound.com and follow him on Instagram @artistryinsound