Steve Horswill-Johnston is a five-time Emmy-winning director, producer, and founder of HJ Films and Nashville Aerial, two Nashville-based production companies serving clients such as the NFL, CBS, Amazon, CMT, Grand Hyatt Hotels, Nashville Yards, and Vanderbilt University. For nearly 20 years, Steve has led creative teams producing television commercials, corporate films, documentaries, short narratives, branded content, and cinematic aerial cinematography. He also serves on the Board of Governors of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS), MidSouth Chapter.

Before founding HJ Films, Steve helped shape the public voice of The United Methodist Church, conceiving the denomination’s iconic brand promise, “Open Hearts. Open Minds. Open Doors.,” and leading a $22 million national advertising campaign that included 16 network television commercials and messages of hope following 9/11. He also created Chuck Knows Church and The Committee, two of the most-watched online video series in the church’s history.

Steve’s broader creative background includes serving as a script consultant for DreamWorks Animation, producing and directing Emmy-winning short films, co-writing and co-producing Becoming Jesse Tate, and working on productions including Pontiac Moon, That Thing You Do!, and the CBS television series Simon & Simon.