Philip Johnson, 2019 - Photo by Daric L. Cottingham

Los Angels, CA - On December 14 Philip Johnson makes his Hollywood directorial debut with a special screening of “FlipFlop” pilot at the Met Theatre. Fans were also able to view the pilot for free in New York, Detroit, and Atlanta on their respective viewing dates. The new series is a combination of “track, comedy, Sci-Fi, sexuality, and black culture.” Philip portrays a black pro track athlete who was implanted with a techno-conversion therapy chip 16 years ago. The now-malfunctioning chip has given him flip-flopping sexuality. The series features many new talented faces as well as the recognizable Dallas Wade from Catfish and America’s Next Top Model.

Dallas Wade (left) and Philip Johnson (right), 2019 - Photo by Daric L. Cottingham

“Flip Flop” gets it right. Each character of the series is refreshingly relatable. I personally resonate with Philip’s character as I came out at 17 and was the only openly gay athlete at my high school. And the main sport I participated in was track.

“Flip Flop” portrays these details accurately from the practice track scenes to the internal battle within oneself trying to be comfortable with who they are.

The friendships are another aspect that makes the show feel as though it could be a page right out one's life — because it is. The triplets are the main three characters of the series and inspired by Philip’s friend group from college.

“I really tried to combine not only a few things that are very near and dear to me from my past but also different creative elements that I liked, such as Sci-fi and comedy,” Phillip said.

““... it was nine months leading up to this moment. So this is my baby.””

— Philip Johnson

“Flip Flop” is the latest production from Philaye Films, Inc. — a production company centered around creating and distributing “meaningful black media ... to creatively bring light to dynamic sides of important topics in our 21st-century communities.”

The process of creating “FlipFlop” was not fast or easy. The production took a team of about four writers and producers, after Philip wrote the initial pilot episode.

“... it was nine months leading up to this moment. So this is my baby,” Phillip said.

The series is currently being shopped around to networks and streaming services.