To and Fro Productions is built on the foundation of a strong group of talented artists. Each member bringing their own unique talents to the collective.
Cedric Hill
Executive Producer
The culmination of Cedric Hill’s experiences in theater, film, education and the New York City club scene has led him to the passionate pursuit of storytelling. As the CEO/Executive Producer of To and Fro Productions, LLC, Hill oversees the development of scripts, manages budgets, pens new material and serves as the chief engineer of production strategy. Of all these roles, Hill’s most significant is that of survivor.
After suffering the loss of both kidneys in 2002, Hill adjusted to his new life on dialysis. Hill’s commitment to realizing his dream of telling stories through film became an insatiable hunger. He began working on scripts for development and testing material via staged readings. Work was put on hold temporarily when Hill received a donated kidney in 2005. While in recovery, he started to put the pieces together for a production company that would tell thought provoking stories while offer budgeting, performance coaching and line producing services to outside outlets.
In discussing his life altering experience, Hill shares, “Losing my kidneys gave me the clarity and courage to see and pursue the big picture. By coming so close to death I was able to shed the fear that usually accompanies an undertaking of this magnitude. I figure I have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Life’s too long not to follow your dreams.”
Hill recalls his first interest in the arts being at age of 4 when he played the American Flag. Since then he has immersed himself in a myriad of jobs as actor, lighting designer, producer and director. Of his directing Hill says, “Storytelling using all elements of filmmaking from sets, blocking, cinematography, music and dialogue is how I like to work. After learning different theories in acting and directing I began to study storytelling as its own art form.” The former actor never asks more of his actors than he’s willing to give. Hill notes, “If an actor works with me, I’ll work for them to obtain the best performance in every frame.” In general, Hill believes in a hands-off approach to directing. He explains, “I set the way I want things to look and let the creative team use their best creative skills to get there. The mystery of collaboration is really where art happens.”
As To and Fro Productions’ spokesperson, Hill has made several national television appearances, discussing various projects and his personal triumph over adversity. From CNN to Fox millions of viewers have begun to hear the stories Hill has to share.
The New Jersey resident is frequently called to work for the Institute for Arts and Humanities Education in New Brunswick, New Jersey as well as the Institute for Ethnicity, Culture and the Modern Experience, in Newark, New Jersey. Hill rounds out his interests by fencing, playing baseball and collecting antique armory.
Kirk Johnson
Artistic Director
Kirk Johnson was born on the Caribbean Islands of Trinidad and Tobago. He spent his early childhood there until the late seventies when his family moved to the Bronx. It was in the Bronx that Johnson first recalls learning valuable life lessons that would endlessly serve him. He graduated from Cardinal Spelman High School and attended Brooklyn Technical College intending to major in Paralegal Studies when inspiration knocked on his door.
Johnson was working part-time at Tower Video when he realized his love for film and filmmaking as a career path. Enthusiastic about his new career choice, Johnson switched colleges and began attending Brooklyn College. While in school, Johnson devoured all the lessons of cinematography, editing, writing and theory, frequently digesting literary works, ancient history and philosophy for appetizers and desserts. In 1998, he formed a short-lived comedy team that combined stand-up comedy with video skits, many of which were written and directed by Johnson.
Johnson moved on to directing short films and in March 2005 one of his works, Strokes in Harmony was accepted in the Trenton Film Festival. Later that month, Johnson was presented with the opportunity to join forces with longtime colleague, Cedric Hill. As Artistic Director, Johnson researches new business opportunities and oversees all technical aspects of To and Fro Production’s operations.
“The prospect of working to build a vibrant, fearless enterprise was too enticing to pass up. Not only do we create art but we’re building a company. The potential is boundless as is our creative energy,” says Johnson.
Johnson currently resides in Newark and is an avid history buff with a special interest on African culture.
Haasan Morse
Public Relations
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