First Bloom Films was founded in 2020 by actor/producer, Katherine Waddell, and writer/director, Em Johnson. Their company’s goal has always been, and always will be, to secure opportunities for women in the industry, be it on the screen or behind the camera.
Our Team
Katherine Waddell - Co-Founder, Actor, Producer
Katherine Waddell is a multi-talented actor and producer. She is most known for her work as an actor and co-executive producer on acclaimed indie feature Dinner in America, which premiered at Sundance Film Festival. Recently, Katherine completed the feature Balloon Animal, for which she performs as lead character Poppy in this coming-of-age film featuring a girl who makes balloon animals at a traveling circus, which was shot entirely during the COVID-19 pandemic. Katherine focuses on starring in and producing movies that explore the unique experiences of characters and their stories. She recently executive produced Tribeca Film Festival 2021 selection, IFC’s We Need to Do Something, a horror feature starring Vinessa Shaw. Previously, her first major acting role came from the role as Renee in Moving Picture Party’s Pennsylvania Holy Ghosts. Her first major producing credit came from her role as Associate Producer on Gasoline Films’ Six LA Love Stories, starring Alicia Witt and Matthew Lillard. She also served as a co-producer for the director Em Johnson’s feature film, Blush. Currently, Katherine resides in Los Angeles, where she is in development on four new projects under First Bloom Films.
Em Johnson - Co-Founder, Writer, Director
Em Johnson is an award-winning writer and director who has found her voice in intimate and realistic storytelling. Her focus tends to study the female condition and the all-encompassing struggles of humanity in its most natural form. Her achievements and unique visual style have given her the fortune of working internationally, most notably getting recognized by the Student BAFTA’s, Tel Aviv, the Princess Grace Foundation, and the Student Academy Awards for her short, narrative Aberne. Additionally, her debut narrative feature, Blush, is already garnering attention from North American and international distribution companies. Her latest and newest feature, Balloon Animal, which was shot during the COVID-19 pandemic, is currently hitting the film festival circuit. Prior to production, the script won the Platinum Award at the International Independent Film Awards, was a semi-finalist at the New York International Screenplay Awards, and was a quarterfinalist at StoryPro’s International Screenwriting Competition. Currently, under First Bloom Films, she has four new projects in development.