Mignon Pinson and 21-year-old Maya Jai Pinson cofounded LoJai Productions in 2020 to create meaningful films that inspire, uplift, and give a voice to stories that often go unheard.
“As a mother-daughter team, we saw a gap in authentic storytelling, especially stories rooted in faith, real-life struggles, and transformation. We didn’t wait for opportunities—we created our own platform to tell powerful stories, develop new talent, and make a lasting difference through film,” said Mignon.
Maya, a kidney transplant recipient who will graduate from Penn State University with a degree in Communications/Film in May, added that LoJai Productions serves a wide range of audiences—from families and youth to faith-based and general viewers.
“In addition to producing our own films, we also provide opportunities for aspiring actors and creatives by offering hands-on training, casting opportunities, and access to professional film sets. Our mission is not only to create content, but to develop talent and open doors for others in the entertainment industry,” she added.
Mignon mentioned that some of their challenges as independent filmmakers without traditional backing include securing funding and distribution, which involves getting films seen by the right audiences and placed on reputable platforms. Sometimes another challenge can be finding the right talent. However, Mignon and Maya continue to take dreams to screens.
Unclaimed Seat
Unclaimed Seat (https://youtu.be/iEKebBO98So?si=7MWcqAF6wm7rUDDw), written by Mignon and produced by Washington-D.C. based LoJai Productions, offers an example of the team’s work. When a church van filled with spirited young girls heads to a youth conference, one unexpected passenger changes everything. A quiet stranger takes an unclaimed seat and, without saying much, begins to touch each girl’s life in deeply personal ways.
Feature Films and Short Films
Maya explained that a feature film is typically a full-length production, usually over 60 minutes, with a more in-depth storyline, character development, and broader distribution opportunities. However, a short film is a condensed story—often under 40 minutes—that delivers a powerful message in a shorter timeframe and is commonly used for festivals, streaming platforms, or proof-of-concept projects.
“At LoJai Productions, we specialize in both. We produce high-quality feature films as well as short films, depending on the vision, purpose, and needs of the project,” Maya stated.
What is needed to produce a film?
Mignon, who is also a Screen Actors Guild (SAG) member, noted that producing a film requires several key elements, including a strong script, funding, cast and crew, locations, equipment, and post-production editing.
“The timeline can vary, but most projects follow three phases—pre-production (planning), production (filming), and post-production (editing)—which can take anywhere from a few weeks for a short film to several months or longer for a feature.”
Funding typically comes from the producer, investors, sponsors, or the production company, and it covers costs such as cast, crew, equipment, locations, and marketing.
Advantages of Releasing a Short Film as an Executive Producer
Mignon further explained that releasing a short film requires a lower financial investment, compared to a feature film, while still showcasing strong storytelling and production quality.
“Short films also move faster—from development to release—making it easier to build momentum, gain visibility, and stay active in the industry. They are especially powerful for film festival exposure, helping you earn awards, recognition, and credibility, which can open doors to larger opportunities. As an executive producer, it also positions you as a leader and decision-maker, strengthening your brand and influence in the industry. Additionally, short films can serve as proof-of-concept pieces, allowing you to test ideas, attract investors, and potentially expand the project into a full-length feature or series.”
The upcoming 2nd Annual High School Film Contest by LoJai Productions
Aspiring eleventh and twelfth-grade filmmakers in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia are invited to showcase their creativity by creating a micro short film under two minutes using a cell phone or camera, with complete freedom in storyline and genre, but it must remain school-appropriate. Participants must upload their film to YouTube as an unlisted link and submit it by the June 1, 2026 deadline.
The winner will receive an award trophy, have their short film showcased at one of LoJai Productions’ movie premieres, and gain an exclusive behind-the-scenes, on-set experience with the production team. This provides not only recognition but real industry exposure and hands-on learning.
Email shootingfscasting@gmail.com to obtain more information about the contest or to learn about future casting projects. Visit https://lojaiproductions.com to read more about LoJai Productions.
