Ridgeland native Lohn Lenoir has worked in the production department of the Mississippi-based reality TV series Home Town for six seasons. He has his own production company LohnLand Productions, through which he writes, directs, edits and produces short films and other projects.
What’s your background and the path that led you to working in film and TV?
I’m from Ridgeland, and I was homeschooled before I went to Hinds Community College in Raymond. I later finished my college education at the University of Southern Mississippi in the media and entertainment arts program. As a child I always loved film and TV. I was obsessed with watching films from all time periods, even watching the same movies multiple times. This passion led me to being a Creative/Media Director for the Mississippi Raiders Arena Football team and directing and producing my own films and series. I’ve won multiple awards for my projects.
What are some of your current and recent projects?
I have a few that I am producing through my company LohnLand Productions. My most current project is the short film Bennetts: A Family Dilemma. I recently won Best Director at the JXN Film Festival for it. Right now, it’s on a festival run. We’ve picked up 20 awards so far. It’s a comedy about a Mississippi based family going through the twists and turns of family secrets. I wanted to just show a loving story in Mississippi and provide a chance for us to showcase our talents. Most everyone that worked on it is from Mississippi. The plan for it is to release in the next month or so on Youtube. I also won Best Screenplay for a film called Beleagured. I am so excited for the world to see it, it should be finished next year. I am also working on 6-part mini-docuseries for the Laurel Little Theatre. It is called “Project Theater” and is releasing weekly on our social media.
What was it like to win awards for your own projects?
It was amazing. It always feels good to be acknowledged. Every project is like my child, I love them all. These two projects mean the most to me currently because they hit home. I literally had to improve all my skillsets just to complete these projects – writing, directing, handling a crew and production.
What attracted you to screenwriting and what do you enjoy most about it?
Scripts are the end-all-be-all-of life, not just movies. We all follow a script to some degree. We show up to jobs we hate. We deal with people that hurt us. We have a daily script we write. We get up, we work, and we go to bed. Much like a script, though, we all have control on how the story ends. That is truly inspiring. If you do not like your job, leave. If you are being mistreated in your relationships, leave. Happiness is a choice. You are the screenwriter in your life.
I just love writing. I write poems, books, and scripts. Writing is therapy. I write every day. I feel like there is so much more to come from me, and I can’t wait for the world to see. I am so thankful to have won multiple screenplay awards.
How does working on an unscripted series Home Town differ from other projects, and what common challenges do you face on set?
I have been with Home Town for about six seasons now. I started off as a Design Production Assistant, Set Production Assistant, then Story Assistant, and Office Production Assistant. I have worked my way up for years and it’s been worth the ride. I have also worked for other networks in Mississippi like PBS, Investigation Discovery, ESPN, Lifetime, A24, and Netflix. The difference between other productions I’ve worked on is Home Town feels more meaningful because it started in Mississippi. It feels like home.
The challenges we face on the Home Town set are the basic reality television stuff. At this point, I am so used to challenges that it feels normal. With reality TV, everything can change at any moment. Sometimes the production team is the last one to know about a problem but the first one to find a solution. That is industry wide though. I have producer, assistant camera, utility, and production credits in our industry. All productions mirror each other at one point or another.
Is there anyone you consider a mentor?
I would say Will Owens and Tim Harland, who are both also Mississippi natives and Home Town crew. Will was a production manager, and Tim has been the director of photography since the pilot episode. They are the voice of the voiceless. They give people honest chances to make it in this industry. They truly care about people learning and trying to improve. They should be mentors for the entire industry on what it means to have experience, and to help people grow. Hopefully, they will be allowed to teach classes with their skillset and respect for the industry. One day they will be in our Hall Of Fame. Sadly, they do not realize how great they are, I guess that is what makes them so great. Â
What advice would you give to someone looking to start in the industry?
Go for it! Do not stop, be relentless. Get the job, then get another. Love the bad days just as much as the good. To be successful in this business you have to chase it, live it, and love it. Once you accept this, all doors will open for you.
As for getting into screenwriting, I find when you need external motivation to do something, you don’t really want to do it. Screenwriting requires practice. If you love it, you love it. If you don’t, you don’t. I believe you must be fascinated with storytelling and learning how to translate that onto a page. Don’t focus on the technical ways to write the script. Just write! Worry about the correct formatting later. Write everyday, don’t make excuses.
Why do you think Mississippi is a great place for filmmaking?
We have everything every other state or country has, just with better food! Really, everything you need to know about Mississippi is exemplified by the hosts of Home Town, Ben and Erin Napier. They are authentic. They are warm, loving, and kind people.
What are your hopes for the future of the industry in Mississippi?
I know the industry is growing in Mississippi. So I want more Mississippians to own their own companies and to tell Mississippi stories. There is a good amount of up-and-coming production companies in Mississippi. Companies like Peculiar Productions, Kudzuvision, Goldprintmedia, Story Mode Productions, Rosebud Productions and many more. I want us to support each other. It’s time for us to benefit from our stories, our struggles, and our love. Nobody cares about our home like we do. 
