FREE + ALL ACCESS + INDEPENDENT + IMMERSIVE JOURNALISM
Unfiltered, Undiluted: The Stories MainStream Media Doesn't Want.
DocuGONZO is an objective, immersive, disruptive & independent journalism organization helmed by Mark Allen Johnson (MAJ).
Our intent is – to present deep-dive, intimate human stories that unite society rather than divide it.
How? By presenting alternative perspectives through uncensored storytelling, we want to challenge stereotypes and opinions and inspire empathy.
Why? Because unseen people, unheard voices and unreported communities deserve to have authentic, unbiased portrayals.
What we plan to do is, through our social media channels, share with the audience the process — THE STORY OF THE STORY, as we put the pursuit and execution of journalism in full transparency mode.
We don’t do clickbait. We don’t have unrelatable makeup-covered plastic correspondents, and we’re not following in the footsteps of major media companies that OFTEN create TV shows, stories or news based on celebrity attachments, social peer pressures, revenue and political leanings.
The goal of DocuGONZO is for sure lofty, by giving away all our content for FREE, NO paywalls. We plan to distribute monthly short / mini documentaries and reporting from anywhere in the world. For our continued growth strategy see the road map section at the bottom of this page.
TO BE CLEAR – DocuGONZO is starting from nothing, never having had ANY social media or hype, ZERO followers and only a few dedicated believers who have seed-funded the organization. If there is a like-minded global audience that relates to our stories and motivations, which we believe there is, we will grow and prosper. That’s why your SUPPORT and DONATIONS matter!
MARK ALLEN JOHNSON (MAJ)
As a child, I had Tourette’s syndrome pretty bad. I found it impossible to hang out with others without being terribly judged or tortured. I am not telling you this to gain your sympathy but rather to explain what drives me as an objective outsider, always trying to get inside and find a way to empathize, relate, and connect to others. After dropping out of high school around 15ish years old, I, like many, went on a wild path of personal destruction, which luckily, in my case, spurred growth and led me to a higher education in both street smarts and later academia.
Today, my professional titles are JOURNALIST, PRODUCER & DIRECTOR.
But, I began my career as an immersive international print photographer and journalist. I have been commissioned by and published globally in the world’s most respected magazines, newspapers, and journals, including current affairs, international business, politics, technology, music and culture.
I transitioned my GONZO journalism skill sets into the world of documentary film directing and TV production. As a TV executive, I’ve worked for and collaborated with many of world’s leading and largest networks and streamers.
Throughout my career, I have specialized in dealing with difficult and sometimes dangerous-to-access areas and subcultures. I have interacted with domestic and international police, military, prisons, criminals, gangs, and governments. I have operated throughout the United States and Central and South America, SE Asia, The Middle East, Europe, and numerous African countries, including conflict zones, Mexico and its narco regions. I’ve also been embedded in combat missions with U.S. troops in Iraq.
MY PROCESS…
As a loner in the field, I capture the stories ALL without any additional crew. From producing to audio to the camera work, usually, everything is done by me, guerilla-style, but the result is elevated and polished. I operate multiple cameras, including drones, all at the same time, and I’m able to execute thoughtfully composed shots, even in the midst of intense action.
Working solo also allows me to dive deep into my subjects, where individuals aren’t feeling pressured by a group of strangers behind the camera on set; they’re having a real conversation with someone they trust, me, often sharing their most vulnerable moments. This in turn, delivers RAW and REAL-life experiences on screen.
