Meet Mahalia Jackson-Butler | Film Producer, Writer, Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mahalia Jackson-Butler and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mahalia, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
When you own the table then you don’t have to ask for a seat at it.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Mahalia Jackson-Butler, MSN, MBA is the owner and operator of Axiom Talent Management and Productions, LLC- based in Arlington, TX. The origin of her professional career was in the healthcare field where she worked as a Nurse Practitioner providing direct care followed her transition to the corporate healthcare environment where she found herself in various leadership and executive roles.

Mahalia transitioned to the entertainment industry in 2016 upon her decision to manage her daughter’s, Mallian Butler, budding acting career. Mallian is known for roles on Black-ish, Family Reunion, Mistletoe in Montana, Legitimately Mallie and other film and television productions.

Formally trained and experienced in business, nursing and medicine, Mahalia readily tapped into her professional skills and repertoire to launch her management and production company, Axiom Talent Management and Productions, LLC nearly 6 years ago. Since its inception- which was originally established to manage talent- Mahalia’s vision greatly expanded to include artist development, screenwriting, episode podcast production as well as film production. The company’s freshman project was Legitimately Mallie- a back door pilot which was later further developed into an 11 part, half hour episodic podcast series starring her daughter, Mallian Butler. The series was created and co-written by Mahalia. Best-selling author, Brian W. Smith joined the production as co-writer. Mahalia and Mallian also published their first children’s book in late 2022, Morah’s Misguided Adventures, and there are plans to expand the creation to film version. Pre-production has begun on that project as well.

Considering a nearly 20 year career in healthcare, the transition to the entertainment industry was given much consideration by Mahalia and her husband prior to the official leap. Mahalia considers her position as CEO of Axiom her “second act” career and attests the road to where she is today- professionally- is certainly one less traveled and that it has not been an easy journey. Overcoming challenges, Mahalia states, requires perseverance, mental fortitude and true grit. The ” yes'” are scarce in this business and the ” no’s” are readily doled out. The solution to that debacle, per Mahalia, has been to create her own path forward and take ownership of the direction she intends for her company and career as an executive and screenwriter to move.

It is my desire that my company, brand and self be known as a formidable and here to stay. We, the Axiom team, seek to partner with like-minded business owners and create opportunities for actors and indie filmmakers/ production companies alike. We are as passionate as we ever were about out assignment in this industry and we are committed to ensuring we leave an indelible impression in this industry.

Axiom is a family owned business and my silent business partner is very active behind the scenes, he also happens to be my husband- Merrick D. Butler, Sr.

I am excited to share that we’re currently in the post production phase of our first, SAG feature length motion picture, Premonition. We are slated to release it during the 4th quarter by Christmas 2022. It is the first of many feature films we are slated to write, direct and produce over the course of the next couple years. Our upcoming film production, The Wrong Family, is a action packed-drama film. Principle photography will be begin during the first quarter of 2023. Our company has also acquired the right to the best-selling novel, Hoarders, written by Brian W. Smith, and we’re slated to present it during 2023 as well. Our company is off to the races, as Axiom is set to unveil quite a few innovative projects we’ve spent the past year developing. Stay tuned, as out company is definitely one to watch.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I am a true foodie, so I’d prepare a lovely meal for them at my home (primary residence is in Ft. Worth, TX) then, while in town, we’d visit a few popular restaurants in the DFW(Dallas/Ft. Worth) area- including Casa Del Vegano, Roots Southern Table, Kitchen + Kocktails By Kevin Kelley and others. Regarding hanging out, I’m a bit of a home-body, so we’ve lounge by the pool, pick up a game of tennis or just do a bit of relaxing on my back porch, enjoy a refreshing beverage and indulge in clever conversation.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to acknowledge one of my professional mentors (entertainment industry veteran actor), Bill Duke. Since our initial meeting a few years ago, he has provided meaningful guidance and direction based on his 40 plus years of experience as a working actor, director and executive in the entertainment industry. His support of my efforts, company and family have been hugely beneficial.

Website: https://www.atmprod.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mahaliajacksonbutler/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AxiomTalentManagementandProductions/

Other: IMDB Pro link: https://pro.imdb.com/name/nm9661297?s=8ac168a9-9ceb-a0d0-5aab-26adbf9dbecb&site_preference=normal

Image Credits
Laterras R. Whitfield Doreen Stone Marie France Louis Heather Furlow