Meet Makayla Boyd

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Makayla Boyd. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Makayla below.

Hi Makayla, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

When I went to college, the Black population was only about 8%, and in my major there were only four of us in my year. So I had to get used to being the only one in the room—or one of very few—very quickly. What helped me succeed was first believing in myself and trusting that my perspective had value. I let my work speak for me, but I also learned how to adapt, advocate for myself, and stay resilient in spaces where I didn’t always feel represented.

I leaned on mentors and support systems when I could, and I stayed open to learning from everyone around me. At the same time, I held tight to my passion for telling stories that reflect people who look like me. That passion keeps me grounded and pushes me to work harder. Beyond my own journey, I want to serve as an example for others who may not think it’s possible to step into this industry and thrive while looking like me.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’m a filmmaker and storyteller, and one of my biggest projects right now is my web series Noir Stories, a Black horror anthology. What excites me most about this work is getting to create stories that put Black characters at the center of horror — a genre where we’ve often been left out or pushed to the margins.

What makes Noir Stories special is that it’s not only entertainment, but also a way of reclaiming space and showing the range of stories that can exist within Black horror. We just wrapped our second season, which premieres October 10th, and I’m so excited because this season pushes the boundaries even further with new stories, bigger scares, and deeper themes.

Beyond the series, my brand as a filmmaker is about building community and creating opportunities. That’s why myself and three other filmmakers started Frame The Future, a filmmaking group dedicated to empowering emerging filmmakers through workshops, collaborative projects and film festivals. It’s important to me that people who may not think they belong in this industry can find a space to grow, create, and share their stories. Whether through my own projects or through Frame The Future, my goal is to keep opening doors and showing that our voices matter.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

For me, the three most impactful qualities have been persistence, technical skills, and creativity. Persistence is key because this industry comes with a lot of rejection — from festivals, audiences, or even within the creative process itself. You have to keep pushing forward even when it feels like no one is watching yet.

The second is developing camera and technical skills. Really learning the tools of filmmaking gave me the confidence to bring my ideas to life and helped me understand what I was naturally good at and where I could improve. Having that foundation allows you to communicate your vision more clearly and collaborate more effectively with others.

And finally, creativity. At the end of the day, filmmaking is about imagination — telling stories in a way only you can. Thinking outside the box and trusting your unique perspective is what will set your work apart.

My advice for anyone starting out is simple: just go make films. Don’t wait for the “perfect” opportunity or the “perfect” gear. Practice is how you improve, discover your style, and gain confidence in your voice as a filmmaker.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

I’m always looking for people to collaborate with through my production company, MCB Cinema. Right now, I’m especially interested in connecting with actors who love horror, drama, and bringing Black stories to life. I’m also looking for crew members — particularly camera operators — who can help bring upcoming projects to the screen.

Beyond that, I’m passionate about building community. Through our filmmaking group Frame The Future, I welcome anyone who loves film or wants to learn more about the craft. Whether you’re an experienced filmmaker or just starting out, there’s space to grow, collaborate, and create together.

If you’re interested in collaborating, the best way to connect is through my instagram @mcb_cinema or via our Frame The Future instagram @weframethefuture

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