Happy Cowboy Carter Day!

Beyoncé Knowles-Carter is a name that needs no introduction. She has solidified her position as one of the greatest (and possibly most mysterious) entertainers of our time. But Beyoncé is not just a musical icon; she's also made a mark on the filmmaking industry.

I was asked a question during my presentation at the Empowered Podcast Conference: Should I start with a podcast or with a newsletter? Your first creative love or niche can pave the way for your entry into another. It doesn't have to be all at once, and the second avenue will likely be more successful with the momentum of the first as its driving force. My path has been photography > filmmaking > video podcasting > writing. But, in case I'm not relatable, let's take a look at Beyonce's entry into filmmaking while building her music career. I present to you, the case for how the most unrelatable person on this planet became an award-winning filmmaker you can learn from.

Beyoncé's foray into filmmaking was not a sudden shift; it was a natural progression from her already successful music career. I love Destiny's Child as much as the next person, but it was during her solo career that Beyoncé's interest in film began to emerge. She dipped her toes into acting with her debut role in the 2001 TV movie, "Carmen: A Hip Hopera." While the film received mixed reviews, it marked the beginning of her exploration of the cinematic world.

Beyoncé's first significant breakthrough in filmmaking came with her portrayal of Foxxy Cleopatra in the 2002 blockbuster hit, "Austin Powers in Goldmember." Her performance showcased her comedic timing and larger-than-life personality, proving that she had the ability to captivate audiences on the big screen as well.

Following her success in "Austin Powers," Beyoncé continued to expand her acting portfolio, taking on roles in films such as "The Fighting Temptations" (2003) and "Dreamgirls" (2006). Her performance in "Dreamgirls" earned her critical acclaim, including a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy.

While Beyoncé's acting career was flourishing, she also began to explore her talents behind the camera. In 2008, she made her directorial debut with the concert film, "Beyoncé: I Am... World Tour." This marked her first foray into directing, giving her a taste of the creative control and artistic expression that comes with being behind the lens. She went on to be an actor and producer for the 2009 thriller with the fine as wine Idris Elba in "Obsessed" and the 2011 documentary "Beyoncé: Life Is But a Dream," further solidifying her involvement in the filmmaking process.

Beyoncé's entry into filmmaking was not limited to acting, directing, and producing. She also demonstrated her talent as a composer and songwriter for film soundtracks. Her contributions to the soundtrack of "Dreamgirls" showcased her ability to infuse emotion and depth into her compositions, further combining her musical talents with filmmaking.

You don't have to do all parts of the creative process yourself. You can explore different elements of a creative process one by one until you find the parts you like the most (for example, I don't enjoy editing but I love the pre-production and writing process of filmmaking). Once Beyoncé found her footing, we got two of the best representations of her understanding of her breadth as a musician and filmmaker: a visual album and a tour documentary.

Let's Make 'Lemonade'

"Lemonade" is a visual album released by Beyoncé in 2016, and it stands as one of her most critically acclaimed and influential works to date (debate her top album order in the comments). The film, which premiered on HBO, combines music, poetry, and stunning visuals to deliver a powerful narrative that explores themes of love, betrayal, and the Black female experience. I remember exactly where I was when this dropped, sitting in a friend's dorm room at UAB just vibing.

The film's narrative presents a deeply personal journey of self-discovery and healing. Beyoncé takes us on an emotional rollercoaster, addressing topics such as infidelity, cultural identity, and the strength of Black women. The film also incorporates elements of Black history and pays homage to the resilience and power of Black women throughout time.

Visually, "Lemonade" is cinematically stunning. I know "cinematic" is overused, but it’s warranted in this case. Beyoncé's attention to detail and artistic vision shines through in every frame. From the striking cinematography to the elaborate costumes and choreography, each element connects to her lyrics. The use of vibrant colors, symbolism, and powerful imagery adds depth and layers to the storytelling, making "Lemonade" a truly immersive experience.

The success of "Lemonade" extended beyond its artistic merits. The film received several award nominations, including four Primetime Emmy nominations, winning two for Outstanding Directing for a Variety Special and Outstanding Picture Editing for Variety Programming. It also won the Peabody Award for Entertainment in 2017.

The Show that Took 8 Months to Master

"Homecoming" is a documentary film directed by Beyoncé, capturing her iconic 2018 Coachella performance. If you weren't there, you were incredibly jealous of everyone who was. The film showcases not only the awe-inspiring concert but also the immense preparation and dedication that went into creating the historic event. It provides an intimate look into Beyoncé's creative process and the significance of her performance as a celebration of Black culture and excellence.

Through powerful performances, behind-the-scenes footage, and interviews, "Homecoming" highlights the cultural significance of Beyoncé's Coachella performance. It pays homage to historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and showcases the talents of the diverse group of artists, musicians, and dancers who collaborated to bring the vision to life. The film premiered on Netflix and within the first seven days of its premiere, the film's audience was 70% female and 55% African American (source) – more than Netflix's “Orange Is The New Black” season 6 (66%), “House of Cards” season 6 (54%) and “Bird Box” (57%). “Homecoming” came to Netflix under a three-project deal with Beyoncé worth $60 million, and the price tag for the “Homecoming” special was around $20 million.

The film is a testament to Beyoncé's commitment to excellence and her dedication to creating a platform for Black voices and stories. The film received six Primetime Emmy nominations, including Outstanding Variety Special (Pre-Recorded), and won two Emmy Awards for Outstanding Variety Special and Outstanding Costumes for Variety, Nonfiction, or Reality Programming. Beyoncé also received the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Documentary (Film) for "Homecoming." When was the last time you made something that took 8 months? What is a collaboration you've done that could only have been accomplished with a creative partner or team?

Beyoncé's influence on the film industry goes beyond traditional filmmaking. She actively seeks out female talent and provides them with opportunities to shine – she’s how I discovered Pocket Queen. Her embrace of digital platforms and her ability to create immersive experiences have revolutionized the way stories are told and consumed. She has shown that filmmakers can explore new avenues of distribution and engagement beyond and in collaboration with traditional media.

So, to answer the original question

Rome wasn't built in a day, and repurposing a creative project is best done intentionally. But you must master one creative niche before moving to another. After all, the people who begged for 'Rennaissance' visuals got a whole movie from Beyoncé as a result of a high-grossing international tour. Can you imagine what a Cowboy Carter tour documentary or visual album will entail? It may save the very fabric of this nation as only the Beyoncé of the United States can.

Enjoy listening to Cowboy Carter today at the cookout (and save me a plate pls)!

Please Hustle Responsibly,

🤙🏾✨

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