An Inspired Chat with Makayla Boyd

We recently had the chance to connect with Makayla Boyd and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Makayla, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Recently, I felt an unexpected wave of pride when one of my older films, my senior capstone project from college, was nominated for an award at a film festival. That film was created during a time when many opportunities disappeared due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and it didn’t get the chance to reach as many festivals or audiences as it deserved. Seeing it recognized now feels like a quiet, full-circle moment. It’s both validating and joyful, a reminder that meaningful work can find its moment, even years later.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Makayla, and I’m the owner of MCB Cinema, a photography, videography, and filmmaking company focused on storytelling with intention. I’m currently collaborating with Frame the Future, a filmmaking collective dedicated to educating and empowering the Cincinnati community by teaching all aspects of the filmmaking process, from concept to completion. Together, we’re building accessible spaces for creativity, collaboration, and emerging voices in film.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
One of my earliest memories of feeling powerful was winning my first writing contest in third grade. I had always loved telling stories, long before I understood what that love could become. Once I learned how to write and type on a computer, I poured my ideas onto the page without hesitation. When I found out I had won, I was ecstatic. It felt like a turning point, a moment where something deeply personal was suddenly seen and affirmed by my teachers and peers. That recognition made me realize the power of storytelling and helped me understand that my voice mattered.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
As I was finishing college in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic brought everything to a sudden halt. I had completed my senior capstone film, but I never got the chance to share it with a wider audience or submit it to many festivals as opportunities were limited. After graduating, I took a job and went nearly two years without making a film. I continued writing, holding onto story ideas, but doubt crept in. With ongoing restrictions and many of my filmmaking and actor friends having moved away, I questioned whether I’d ever be able to bring those ideas to life.

Eventually, I made a decision to stop living in the “what ifs” and start creating again. I posted open auditions on social media and acting platforms, reached out to a former college acquaintance to collaborate, and committed to making the project happen. That leap led to my first web series, which unexpectedly went viral that same year.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What truths are so foundational in your life that you rarely articulate them?
A foundational truth in my life is that creating is not optional for me, it’s survival. Creation is how I process the world, express myself, and connect with others. Through my work, I aim to spark change, educate, and entertain, often all at once. I believe this truth extends beyond me. Creation is a vital human impulse, and when people are given space to create, they contribute to growth, understanding, and evolution.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people don’t remember me solely as a photographer or filmmaker, but as a cultural gardener. Someone who didn’t just plant their own work, but cultivated soil where others could grow and trusted that ecosystem to keep evolving long after I stepped away. Through Frame The Future, I help create spaces where people can learn filmmaking and writing, understand the process, and realize they are capable of doing it themselves. I hope the actors I worked with felt supported, challenged, and empowered, and that I did everything I could to help them reach their full potential and access meaningful opportunities.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mcbcinema.blog
• Instagram: @mcb_cinema
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mcbcinema_