Rodney Smith is a humble man from humble beginnings who didn’t let his past stop him from building his empire. His passion for community and relationships sparked a vision to bring people together to create a synergy to change the landscape for making business connections.
The Bourbon Connection™ drew interest from various sectors, and business communities, drawing attention to the need to develop something that paired well with the relationships created by sharing bourbon with friends and fostering business opportunities.
In 2020 The Bourbon Connection™ was created to arrange, organize, and host social events, get-togethers, and parties for club members allowing members and their businesses to bring their brands to their fans. His network includes professional NFL athletes, bankers, and high profile executives to create an exclusive networking community
In the world of AI advancements and debate over whether or not it’s the right choice for companies to abandon their human workers in favor of artificial intelligence, Houston filmmaker and “Masquerade” producer Justin Williams sees the value in keeping the authenticity that humans provide.
In a wide-ranging roundtable sit-down on The Roselyn Omaka Show, Justin argued that audiences are presented with a choice of the content they want to support; authentic or artificial.
With no formal education in filmmaking and a background playing football in Texas, Utah, and California, dedication to the craft, sweat equity, and no shortcuts are the foundational pillars of which he has based his career on.
Using these pillars with the motivation of providing for his family, Justin produced his first movie “Deception” in 2022, which is available to stream on Tubi and received rave reviews from the independent film community.
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His upcoming movie, entitled “Masquerade” will also be available to stream on a platform to be announced soon. This film has already netted Williams acclaim even before its full release.
For his efforts in how he “spotlights the City of La Marque both in his utilization of the illustrious La Marque High School as a filming location and with the collaboration with many residents that participated in this project,” Mayor Keith Bell of La Marque declared August 26th, 2023 as “Justin Williams Day.”
In the vast world of indie film, certain names leave an indelible mark, resonating the most with the audiences that they capture. With a unique voice and vision, Courtney Glaude is one such name that captivates through his gift of film-making. With his array of work across the scene, Glaude has firmly established himself as a filmmaker of profound depth and sensitivity.
“The Reading”: A Synopsis
In “The Reading,” directed by Courtney Glaude, recently widowed Emma Leeden, portrayed by Mo’Nique Hicks, ventures into the mysterious realm of psychic sessions after detailing her family’s tragic loss in her book “Invasion.” However, when she invites the young psychic Sky Brown to conduct a reading in her home, they quickly realize that Sky’s spiritual connection isn’t a sham. As genuine evil surfaces, and the two find themselves trapped within the walls of the house, the film unravels an intricate tapestry of suspense, spiritual encounters, and startling revelations. Set against Houston’s backdrop, this supernatural thriller on BET+ showcases a blend of Glaude’s storytelling finesse and Mo’Nique’s compelling performance.
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A Deep Dive into the Creative Process
Inspired by watching Bobby Brown on television years ago, Glaude’s creative process for “The Reading” was meticulous and carefully crafted from the first script draft to the final edit. As the visionary, Glaude emphasizes the importance of authenticity and the characters in “The Reading” are not mere figments of imagination; they embody real emotions, hopes, and fears.
Looking Ahead
Courtney Glaude is a storyteller at heart and with “The Reading,” he has proven yet again that stories have the power to move, inspire, and transform. “I want to bring these films to Houston just like this one was done here,” he said.
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For those looking to delve deeper into “The Reading,” or the works and thoughts of Courtney Glaude, keep an eye on our blog. We’ll be featuring more about this talented filmmaker and the gems he has to offer the world of cinema.