Featured Filmmaker: Courtney Glaudé
Courtney Glaudé | Director / Screenwriter / Producer / Head of Creatives at Tyler Perry Studios
Before the Tyler Perry Studios deal, before The Reading broke through on BET+, before the growing list of television credits and festival selections, Courtney Glaudé was a Houston kid obsessed with storytelling.
That hometown foundation still runs through everything he makes.
Born and raised in Houston, Glaudé has steadily built an award-winning career across independent film, scripted television, and psychological thrillers rooted in emotional tension and character-driven storytelling. His breakout feature, The Reading, starring Mo'Nique and executive produced by Lee Daniels, became a major turning point, helping launch him into a broader industry spotlight and eventually leading to a creative deal with Tyler Perry Studios.
Now working across projects including Sistas, Zatima, and Ruthless, Glaudé represents a growing wave of filmmakers whose careers no longer fit neatly into one lane. Writer. Director. Producer. Creative executive. Builder of worlds. But even as the scale of the work expands, Houston remains central to the story.
We spoke with Glaudé about storytelling, studio momentum, and why Houston continues to fuel the next chapter of his career:
Houston has remained a constant throughout your career. How has the city shaped your work?
I was born and raised in Houston, TX, and my roots are reflected in every project I do. As much as possible, I utilize local talent and am always looking for ways to give back to my Houston community through film and entertainment.
What stands out most about Houston's film community right now?
What I love most about working in Houston's film community is the people. There's so much talent here, and everyone really shows up for one another. It feels collaborative, supportive, and rooted in the culture of the city. I'm always proud to work with local talent and to help tell stories that reflect Houston and the community that shaped me.
You've worked across television, features and independent film. Was storytelling always the goal?
I've always been a storyteller. I've liked to tell stories since I was a kid. I feel like God places certain things in my life just to keep me on a journey to get to where I am today, definitely giving me the gift of storytelling, but planting a seed. It's always been a passion for me, so I think it was inevitable.
What project feels especially defining for you at this stage of your career?
That's a tough question because I pour into every project I take on. But one that is very special for me is The Reading. In many ways, I owe that project to Houston. It was through that hometown hustle that I was able to track down Lee Daniels and ultimately win over Oscar-winning actress Mo'Nique for the film. That breakthrough opened the door for me at Tyler Perry Studios and led to an overall deal. None of that would have happened without that first conversation rooted in Houston and being part of this community.
What are you currently working on?
Sistas Season 10. I also recently wrapped production on a feature film, a psychological thriller exploring the dark reality of Stockholm syndrome rooted in childhood. We'll have more to share about this project soon.
What's something audiences may not fully understand about filmmaking?
Thepart that gets nominated for awards, and the highlights and the things that get the spotlight on the red carpets, aren't really the things that make movies work. It's the grit and the grind from those you will probably never hear about, or don't wait long enough to go through the credits to see. Those are the people who actually make the film that you love, who make it good and make it possible.
What qualities matter most in your role as a filmmaker and creative leader?
Vision, and partnering that with leadership and humility.
What do you love most about living and working in Houston?
I love my city. This is home for me, so it means a lot to build my career while staying connected to the city that raised me. Houston has such a diverse creative energy, and people here really support and collaborate with one another.
Looking for more stories like this? Ready to start your own? Houston’s film community runs deep.
