We had the good fortune of connecting with Malcolm Smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Malcolm, what do you attribute your success to?
I think the most important factor behind the success and reception of Butch Queen Energy (BQE) is remaining honest as a storyteller. It’s really exciting that people are so invested in the series. The show follows three Black gay friends navigating life, love and career in Brooklyn, NY. To be honest, in creating the series I was a little apprehensive to write a story about a group of friends in their twenties. Because…let’s be honest there are a TON of series about a group of friends in their twenties. What I think viewers of BQE gravitated towards and appreciated is the honesty and authenticity of the show.
Whether it’s about life in Brooklyn or the experience of being a Black gay man I really wanted to focus on writing and capturing the reality of our experiences. To take the characters that I see daily, on the train, at Target, on dating apps (C’mon. Let’s be real, some of them people on the apps are…interesting lol) and showcase them as authentically as they exist in the physical world was crucial.

As a writer I believe it so important to remain honest, vulnerable and authentic in your storytelling. I think people identify and connect with our show because it feels real. And reality is very relatable.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My love of the arts, specifically acting, probably started around six years old. I knew at a very young age what I wanted to be when I grew up…a Power Ranger! No question about it, I was ready to enroll at Angel Grove High. After figuring out my entire career trajectory at the tender age of six my mother let me know that the Power Rangers weren’t real and that those were actors. I was devastated. Cause girl…I’m six. Just let me think I can be a Power Ranger! LOL But in that moment a part of me was also like…Ok. So what is this acting thing? And how do we get into it? That’s the initial moment but the acting doesn’t really come up again until I get to middle school. Before middle school I was in school plays and things of that nature, but no formal training until about 11 years old. From there I’ve just been in love with it ever since.

As far as what sets me apart from others…to be honest, I’m not really sure. I’m someone that believes artists (and people in general) shouldn’t compare themselves to others. I think when you start trying to figure out what separates you from the pack you’re kind of falling onto a slippery slope, because you’re inherently comparing yourself to others. Which can be super unhealthy. I think what’s most important is figuring out what you’re good at and getting great at it.

Doing this type of work has taught me so many lessons, almost too many to share. But one of my favorite quotes that I’ve collected along the way is, “If you can’t pay it back, pay it forward”. Which ultimately means if there’s anyone that has ever helped you in life you should find a way to pay it back; it doesn’t necessarily mean financially, but finding a way to express your gratitude for their help.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
So spending a day in the city with me means leave the heels and cute (see: uncomfortable) brunch boots at home. Hanging out with me means we’re going to walk…a lot lol. A perfect weekend for me normally starts in Harlem for me. While I’m a Brooklyn boy born and raised, Harlem holds a special place in my heart. So that’s where the day starts, brunch, preferably bottomless *winks* Lido is a fun chill time, Bixi has a great DJ and BLVD Bistro is just an overall vibe.

The trick to a great weekend is not planning the whole day out. You just need 2 solid plans. A spot for brunch, and one other destination. A bar, a day party, a trip to a museum something. But I like a minimally planned day, the more freedom you give yourself the more adventurous the day will be. And who doesn’t love a good adventure?

Sidebar: Empanada Mama is a great after hour spot. If you need something to soak up those brunch/day party drinks Empanada Mama is that girl. The pepperoni pizza is one of my faves.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Do you have time for me to list everyone? LOL There are so many people. Of course my parents, who have always been my biggest cheerleaders, I just adore them. Always very supportive and never really questioned what I wanted to do. I told them that I wanted to go into theater and they never pushed back or suggested that I study something “more important.” Just extremely supportive and I’m very grateful for that. Two other very influential people in my creative journey are my former theater teachers Edwin Robinson and Simeon Buresch. Both helped shape me as an artist, a performer and most importantly as a person. So much of my outlook on the world has been shaped by those two men. I am still in touch with both of them and I cherish our connection. Simeon Buresch is actually in the first episode of BQE which I love. It was such a surreal experience, to be acting in a scene that I wrote, with the person that has taught me so much about stage presence and comedic timing. It was really special and a full circle moment for sure. What’s interesting is that most of my present day mentors I’ve never even met. I think sometimes, especially in this industry as writers and creatives, people think a mentor is someone that you can call up at any time of the day and have very direct contact with. Or someone that’s supposed to help you get in positions. While that is somewhat true we’re in such a unique place with the internet where there are people that have mentored me that I have never spoken to a day in my life. Writers like Prentice Penny, Issa Rae, Mara Brock Akil, Larry Wilmore (let me know when you want me to stop lol) have taught me so much. Just from them sharing their process as storytellers.

Website: butchqueenenergy.com

Instagram: @_HeyMalcolm / @BQEtheseries

Twitter: @_HeyMalcolm / @BQEtheseries

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BQEtheseries

Youtube: Youtube.com/LenoxLetters

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