Queendom Come: A Small Beginning to Something Fantastical By Sarah Jefferson Carter

Independent filmmaking has always been an act of audacity. It’s a leap of faith, a whisper of a dream shouted into the void, hoping someone will listen. But making an independent fantasy series—especially one led by Black women and rooted in magic, mythology, and ancestral power? That’s more than audacious. That’s revolutionary.

Queendom Come started as a dream with very real limitations. Budget restraints meant we couldn’t afford the sweeping CGI vistas, elaborate battle sequences, or high-end visual effects that dominate mainstream fantasy. Our costumes weren’t stitched by high-budget designers—they were brought in by our cast, each piece chosen with intention and care. Many of the swords, set pieces, and wardrobe elements were generously donated or loaned by affiliates who believed in our vision. These creators and small business owners shared their wares with us, adding texture, authenticity, and major value to the world we were building. It was a beautiful act of community—one that elevated the story beyond what our budget could afford. And it proved that collaboration, not just cash, is the real currency of independent filmmaking., our sets built with grit and love, and our crew worked not for big paychecks but for passion and belief in the story. It was produced on an equity-only model—no upfront pay, just commitment, trust, and a shared vision of something bigger.

And yet, despite all that, we created magic.

In a genre that thrives on spectacle, Queendom Come proved that fantasy doesn’t have to cost millions to be powerful. It’s rare to see fantasy series emerge from the independent space, and that’s no accident. High fantasy is expensive—armor, effects, creatures, worlds, magic systems—they all cost time and money. And without a massive budget or studio support, genre projects are often shut out of major film festivals and streaming platforms, which favor polish over heart. The system leaves little room for small, scrappy visions to grow.

But here’s the truth: indie genre work matters. It matters because it makes space for new voices. It matters because it reflects a more diverse reality. It matters because no one should have to wait for a green light to tell stories of wonder and legacy and power.

When audiences take the time to watch, share, and support independent genre series like Queendom Come, they do more than boost numbers—they fuel a movement. Every view tells the industry, "We want this. We need this." And that’s how something small becomes something legendary.

So join us. Watch the show. Share it. Talk about it. Help us build the fantastical world we all deserve to see. Because Queendom Come isn’t just a series—it’s a beginning. And magic, after all, always starts small.