Beyond the Gates
The idea was simple—bring people in. No fences, no hierarchy. Just a seat at the table with the cast, the drama, and the storylines that had everyone gasping mid-episode.When tasked with launching the first Black daytime soap opera in 30 years, we leaned into community, curiosity, and mess, creating a campaign that felt like front-row access to all of it.
The Concept: No Gatekeeping
We flipped the trope. Where gatekeeping locked us out, Beyond the Gates granted full, unfettered access.
Our campaign positioned Black audiences as more than viewers — we invited them to watch as insiders. We took them into the heart of Fairmont Estates — a world of secrets, power, and drama — and made sure they felt seen in every frame.
Every asset was designed to feel rich, indulgent, and culturally attuned — without losing the soap-worthy mess we secretly crave.
I was in charge of the:
• Full campaign concept, look & feel
• Press and talent shoot (4 sets, 2 stages)
• Interview + Fireside Chat format + talent Qs
• Art direction, copy, and styling input
• Event buildout for DC premiere
• High-end giveaways with Black-owned brands
• On-set social capture + recap supervision
• PR coordination, press playbook, and influencer outreach
The Premiere Event
The Beyond the Gates premiere took place in DC at The Gathering Spot. We packed the premiere with fans, press, influencers, creators, and industry leaders.
We created space for connection — and chaos. Trivia. Champagne. Giveaways. An unfiltered fireside chat with the cast. And the kind of reactions you only get when everyone’s locked into the same moment, together.
• 360 photo booth
• Black luxury giveaways
• Fireside chat hosted by Shelby Stewart from Essence
• Cast Q&A and audience reactions
• Earned coverage in Essence, DC Life Mag, Washington Informer, WUSA and more
The Ratings Are In
Our experiential activation surpassed every other Beyond the Gates screening generating more social impressions, higher attendance, increased PR and media coverage, and sustained organic content momentum all leading up to the daytime premiere.
3.4MM impressions within 24 hours
515 organic mentions within 24 hours of the screening
Social engagement exceeded CBS benchmarks by 300%
78% daytime ratings increase
Client
CBS • Paramount
Year
2025
Elements
Creative Direction
Content
Screening
Interviews
PR
Superheroes & Supersheroes
Group Creative Director: Wisdom Sewell
Account Manager: Sharise Crumley
Project Manager: Erika Jones
ACD Copywriter: Kenneth Dalrymple
Designer: Annie Carroll
PR Coordinator: Jamila Osouna
Wisdom, you do excellent work and follow through with everything you say you’re going to do — and then go above and beyond. Your passion shows, and your team’s efforts put this show on the map. The team is singing your praises. I can't thank you enough!
— Sheila Ducksworth, President, CBS Studios
Beyond the Gates
My creative direction and event execution helped CBS and Paramount launch Beyond the Gates, the first Black daytime soap in 30 years, surpassing CBS benchmarks by 300% with a sold out DC premiere event, bold visual direction, and impressive organic coverage that kept our premiere in everyone’s minds and mentions.
