An Interview with Angel McCoughtry, Screenwriter, Director, and WNBA Player

Angel McCoughtry. Photo: J Paschal

Angel McCoughtry, celebrated WNBA star turned filmmaker, is stepping into the spotlight in a whole new way with her directorial debut, Bygones.

Known for her competitive spirit and leadership on the court, McCoughtry now brings that same passion to storytelling, crafting a moving tale about an unlikely friendship between a young female basketball player and an older white man with a hidden past. As the characters navigate trust, truth, and ambition, Bygones offers a fresh and heartfelt perspective on sports, relationships, and resilience.

Angel, before we chat about the film, we'd love to know a bit more about how you decided to become a filmmaker. What inspired you to take on storytelling? And what were your first steps into the filmmaking world?

I played in the WNBA for many years, and I’ve been playing basketball since I was eight years old. At the age of 32, I tore my ACL, and it was the first time I had to reflect on life and what I could do beyond the sport. I remembered that I had always been in front of the camera, so I started asking questions and learning. Now, here I am, directing my first film.

You hosted the first WNBA camp in Ghana. Has international work or cultural exchange influenced your creative perspective?

It has. Playing overseas for many years and visiting different countries has allowed me to think differently and with an open mind. It has influenced me in so many ways to think outside the box. I actually can’t wait to start filming internationally.

“Ran the court, now I run the frame.” That’s such a powerful statement. How did your experience as a high-level athlete shape your voice as a director- and what parallels (if any) do you see between leading on the court and leading on a set?

Filming has given me the same adrenaline rush as basketball. While directing, I consider myself a coach leading the team to a win. As a coach, you have to lead and learn how to get the best out of your players/actors. It’s the best feeling in the world.

As a basketball player, you’ve probably had coaches who made a real impact on you. I wonder if any of what you learned from them- about leadership, energy, or holding a group together- came into play when directing a team on set. Do you see any parallels between being a coach and being a director?

Absolutely! So many of those parallels exist. I remember my coach telling me that in order to be a great leader, I had to learn about my teammates and how to motivate them - who I can yell at to get them going, and who just needs a pat on the back. That’s what I offer as a filmmaker and director. I give my actors a sense of freedom in their performances. I love incorporating improv because it doesn’t feel scripted and brings a natural essence to the set.

Let's talk about your latest film, Bygones. What inspired the story of a young basketball player forming a bond with an older man- was it rooted in something personal, observed, or imagined?

It’s a story we rarely see. There aren’t many women’s basketball films out there. To see the formation of a pure friendship and bond, and how their pasts connect, is very different. The genre of sports drama is still fairly new to the film world, and I love it.

This is your directorial debut, and you also experienced your first official WNBA game not long ago- can you share how those two “firsts” felt?

Before a game or filming on set, there’s a sense of excitement to the point where you can hardly sleep. You’re ready to get things going.

The film explores both ambition and unlikely connections. What drew you to that intersection, especially across generations and race?

People ask me if this was a true story. The idea just came to me from the heavens, so I’m not sure if there are any true stories like this out there. But it is a very realistic story. I wanted to show the element of two unlikely worlds coming together while being so much fun at the same time. I would love to see this as a feature film or a television series.

How did you approach balancing the athletic journey with deeper emotional themes and hidden truths?

Well, as an African American athlete, and as an African American in America, we all have a story of some sort of injustice. At the same time, there can be forgiveness, and it can highlight how sports can bring us together.

Malyah Glover as Charissa

Your lead actress Malyah Glover gave a strong performance as Charissa. What was it like working with her? What do you feel she brought to the role from her personality or experience, and how did you, as the director, help her connect to the character’s inner world?

Can you believe that was her first time ever acting in anything? No acting classes, nothing. Besides me being a great coach/film director, she really bought into the role and made herself Charissa. Her emotions in the scenes showed me she’s a talented kid with so many layers.

The central relationship is layered and intimate. How did you work with James Frances to build that kind of chemistry?

James Armstrong and Justin Frances were great. They saw the vision and really helped me bring it to life. As a new director, I wanted to work with people who had experience and could also help me learn at the same time.

You worked with writer Anna Taborska on this project. What did she bring to the process that helped elevate your vision?

Anna is amazing. I told her the idea, and the way she wrote it on paper was truly phenomenal. She lives in London, but the way she understood American culture - especially in the 1960s - really showed her talent as a screenwriter.

What was the most unexpected challenge you faced stepping into filmmaking, and what did you learn from it?

I learned that everything won’t always go as planned while filming, and you have to roll with the punches. Also, in the filming process, things can go in a totally different direction. I learned that it’s okay to let it flow where it wants to.

What is the distribution plan for the film?

I just started my own network called HuervNetwork, which will allow me to distribute my own films to Roku TV, Amazon Fire Stick, Apple TV, and Google Play. I also plan on having it on Tubi and Amazon, and I would love to get it on Hulu and Netflix.

Looking ahead, what kind of stories are you excited to tell next, and where do you see yourself in ten years?

More Women's sports stories of course. And I want to learn into thriller films, they are my favorites.

Is there anything you'd like to add, or anyone you wish to thank?

Thank you to the McCoughtry family.

All the fans - I love you.

Where can our readers follow more of your work?

Instagram/tiktok is @mccoughtry

X angel_35

Please subscribe to my new network / download the app. Pull it up on Roku tv Apple TV

Huttvnetwork.com

If anyone is interested in my producing or directing their film

McCoughtry @ huetvnetwork.com

In June 2025, Bygones won Best Narrative Film, and Angel McCoughtry won Best Director (Short Film) at LAFA.