We had the good fortune of connecting with Fredrick Ewelike and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Fredrick, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I chose to pursue a career in filmmaking because storytelling has always been a powerful and transformative force in my life. From a young age, I found solace, inspiration, and joy in the captivating narratives presented on the big screen. The ability of films to evoke emotions, provoke thoughts, and create immersive worlds fascinated me.
As I grew older, I realized that filmmaking is not just a form of entertainment but a profound means of communication and expression. It allows me to share my unique perspective, explore complex themes, and connect with audiences on a deep and emotional level. The collaborative nature of filmmaking also appealed to me, as it involves bringing together talented individuals to create a cohesive and impactful piece of art.
In essence, pursuing a career in filmmaking is my way of contributing to the universal language of storytelling, using visuals, sound, and narrative to inspire, provoke, and illuminate aspects of the human experience. It’s a calling that allows me to blend my technical skills with my creative instincts, pushing boundaries and challenging perceptions through the medium of film.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets me apart from others in the filmmaking industry is my ability to craft unique worlds and deliver immersive experiences in my films. I thrive on infusing a sense of fantasy and wonder into my projects, creating narratives that resonate with audiences on a deep and emotional level. ne of the most proud and exciting moments in my career occurred recently with the premiere of my latest short film, ‘Recurrence,’ at The Texas Theatre in Dallas, Texas on February 7th. Witnessing the film debut in front of a sold-out audience was a phenomenal experience, and it reaffirmed my passion for storytelling through visual mediums.
My journey into filmmaking began with an initial aspiration to be an author. However, I soon realized that I wanted my stories to come to life in a visual medium. Like many creative careers, the path hasn’t always been easy, but the challenges have fueled my appreciation for the successes that come my way. To overcome obstacles, I kept my focus on the end goal, ensuring that the work was not only completed but executed with excellence. A valuable lesson I’ve learned along the way is to savor the journey. While looking towards the future is essential, slowing down to appreciate the process and acknowledging how far I’ve come has become a cherished aspect of my approach.
Looking forward, I am currently immersed in writing my first feature film, a project that fills me with immense pride. I am eager to bring this story to life and embark on the production phase, continuing to push boundaries and share narratives that captivate and inspire audiences worldwide.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Day 1 would center around exploring the Arts District. Start the morning with a visit to the Dallas Museum of Art, Enjoy a meal at a local spot in the Arts District, like Café Momentum, Wander through Klyde Warren Park, and perhaps catch a food truck snack. then Experience a live performance at the AT&T Performing Arts Center. Then Day 2 would center around Discovering Deep Ellum. in the morning we would Grab breakfast at a trendy café in Deep Ellum, such as Murray Street Coffee, Explore the vibrant street art in Deep Ellum and check out local boutiques, Try Pecan Lodge for some famous Dallas barbecue, Visit The Bomb Factory for live music or entertainment, and have dinner at a unique restaurant like Braindead Brewing and experience the nightlife in Deep Ellum. Day 3 would focus on the outdoors. In the morning we would head to White Rock Lake for a morning jog or bike ride, Pack a picnic or stop at a lakeside café for a relaxing lunch, Explore the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, and Catch the sunset at the lake and have dinner at a lakeside restaurant like The Lot.
Day 4 would center around sports and entertainment. In the morning we would Tour the AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys, Grab a bite in the Arlington Entertainment District, Attend a live sports event or concert, and Explore the nightlife in the nearby Arlington area. Day 5 we would explore the historic side of Dallas. In the morning we would visit he Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, Try local cuisine at Ellen’s Southern Kitchen, Explore Bishop Arts District for unique shops and galleries, and Enjoy dinner at a stylish restaurant like Lucia or Bolsa. Day 6 we would go shopping. In the morning we would shop at NorthPark Center, known for its upscale stores and art collection, Have a meal at a trendy spot within the mall, like The Theodore, Explore the Galleria Dallas for more shopping and ice skating, and indulge in a fine dining experience at one of the Galleria’s upscale restaurants. Day 7 would be a day with a focus on Nature and Relaxation. In the morning we would visit Cedar Ridge Preserve for a nature hike, dine at a nearby local café, Relax at King Spa & Sauna for a rejuvenating spa experience, and End the trip with a cozy dinner at a restaurant with a scenic view, such as The Rustic.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to the incredible team at ZebraTail Studios, my independent film production company. Their unwavering dedication, creativity, and collaborative spirit have been the driving force behind our success. Each member of ZebraTail Studios plays a crucial role in creating artistic, thought-provoking projects that span across film, television, music videos, and various digital mediums. The decision to establish ZebraTail Studios has been the defining moment of my career, and I am immensely grateful for the talented individuals who have been part of this journey. Their hard work and passion have elevated our projects to new heights, making a significant impact in the industry.
I also want to acknowledge the countless individuals, mentors, and supporters who have contributed to our growth. Their guidance and encouragement have been invaluable in shaping the trajectory of ZebraTail Studios. As we continue to strive for excellence, I am confident that ZebraTail Studios will not only fulfill its current potential but also emerge as one of the top film production companies in the industry. I look forward to the exciting journey ahead as we continue to make our mark.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fredrickewelike
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FredrickEwelike
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ZebraTailStudios