We’re looking forward to introducing you to Fredrick Ewelike. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Fredrick, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What is a normal day like for you right now?
A normal day for me right now is a mix of creativity and logistics. I’m deep in pre-production for my proof-of-concept short, which means my mornings often start with script breakdowns, scheduling, and calls with my team. Afternoons are usually spent on creative development. Whether that’s reviewing design references, imagining how certain scenes will look on camera, or refining the flow of the story. I try to balance that with real life: making space to rest, reset, and still be present for family and friends. It’s a constant rhythm between building this project and keeping grounded in everyday life, and while it can be demanding, it’s also energizing because I know every step is bringing me closer to the bigger vision.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Fredrick Nnaemeka Ewelike, a Nigerian-American film director, producer, and screenwriter based in Arlington, TX. Storytelling has been a part of my life since childhood, back when I would skip recess just to write short stories. That passion has carried me into a career where I get to bring worlds to life on screen. I’m also the Co-Founder and CEO of ZebraTail Studios, a company dedicated to creating bold, thought-provoking projects in film, television, and digital media. What makes our work unique is our commitment to world-building and pushing the boundaries of how stories are told. At ZebraTail Studios, we live by our motto, “SET THE STANDARD,” because we want to pave the way for future generations of filmmakers to tell stories that are artistic, innovative, and deeply human. Right now, I’m focused on building a proof-of-concept short that will serve as the foundation for a feature film, and I see it as the beginning of something much larger. A chance to share a story that’s personal, cinematic, and hopefully unforgettable.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The relationship that has most shaped how I see myself is my relationship with God. My faith is the foundation of everything I do, both in life and in my creative work. I live by Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” That scripture grounds me, gives me confidence in my purpose, and reminds me that no challenge is too great when I lean on Him.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, there was definitely a moment I almost gave up. It happened while I was halfway through production of my first film, CHOICES. The challenges and obstacles felt overwhelming, and for a moment I questioned whether I could actually finish it. But my team refused to let me walk away from my dream. They pushed me, encouraged me, and reignited the fire in me to keep going. That perseverance paid off. CHOICES went on to become my most successful film, reaching over 250,000 views on YouTube and continuing to grow. Overcoming that experience showed me that no matter how tough things get, I have the resilience to push through. Once I made it through that project, I knew I could handle anything.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would say that what really matters to me is a good story. Stories have been told since the beginning of time. They connect us, entertain us, and teach us. For me, storytelling isn’t just about film, it’s about leaving something meaningful behind. I believe the world will always need more stories, and I want to be one of the people contributing to that tradition.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people remember me as a kind person who used his creativity to give something meaningful to the world. More than anything, I want to leave behind stories that inspire, entertain, and stay with people long after I’m gone. Stories they’ll want to share with their kids and their grandchildren. If I can be remembered for bringing people together through storytelling and leaving behind a legacy of kindness, that would mean everything to me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.fredrickewelike.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fredrickewelike
- Twitter: https://x.com/fredrickewelike
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@zebratailstudios?si=7qYNSCi9FDnMPu1Y
