Meet Thomas Freeman Jr | Writer/Producer/Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Thomas Freeman Jr and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Thomas, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My thought behind starting my own business was that if I can’t get hired in Hollywood, I need to create my own lane to produce films.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a writer, film producer, and director. What sets me apart from others is my life experiences, which shape the stories I create. I got to where I am today but refused to accept no for an answer. When doors were shut in my face, I created my own. Hard work and prayer have led me to my current position. The journey was always challenging. I started as the owner of an independent record label. After realizing my success lay in the hands of others, I pivoted and wrote the first of four novels (2 I co-wrote with Jose Perez). I stayed persistent and overcame the obstacles. Even while writing books, my goal was always to write and produce a movie. After years of researching and studying my craft, I finally produced my first film, Her Little Secret, in 2014. One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is to chase your dreams. You can’t wait for friends or family to get on board. I want the world to know that my dream was deferred for years while I wasted time trying to recruit people to see my vision. It began to come to me when I finally started chasing it on my own.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Whenever I come to LA, my first stop from the airport is Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles. After breakfast, I usually went to a dispensary before checking into my hotel. I like to do a mixture of things from different neighborhoods in the city and surrounding areas. My food spots are

Harold and Belle’s – Located in South Central, this Creole restaurant was a popular hangout for Los Angeles’s black Elite. The food is always good, and the atmosphere is great.

Fairfax—I love Ethiopian food. I always take a trip to Fairfax to enjoy authentic Ethiopian cuisine. A trip to LA is also not complete without a visit to Fat Burger and a Mexican Restaurant. As far as sightseeing, Hollywood is a must-see, and depending on who I’m with, we may go to Watts and Compton to see the neighborhoods made popular through film and music. Venice Beach and/or the Santa Monica Peer are also must-see attractions when I come to the city.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My shoutout is dedicated to mom – who always supported my dreams;

Sam Williams who was the first person to invest in me;

And my ex-wife who shot in the gym with me.

Instagram: www.instagram.com/tblackthewriter

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasfreemanjr/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TBlack79

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgmK1tKeLPdme4q9cU4wNLg