Meet Fred Forte Jr. | CEO and Filmmaker

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

Hi Fred, why did you pursue a creative career?
Stories have always fascinated me from a child. I would spend days tucked away in my room reading the mysteries of “Encyclopedia Brown”. As I became older, I became interested in writing my own suspense stories and plays. Eventually touring with my own productions.

I believe that when you find joy and success in something, you should pay attention, you may have found your purpose. I believe I have. I was born to be a story teller, born to be a director. So it made it sense to go this direction. It’s not easy, but I love it.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets me apart is simple: I know I’m called to do this—not just for me, but for others. I see filmmaking as more than a craft. To me, it’s ministry. It’s therapy. It’s teaching. I want to give people—especially those hurting mentally or spiritually—a new perspective.

I’ve gotten where I am because of God, the support of my family and my team. Surrounding yourself with purpose-driven people makes all the difference. Like any business, filmmaking comes with challenges—especially financial ones—but we’ve stayed focused on the mission: honoring the craft, building real relationships, and serving the community.

One of the values I live by is the African proverb: ‘If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.’

At 3rd Day Films, we believe entertainment can feed your soul—not just your senses.

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?
I’m a bit of a homebody these days, but if my best friend came to visit Charlotte, I’d make sure they got a full taste of the city—old school and new vibes. We’d start the week with some peace at Freedom Park or Romare Bearden Park—just to walk, talk, and breathe. I’d take them by Camp North End to holler at my people at Dupp & Swat.

Even though places like Chicken Coop or Coffee Cup are gone, we’d definitely grab some good soul food—maybe Mert’s Heart & Soul or Midnight Diner for that old Charlotte flavor. For a laid-back night, I’d find a spoken word or live music event—somewhere like Middle C Jazz.

Midweek, I’d take them uptown to explore Black history through Harvey B. Gantt Center, and maybe swing by Optimist Hall or South End for food.

To close the week, we’d hit a movie screening—or better yet, host our own little private one. That’s more my speed. Some good food, a powerful film, and good conversation. That’s my kind of night.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d love to shout out my business partners Shelton-Demar Lewis and D‘Angelo Crawford from 3rd Day Films,LLC. In fact, my entire team at 3rd Day Films. I can’t do what I do without them.

I can’t forget my 4 beautiful children, my parents, my brother Brian and all my true supporters.

Website: https://www.3rddayfilms.com

Instagram: Freddiethedirector

Image Credits
Seven Nine Vision Photography
DB Images