Even if you have never heard of Stephanie Frederic, chances are you’ve seen her work. Frederic, a 20-year veteran of the film industry, has made a name for herself as the African-American owner of a production company that specifically markets to communities of color. As the founder and executive producer of FGW Productions, Frederic shoots, writes, edits and produces trailers, DVD extras and other video projects for Hollywood films, including “Ride Along,” “The Best Man Holiday” and “The Princess and the Frog.” She has also done work for awards shows like the Golden Globes and the Academy Awards.
Frederic is considered a pioneer in her field — a view that her most recent project, the documentary “Light Girls,” is likely to reinforce. Frederic serves as producer for the film, a sequel to 2011’s “Dark Girls.” Both movies are directed by the actor Bill Duke, and both explore discrimination based on skin color within the black community.
More than 250 interviews were conducted in the course of filming “Light Girls,” with men and women discussing colorism in the black community and the attitudes often associated with women of lighter complexions. The film, which has provoked much debate online, includes reflections from cultural figures like Raven-Symoné, Iyanla Vanzant, Michaela Angela Davis, Kym Whitley and Russell Simmons.
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What advice do you have for women of color who want to follow in your footsteps?
I tell every young person: You gotta do your homework. You have to really know why you want to be in this industry, and then you have to do your homework and find a mentor. Reach out to another African-American woman in the business. They’ll help.
You can find out more about “Lights Girls” at OWN’s website, on Twitter and on Facebook.
