Fritz Frauendorf Of Fritz and Lewis Films: 5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me When I First Became A Filmmaker
Take Care of Yourself: Burnout is real, and creativity needs rest to thrive.
As a part of our series about “Filmmakers Making A Social Impact” I had the pleasure of interviewing Fritz Frauendorf.
Fritz Frauendorf, an accomplished filmmaker and writer is the creative force behind Fritz & Lewis Films. Known for his psychologically rich narratives and visually striking storytelling, Fritz has carved a distinct path in the independent film industry. A graduate of the New York Film Academy, he honed his craft while exploring the human condition through themes of trauma, morality, and dissociation.
With a portfolio that includes acclaimed short films such as Take Me Out (2019), re:attachment (2021), and the recently completed Manic Man and Dona Nobis Pacem, Fritz’s work has garnered recognition for its depth and artistry. These projects, part of a proof-of-concept series for his upcoming feature film re:attachment, reflect his dedication to creating thought-provoking cinema.
Now based in Los Angeles, Fritz continues to push boundaries in independent filmmaking, earning praise for his innovative approach and collaborative spirit. His commitment to meaningful storytelling and his contributions to the industry make him a rising talent to watch.
Thank you so much for doing this interview with us! Before we dive in, our readers would love to get to know you a bit. Can you share your “backstory” that brought you to this career?
I was a high school kid who didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life, but I knew I loved movies. Armed with a Kodak camera, I started filming silly basement projects with friends, fueled purely by passion and curiosity. Moving around a lot as a kid gave me a unique perspective on people and places, which ultimately shaped my storytelling style. Those early experiments in filmmaking inspired me to pursue formal training, first in New York and later in Los Angeles, where I graduated from NYFA.
At NYFA, I created some of my proudest short films, including Take Me Out and re:attachment. These projects became the stepping stones that led to Manic Man, a deeply personal film that encapsulates my thoughts and emotions about mental health in just four minutes. I see Manic Man as both a calling card and a mission statement, embodying the heart of what Fritz & Lewis stands for today: bold, honest, and purposeful storytelling.
It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
An early mistake I made when starting out was taking time for granted. Focusing on school wasn’t always easy for me — I struggled with time management and often felt disconnected from the structure around me. Even in college, while studying something I was deeply passionate about, this issue followed me onto the production of one of my semester films, Thlipsi. The film became a chaotic reflection of my own life at the time, and looking back, it’s clear how my lack of time management impacted the project. Deadlines were missed, opportunities slipped by, and the production felt unnecessarily strained.
The biggest lesson I took away was to never underestimate the importance of time and preparation. Equally important was realizing that networking and building strong connections are essential. When you fail to invest in those relationships, you might find yourself alone when you need support the most. Thlipsi remains an important chapter in my growth as a filmmaker — both as a cautionary tale and as a symbol of perseverance through creative chaos.
Who are some of the most interesting people you have interacted with? What was that like? Do you have any stories?
One of the most interesting people I’ve had the privilege of knowing is my father. He grew up in East Germany during the 1960s and 1980s on a modest farm, immersed in stories from his grandparents and ancestors — tales of resilience, sacrifice, and survival in a world shaped by post-war recovery and political tension. Life back then carried a raw simplicity to its challenges, where hard work wasn’t a choice but a necessity, and every small comfort was deeply earned.
In the 1990s, he made the bold decision to leave everything behind and start anew in America. He doesn’t romanticize the past or dwell on what was lost, but when he shares those stories — of his childhood on the farm, of his family’s quiet endurance over generations, of what it took to cross borders both literal and metaphorical — it always puts modern struggles into perspective.
There’s something profoundly grounding about hearing where you come from. In a world that feels fast, loud, and intensely focused, those stories have a way of softening the edges and reminding me of what truly matters.
Which people in history inspire you the most? Why?
I draw immense inspiration from Charlie Chaplin and Stanley Kubrick. Chaplin possessed a rare ability to address profound societal issues with humor and humanity, creating films that remain timeless because they speak to universal truths. Kubrick, on the other hand, inspires me with his meticulous attention to detail and fearless storytelling, reminding me to stay uncompromising in my vision. Both filmmakers created art that wasn’t just entertaining — it was essential.
Let’s now shift to the main focus of our interview, how are you using your success to bring goodness to the world? Can you share with us the meaningful or exciting social impact causes you are working on right now?
With Manic Man, Fritz & Lewis partnered with a mental health organization to raise awareness about the stigma surrounding mental illness. I also hosted a mental health screening event, where I had the chance to connect with the audience and discuss the psychological impacts of trauma on mental health. I am deeply passionate about using my platform to amplify these conversations, especially around understanding the true causes of depression and anxiety, which often stem from disconnection. Whether through sharing my work online, collaborating with advocacy groups, or fostering open discussions, the goal remains the same: to create meaningful dialogue and remind people that they are not alone.
I’m also currently developing a YouTube series and moving into pre-production for an independent horror feature film — both of which will continue exploring mental health themes and sparking conversations around these critical issues.
Many of us have ideas, dreams, and passions, but never manifest it. But you did. Was there an “Aha Moment” that made you decide that you were actually going to step up and take action for this cause? What was that final trigger?
For me, I’ve always felt the weight of not living up to my potential and fearing regret later on. I can’t pinpoint an exact “aha” moment, but a significant turning point was attending a three-week summer film program at NYFA in 2016, just before my senior year of high school. Being surrounded by so many like-minded, passionate individuals who shared similar dreams was incredibly empowering. It solidified my decision to pursue filmmaking as a career and marked the moment I fully committed to this path.
Can you tell us a story about a particular individual who was impacted or helped by your cause?
Outside of my immediate network, one person who was particularly impacted by my work was Clark Fredericks, a trauma survivor whose interview I had watched on Soft White Underbelly. I shared a link for him to watch re:attachment, and he later left a comment saying he felt seen after watching it — that the film summed up his life. This was a profound reminder that my stories have the power not just to entertain, but also to heal.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why?
- It’s Okay to Fail: During film school, I learned through criticism of projects I had high hopes for that failure is part of the process. I saw many peers pack their bags and give up. Some invested thousands in their thesis films, only for them to remain unfinished. Simply completing and releasing a film is an achievement in itself.
- Find Your People: Collaboration is everything. A strong team can elevate any project.
- Be Patient: Success doesn’t happen overnight. Great work takes time.
- Trust Your Gut: I was often advised to make my films in ways that aligned with certain trends or festival expectations. While some advice was helpful, I realized just how much of a difference trusting my instincts made when I compared re:attachment, which I tailored for festivals, to Manic Man, where I took a direct-to-audience approach. The outreach and impact of Manic Man were significantly stronger — proving that sometimes letting go of the festival mindset and delivering your work straight to viewers can be the best path forward, especially for short-form narratives.
- Take Care of Yourself: Burnout is real, and creativity needs rest to thrive.
We are very blessed that many other Social Impact Heroes read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US, whom you would like to collaborate with, and why?
I thought about this for a while and couldn’t name just one person. Ridley Scott came to mind because of the new Blade Runner series, which has been a huge inspiration. Jordan Peele also crossed my mind, especially after submitting to his No Drama Program. Realistically, anyone with a platform for mental health awareness would be an ideal collaborator. In 2025, I plan to create a documentary exploring the psychological effects of trauma on long-term developmental health.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
Mike Tyson once said, “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.” I always approach my projects with a plan, but I’ve learned that sometimes you have to adapt when the unexpected happens.
How can our readers follow you online?
You can follow Fritz & Lewis on YouTube at Fritz & Lewis FIlms, where you can watch Manic Man, on Instagram (@fritzandlewisfilms) and visit the website at www.fritzlewisfilms.com.
This was great, thank you so much for sharing your story and doing this with us. We wish you continued success!
Fritz Frauendorf Of Fritz and Lewis Films: 5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me When I First Became A… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.