Faith Meets Film: Fred Hammond & Dr. DeForest B. Soaries, Jr. Launch FBF&T—A New Home for Purpose-Driven Stories
Sharon S Gordon 
Faith and Film: Fred Hammond and Dr. DeForest B. Soaries Launch A Bold New Platform Decades in the Making
Somerset, NJ — Gospel legend Fred Hammond and visionary leader Dr. DeForest B. Soaries, Jr. have teamed up to launch FBF&T (Fred, Buster, Film & Theater), a new media company dedicated to creating film, theater, and multimedia projects grounded in faith, purpose, and real-life transformation.
The partnership has been decades in the making. Hammond and Soaries first crossed paths in 1987—when Soaries managed gospel greats such as Tramaine Hawkins, BeBe & CeCe Winans, and Commissioned, the group that propelled Hammond onto the national stage. Now, the longtime collaborators are channeling their shared history and ministry focus into a creative engine designed to uplift audiences and communities.
A New Chapter for a Gospel Icon
For millions of listeners around the world, Fred Hammond’s music has been the soundtrack of devotion, healing, and hope. With FBF&T, he’s expanding that ministry into visual storytelling.
“For decades, I’ve poured my heart into music that speaks to the soul. Now, through FBF&T, I want to take that same spirit and translate it onto the screen. Our stories—our struggles, our triumphs, our faith—deserve to be told in ways that resonate deeply and change lives,” said Fred Hammond.
The Vision Behind the Venture
A respected pastor, civic leader, and strategist, Dr. DeForest B. Soaries, Jr. brings organizational vision and cultural insight to the helm of FBF&T. His early guidance helped set Hammond’s career trajectory; today, that mentorship evolves into a mission-driven studio model.
“Fred and I have walked this journey together since 1987, grounded in faith and a shared mission to uplift others. With FBF&T, we are harnessing the power of storytelling to inspire hope, strengthen communities, and remind people that faith is not just preached—it can be lived and experienced through art,” said Dr. Soaries.
First Up: Hood Book
FBF&T’s inaugural project, Hood Book, blends stage play, musical, and film—reimagining biblical narratives through a contemporary lens. Think modern parables: stories of resilience, redemption, and community told with the emotional power of music and the immediacy of theater and film.
The rollout will include behind-the-scenes content, interviews, and an immersive series format, designed to keep fans engaged from concept to premiere. For Hammond’s multi-generational audience—and for newcomers seeking authentic, hope-filled narratives—Hood Book aims to be more than entertainment; it’s a movement of faith, friendship, and storytelling.
Why This Matters
Faith-based media is evolving. FBF&T arrives at a moment when audiences are looking for truthful stories—not just sermons on screen. By merging Hammond’s creative influence with Soaries’ leadership, the company is positioned to develop projects that carry both artistic excellence and community impact.
How to Support & Watch
FBF&T is inviting fans to follow the journey and access exclusive content via Patreon (behind-the-scenes footage, early looks, and premiere access).
Search “FBF&T” on Patreon to join the community and stay updated on the Hood Book premiere.
Urban Trendsetters POV
At UTS, we watch for culture shifters—creatives who pair excellence with impact. FBF&T sits squarely in that lane. If the execution matches the ambition, Hood Book could set a new standard for modern, ministry-minded storytelling that resonates beyond the church walls.
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