Check Out LaTonda Hardy-Davis’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to LaTonda Hardy-Davis.

Hi LaTonda, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I actually started my career as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, where my approach was centered on helping clients re-write the narrative of their lives. Some of my clients worked in the filming industry, which gave me an early glimpse into that world. Growing up, I loved creative writing and attending Sunday matinees, which planted the seeds for my passion in storytelling.

My journey into producing really began through my son, who started acting at the age of seven. At the time, I didn’t have the resources to hire someone to write a reel for him, so I took matters into my own hands and created a kids’ web series called SIDE KICK BROS. That project won two festivals, and it was then that I discovered I have a natural talent both for storytelling and for finding investors to bring projects to life.

Being a mother to a child actor gave me invaluable on-set experience and allowed me to make great industry connections. I also have a daughter who is autistic, and out of concern for her future and who would support her if something happened to me, I founded AFD Productions—named after my son. My vision was to build a company where both of my children could flourish without fear of being underappreciated or dismissed. I wanted a platform to support my son’s evolving journey as a director, screenwriter, and actor, as well as my daughter’s interests in voice acting and animation.

Building AFD Productions has been both a personal mission and a professional adventure. It’s a space that nurtures creativity while providing stability and opportunity for my children and many others who might otherwise face challenges in this industry.

My son and I are the executive producers of the company. We have a small dedicated team who shares our vision and commitment to quality storytelling. We focused on building strong relationships within the industry, collaborating with talented writers, directors, and other producers to bring compelling projects to life.

We currently have a Christmas feature and documentary in pre-production. A psychological thriller, vertical series, a kids educations series and a syfi futuristic feature all in development.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Transitioning from being a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist to becoming a TV/Film producer was a major shift. One of the biggest challenges was learning the business side of entertainment while still nurturing my creative instincts. When I first created the kids’ web series SIDE KICK BROS for my son, I had limited resources and no formal background in production or fundraising. Figuring out how to write compelling stories, manage production logistics, and secure investors was a steep learning curve.

Being a mother of two children with very different needs added layers of complexity. My daughter is autistic, and the responsibility of ensuring her future security and well-being was always on my mind. That concern was a driving force behind founding AFD Productions—not just as a business but as a legacy and sanctuary for my children’s creative futures. Balancing the demands of parenting, especially with an autistic child, alongside the unpredictable nature of the entertainment industry meant many late nights, sacrifices, and moments of doubt.

Financial challenges also arose, as funding can be scarce, especially for projects that are personal or nontraditional. I had to develop resilience to rejection and the patience to keep knocking on doors until I found the right partners.

Despite the struggles, each obstacle taught me invaluable lessons and strengthened my resolve. The challenges made every success, including festival wins and investor partnerships, that much sweeter. It’s been a journey of growth, perseverance, and passion—and ultimately, it’s shaped me into the producer and advocate I am today.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My work as a producer is deeply rooted in storytelling that uplifts diverse voices and creates meaningful opportunities, especially for underrepresented talents. I specialize in developing projects that blend authentic narratives with strong emotional impact—often drawing from personal and family experiences to tell stories that resonate on a genuine level.

I am known for my natural ability to identify compelling stories and connect them with the right investors and collaborators. Having started from a non-traditional path—as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist—I bring a unique perspective on character development and human emotion that enhances the creative process. My hands-on experience as a mother to child actors, and my own journey producing a children’s web series, have given me practical insights into both the artistic and business sides of production.

What I’m most proud of is founding AFD Productions, a company built not only as a creative platform but as a legacy for my children—a space where they and others can thrive without fear of being undervalued or overlooked. I’m proud that our projects have gained recognition at festivals and that we continue to grow and innovate in a challenging industry.

What sets me apart is my resilience, empathy, and holistic approach to producing. I don’t just see projects as business ventures but as opportunities to change narratives and impact lives—including my own family’s. I bring a deeply personal commitment to every project, which drives me to foster environments where creativity can flourish authentically and sustainably.

What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is creating a legacy of security, opportunity, and meaningful storytelling for my family and the communities I serve. As a mother of two very different children—one an actor and the other autistic—I am deeply committed to building a future where both of them, and others like them, can thrive without fear of being overlooked, undervalued, or forgotten.

This commitment drives everything I do in my work. It’s about more than just producing films and TV shows; it’s about crafting stories that uplift diverse voices and create spaces of belonging and respect in an industry that can sometimes be unforgiving.

On a personal level, my greatest motivation is ensuring my children have a strong foundation for their own journeys—both creatively and in life—because I want them to feel valued and supported no matter what challenges they face. That’s why I founded AFD Productions: to create a lasting platform where their talents and passions are nurtured, and where others who may face similar struggles can find opportunity and empowerment.

Ultimately, what matters most is making a positive impact that goes beyond the screen, touching lives with stories that inspire, heal, and give voice to those who need it most.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @afdprodofficial
• Youtube: @afdprodofficial