Editing Jeff Freilich

{{Crew Data
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| role=Producer, Writer, Director
| series=1980
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| nationality=US
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| sortkey=Freilich, Jeff
| imdb=0003306
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'''Jeff Freilich''' is an American television writer, producer, and director who worked on ''[[Galactica 1980]]''.<ref group="external" name="imdb_freilich_profile">{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0003306/|title=Jeff Freilich|publisher=IMDb|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> Born in [[w:New York City, New York|New York City]],<ref group="external" name="imdb_freilich_biography">{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0003306/bio/#:~:text=Born%20in%20New%20York%20City|title=Jeff Freilich - Biography|publisher=IMDb|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> Freilich has had a prolific career spanning over 40 years in episodic television, cable motion pictures, and feature films,<ref group="external" name="amc_freilich_career_overview">{{cite web|url=https://www2.amc.com/shows/lodge-49/cast/jeff-freilich-executive-producer--7762#:~:text=Jeff%20Freilich%20has%20worked%20for,cable%20motion%20pictures%2C%20and%20feature%20films|title=Jeff Freilich - Executive Producer|publisher=AMC|accessdate=November 4, 2025|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210724080909/https://www.amc.com/shows/lodge-49/cast/jeff-freilich-executive-producer--7762|archivedate=October 7, 2021|archive=y}}</ref> having participated in the production of more than 500 hours of television.<ref group="external" name="amc_freilich_500_hours">{{cite web|url=https://www2.amc.com/shows/lodge-49/cast/jeff-freilich-executive-producer--7762#:~:text=In%20all%2C%20he%20has%20participated,more%20than%20500%20hours%20of%20television|title=Freilich's Television Production History|publisher=AMC|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> He is best known for his work as executive producer and showrunner of USA Network's ''[[w:Burn Notice|Burn Notice]]'',<ref group="commentary" name="tvaddict_freilich_burn_notice_role">{{cite web|url=https://www.thetvaddict.com/2008/07/31/tv-addict-interview-burn-notice-showrunner-jeff-freilich/|title=TV Addict Interview: BURN NOTICE Showrunner Jeff Freilich|author=Amrie Cunningham|publisher=the TV addict|date=July 31, 2008|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> as well as his producing work on ''[[w:Halt and Catch Fire (TV series)|Halt and Catch Fire]]'', ''[[w:Grace and Frankie|Grace and Frankie]]'', ''[[w:Falcon Crest|Falcon Crest]]'', and ''[[w:Special Unit 2|Special Unit 2]]''.<ref group="external" name="tvguide_freilich_credits">{{cite web|url=https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/jeff-freilich/credits/3030425458/|title=Jeff Freilich Credits|publisher=TV Guide|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref>

== Early Life and Education ==

Freilich graduated in fine arts from New York City's prestigious [[w:Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School|High School of Music and Art]].<ref group="external" name="imdb_freilich_education_music_art">{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0003306/bio/#:~:text=Graduate%20in%20fine%20arts%2C%20High%20School%20of%20Music%20and%20Art|title=Freilich's Fine Arts Education|publisher=IMDb|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> He later earned a degree in psychology from [[w:Antioch College|Antioch College]].<ref group="external" name="imdb_freilich_antioch">{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0003306/bio/#:~:text=Graduate%20in%20psychology%2C%20Antioch%20College|title=Freilich's Psychology Degree|publisher=IMDb|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> Subsequently, Freilich attended the [[w:Keck School of Medicine of USC|University of Southern California School of Medicine]].<ref group="external" name="imdb_freilich_usc_medicine">{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0003306/bio/#:~:text=Attended%20University%20of%20Southern%20California%20School%20of%20Medicine|title=Freilich Attends USC Medical School|publisher=IMDb|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref>

Reflecting on his educational path, Freilich explained that he was driven by two motivations: a need to express himself creatively through words, pictures, or music, and a desire to make people happy and improve the world in his own way.<ref group="commentary" name="bradley_falcon_crest_interview_creative_motivations">{{cite web|url=https://www.falconcrest.org/english/show/interviews/crew/freilich-2003.pdf#:~:text=All%20my%20life%20I%20have,our%20own%20individual%20ways%20of%20contributing|title=Interview with Jeff Freilich|author=Marc Bradley|publisher=Deutscher Falcon Crest Fanclub|date=September 2003|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> While attending the High School of Music and Art, he became fascinated by great paintings at New York's museums, wanting to learn more about art while simultaneously studying science to prepare for a medical career.<ref group="commentary" name="bradley_falcon_crest_interview_art_education">{{cite web|url=https://www.falconcrest.org/english/show/interviews/crew/freilich-2003.pdf#:~:text=I%20was%20fascinated%20by%20great,how%20rare%20it%20is%20for%20a%20painter%20to%20succeed|title=Freilich's Art Education|author=Marc Bradley|publisher=Deutscher Falcon Crest Fanclub|date=September 2003|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref>

At Antioch College during the Vietnam War, Freilich became involved in the anti-war movement and civil rights demonstrations, growing more interested in how people behaved with one another, leading him to concentrate in psychology while studying the sciences necessary for medical school.<ref group="commentary" name="bradley_falcon_crest_interview_antioch_experience">{{cite web|url=https://www.falconcrest.org/english/show/interviews/crew/freilich-2003.pdf#:~:text=I%20attended%20Antioch%20College%2C%20a,apply%20to%20medical%20school|title=Antioch College Experience|author=Marc Bradley|publisher=Deutscher Falcon Crest Fanclub|date=September 2003|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> During this time, he wrote and directed three student films, realizing that film is an art form incorporating both images and narrative story, and that he preferred working collaboratively with others rather than alone.<ref group="commentary" name="bradley_falcon_crest_interview_film_discovery">{{cite web|url=https://www.falconcrest.org/english/show/interviews/crew/freilich-2003.pdf#:~:text=While%20at%20Antioch%2C%20I%20wrote,more%20freedom|title=Film as Creative Outlet|author=Marc Bradley|publisher=Deutscher Falcon Crest Fanclub|date=September 2003|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref>

After moving to Los Angeles to attend USC School of Medicine, Freilich quickly realized that medicine was more restrictive and demanding than he wanted, and that continuing would make him a good doctor but never happy because his passion for creative expression would be suppressed.<ref group="commentary" name="bradley_falcon_crest_interview_leaving_medicine">{{cite web|url=https://www.falconcrest.org/english/show/interviews/crew/freilich-2003.pdf#:~:text=Medicine%2C%20I%20quickly%20realized%2C%20is,for%20expression%20would%20be%20suppressed|title=Decision to Leave Medicine|author=Marc Bradley|publisher=Deutscher Falcon Crest Fanclub|date=September 2003|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> He chose to leave medical school and attend the [[w:American Film Institute|American Film Institute]] as a producer.<ref group="commentary" name="bradley_falcon_crest_interview_afi_choice">{{cite web|url=https://www.falconcrest.org/english/show/interviews/crew/freilich-2003.pdf#:~:text=I%20chose%20to%20leave%20medical,at%20the%20American%20Film%20Institute%20as%20a%20producer|title=Transition to Film Institute|author=Marc Bradley|publisher=Deutscher Falcon Crest Fanclub|date=September 2003|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref>

In a 2008 interview, Freilich revealed he had been in medicine years ago but did not like being a doctor, which led him to become a writer instead.<ref group="commentary" name="tvaddict_freilich_medicine_background">{{cite web|url=https://www.thetvaddict.com/2008/07/31/tv-addict-interview-burn-notice-showrunner-jeff-freilich/#:~:text=Having%20been%20in%20medicine%20years,I%20wasn%27t%20having%20a%20good%20time%20doing|title=Freilich's Career Transition from Medicine|author=Amrie Cunningham|publisher=the TV addict|date=July 31, 2008|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> He explained that after his experience in medicine, he never wanted to do anything again that he wasn't having a good time doing, which guided his career choices thereafter.<ref group="commentary" name="tvaddict_freilich_career_philosophy">{{cite web|url=https://www.thetvaddict.com/2008/07/31/tv-addict-interview-burn-notice-showrunner-jeff-freilich/#:~:text=having%20gone%20into%20this%20business,a%20good%20time%20doing|title=Freilich's Work Philosophy|author=Amrie Cunningham|publisher=the TV addict|date=July 31, 2008|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> He noted that his background in medicine, where things were life and death, gave him a perspective on filmmaking: if you can't have a good time doing it, it shows on screen.<ref group="commentary" name="tvaddict_freilich_medicine_perspective">{{cite web|url=https://www.thetvaddict.com/2008/07/31/tv-addict-interview-burn-notice-showrunner-jeff-freilich/#:~:text=Maybe%20it%27s%20my%20background%20in,it%20shows%20on%20screen|title=Medical Background Influence on Career|author=Amrie Cunningham|publisher=the TV addict|date=July 31, 2008|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref>

Freilich's parents were initially shocked when he decided to leave medical school, as they wanted their son's future to be secure, but to their credit, they supported him in pursuing a more uncertain career as a writer and filmmaker.<ref group="commentary" name="bradley_falcon_crest_interview_parental_support">{{cite web|url=https://www.falconcrest.org/english/show/interviews/crew/freilich-2003.pdf#:~:text=My%20parents%20were%20a%20bit,his%20efforts%20to%20pursue%20a%20more%20tenuous%20career|title=Parental Support for Career Change|author=Marc Bradley|publisher=Deutscher Falcon Crest Fanclub|date=September 2003|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> His father's only concern was that he would become happy in what he did for a living, and when Freilich told him he was content, it made his father proud.<ref group="commentary" name="bradley_falcon_crest_interview_father_pride">{{cite web|url=https://www.falconcrest.org/english/show/interviews/crew/freilich-2003.pdf#:~:text=My%20father%27s%20only%20concern%20was,it%20made%20him%20proud|title=Father's Pride in Career Choice|author=Marc Bradley|publisher=Deutscher Falcon Crest Fanclub|date=September 2003|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref>

== Early Career ==

=== Roger Corman and New World Pictures ===

At the American Film Institute, Freilich produced "Devil's Bargain," directed by Tim Hunter, his closest friend from high school.<ref group="external" name="imdb_freilich_devils_bargain">{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0003306/bio/#:~:text=Produced%20%22Devil%27s%20Bargain%2C%22%20directed%20by%20Tim%20Hunter%2C%20American%20Film%20Institute|title=Devil's Bargain Production|publisher=IMDb|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref><ref group="commentary" name="bradley_falcon_crest_interview_tim_hunter_friendship">{{cite web|url=https://www.falconcrest.org/english/show/interviews/crew/freilich-2003.pdf#:~:text=My%20closest%20friend%20from%20high,he%20wanted%20me%20to%20work%20on%20it%20with%20him|title=Tim Hunter Collaboration|author=Marc Bradley|publisher=Deutscher Falcon Crest Fanclub|date=September 2003|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> His experience on Hunter's movie got him interested in pursuing a career in film, and because it was difficult to get a job as a producer or director without a portfolio, he chose to write, as a writer's ideas on paper speak for themselves and cannot be taken away.<ref group="commentary" name="bradley_falcon_crest_interview_writing_choice">{{cite web|url=https://www.falconcrest.org/english/show/interviews/crew/freilich-2003.pdf#:~:text=Because%20it%20is%20difficult%20to,Nobody%20can%20take%20them%20away%20from%20you|title=Choosing Writing as Entry Point|author=Marc Bradley|publisher=Deutscher Falcon Crest Fanclub|date=September 2003|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref>

He began his professional career working under [[w:Roger Corman|Roger Corman]] at [[w:New World Pictures|New World Pictures]],<ref group="external" name="imdb_freilich_corman_start">{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0003306/bio/#:~:text=Began%20professional%20career%20working%20under%20Roger%20Corman%2C%20New%20World%20Pictures|title=Freilich at New World Pictures|publisher=IMDb|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> where he rewrote screenplays alongside partner Tim Hunter for Corman's New World Pictures and [[w:Sam Arkoff|Sam Arkoff]]'s [[w:American International Pictures|AIP]].<ref group="external" name="amc_freilich_corman_partnership">{{cite web|url=https://www2.amc.com/shows/lodge-49/cast/jeff-freilich-executive-producer--7762#:~:text=He%20began%20by%20rewriting%20screenplays,World%20Pictures%20and%20Sam%20Arkoff%27s%20AIP|title=Freilich's Screenwriting Partnership|publisher=AMC|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref>

In a 2008 interview, Freilich recalled his time with Corman fondly, describing how he worked alongside directors [[w:Joe Dante|Joe Dante]], [[w:Peter Bogdanovich|Peter Bogdanovich]], [[w:Jonathan Demme|Jonathan Demme]], [[w:Francis Ford Coppola|Francis Coppola]], Tim Hunter, Johnny Axelrod, [[w:Jonathan Kaplan|Jonathan Kaplan]], and [[w:Paul Bartel|Paul Bartel]].<ref group="commentary" name="tvaddict_freilich_corman_contemporaries">{{cite web|url=https://www.thetvaddict.com/2008/07/31/tv-addict-interview-burn-notice-showrunner-jeff-freilich/#:~:text=I%20came%20from%20Roger%20Corman,and%20Paul%20Bartell|title=Freilich's Corman Era Colleagues|author=Amrie Cunningham|publisher=the TV addict|date=July 31, 2008|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> He remembered that they got $25 a week and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, but someone gave them a chance to make their movie.<ref group="commentary" name="tvaddict_freilich_corman_compensation">{{cite web|url=https://www.thetvaddict.com/2008/07/31/tv-addict-interview-burn-notice-showrunner-jeff-freilich/#:~:text=You%20got%2025%20bucks%20a,a%20chance%20to%20make%20our%20movie|title=Working Conditions at New World|author=Amrie Cunningham|publisher=the TV addict|date=July 31, 2008|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> Freilich recounted a memorable story about being paid $500 with Tim Hunter to write a script, and Joe Dante and Alan Arkush getting $500 to direct it, but when they added stock footage from ''[[w:Death Race 2000|Death Race 2000]]'', Corman deducted the cost from their checks, reducing their payment to $350 each because "stock footage costs money."<ref group="commentary" name="tvaddict_freilich_corman_anecdote">{{cite web|url=https://www.thetvaddict.com/2008/07/31/tv-addict-interview-burn-notice-showrunner-jeff-freilich/#:~:text=Joe%20Dante%20and%20Tim%20Hunter,stock%20footage%20costs%20money|title=Corman Stock Footage Story|author=Amrie Cunningham|publisher=the TV addict|date=July 31, 2008|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref>

=== Universal Television and First Emmy Nomination ===

Freilich's first writing job in television was on a series called ''[[w:Doc Elliot|Doctor's Hospital]]'', in which [[w:George Peppard|George Peppard]] played a neurosurgeon at Los Angeles County Hospital.<ref group="commentary" name="bradley_falcon_crest_interview_first_tv_job">{{cite web|url=https://www.falconcrest.org/english/show/interviews/crew/freilich-2003.pdf#:~:text=My%20first%20writing%20job%20in,at%20Los%20Angeles%20County%20Hospital|title=First Television Writing Job|author=Marc Bradley|publisher=Deutscher Falcon Crest Fanclub|date=September 2003|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> He had been writing original motion picture screenplays but had little luck selling them to studios, and needed money to help pay off loans from medical school, so it seemed natural to sell stories to a medical television show.<ref group="commentary" name="bradley_falcon_crest_interview_medical_show_logic">{{cite web|url=https://www.falconcrest.org/english/show/interviews/crew/freilich-2003.pdf#:~:text=I%20had%20been%20writing%20original,to%20a%20medical%20television%20show|title=Transition to Medical Television|author=Marc Bradley|publisher=Deutscher Falcon Crest Fanclub|date=September 2003|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref>

Two years later, Freilich was offered the opportunity to write a script for ''[[w:Baretta|Baretta]]'', and when his script was well received, [[w:Universal Television|Universal]] offered him a job writing on the staff of ''Baretta'', where his responsibilities included rewriting other writers' scripts.<ref group="commentary" name="bradley_falcon_crest_interview_baretta_opportunity">{{cite web|url=https://www.falconcrest.org/english/show/interviews/crew/freilich-2003.pdf#:~:text=Two%20years%20later%2C%20I%20was,rewriting%20other%20writers%27%20scripts|title=Baretta Staff Position|author=Marc Bradley|publisher=Deutscher Falcon Crest Fanclub|date=September 2003|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> At Universal, Freilich's work as Executive Story Consultant on ''Baretta'' and ''[[w:Quincy, M.E.|Quincy]]'' and as writer/producer of ''[[w:The Incredible Hulk (1978 TV series)|The Incredible Hulk]]'' earned him his first [[w:Emmy Award|Emmy]] nomination.<ref group="external" name="amc_freilich_emmy_nomination">{{cite web|url=https://www2.amc.com/shows/lodge-49/cast/jeff-freilich-executive-producer--7762#:~:text=At%20Universal%2C%20his%20work%20as,earned%20him%20his%20first%20Emmy%C2%AE%20nomination|title=Freilich's First Emmy Nomination|publisher=AMC|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref>

=== ''Galactica 1980'' ===

For ''[[Galactica 1980]]'', Freilich wrote and produced the episode "[[Spaceball]]" alongside [[Frank Lupo]] and series creator [[w:Glen A. Larson|Glen A. Larson]].<ref group="external" name="imdb_spaceball_writers">{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0585501/#:~:text=Writers,Glen%20A.%20Larson,Frank%20Lupo,Jeff%20Freilich|title=Spaceball Writers|publisher=IMDb|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> The episode, directed by [[Barry Crane]], first aired on ABC on Sunday, March 30, 1980.<ref group="external" name="imdb_spaceball_airdate">{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0585501/|title=Spaceball|publisher=IMDb|date=March 30, 1980|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> 

== Lorimar/Warner Bros. Era ==

=== Creating Television Series ===

In his 13-year tenure at [[w:Lorimar Television|Lorimar]]/[[w:Warner Bros. Television|Warner Bros.]], Freilich created three network television series and served as writer/director/Executive Producer on ''Falcon Crest'', ''[[w:Dark Justice (TV series)|Dark Justice]]'', ''Better Days'', ''[[w:Freddy's Nightmares|Freddy's Nightmares]]'', and several other episodic comedies and dramas.<ref group="external" name="amc_freilich_lorimar_tenure">{{cite web|url=https://www2.amc.com/shows/lodge-49/cast/jeff-freilich-executive-producer--7762#:~:text=In%20his%2013%2Dyear%20tenure,several%20other%20episodic%20comedies%20and%20dramas|title=Freilich at Lorimar/Warner Bros.|publisher=AMC|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref>

=== ''Falcon Crest'' ===

Freilich's involvement with ''Falcon Crest'' came unexpectedly in 1985 when his three-year-old son had chickenpox and Freilich became sick as well.<ref group="commentary" name="bradley_falcon_crest_interview_taking_over_circumstances">{{cite web|url=https://www.falconcrest.org/english/show/interviews/crew/freilich-2003.pdf#:~:text=In%201985%20my%20three%2Dyear,as%20well|title=Unusual Circumstances of Taking Over Falcon Crest|author=Marc Bradley|publisher=Deutscher Falcon Crest Fanclub|date=September 2003|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> While home in bed, he received a call from Lee Rich, the president of Lorimar, who told him that Earl Hamner was leaving ''Falcon Crest'' and that Rich wanted Freilich to take over, explaining the show was dropping in the ratings and was in jeopardy of being cancelled, saying it needed "a goose."<ref group="commentary" name="bradley_falcon_crest_interview_lee_rich_offer">{{cite web|url=https://www.falconcrest.org/english/show/interviews/crew/freilich-2003.pdf#:~:text=I%20got%20a%20call%20from,it%20needs%20a%20goose|title=Lee Rich's Offer|author=Marc Bradley|publisher=Deutscher Falcon Crest Fanclub|date=September 2003|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> Freilich told Rich he had never seen the show and wouldn't know where to begin, but within an hour, a deliveryman arrived with a huge box of videotapes.<ref group="commentary" name="bradley_falcon_crest_interview_receiving_tapes">{{cite web|url=https://www.falconcrest.org/english/show/interviews/crew/freilich-2003.pdf#:~:text=In%20one%20hour%2C%20a%20deliveryman,of%20videotapes|title=Receiving Falcon Crest Tapes|author=Marc Bradley|publisher=Deutscher Falcon Crest Fanclub|date=September 2003|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref>

When Freilich put the last episode of season 5 in his machine and fell asleep during the opening credits due to medication, Rich called back and said "See what I mean? The show is dull!"<ref group="commentary" name="bradley_falcon_crest_interview_show_dull_comment">{{cite web|url=https://www.falconcrest.org/english/show/interviews/crew/freilich-2003.pdf#:~:text=I%20had%20fallen%20asleep%20during,The%20show%20is%20dull|title=Recognition of Show's Problems|author=Marc Bradley|publisher=Deutscher Falcon Crest Fanclub|date=September 2003|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> Rich promised Freilich he could make whatever changes he wanted, hire or fire anybody he pleased, that Rich would protect him from CBS, and that he could spend whatever it took to get the series back on its feet.<ref group="commentary" name="bradley_falcon_crest_interview_creative_freedom_promise">{{cite web|url=https://www.falconcrest.org/english/show/interviews/crew/freilich-2003.pdf#:~:text=He%20promised%20that%20I%20could,get%20the%20series%20back%20on%20its%20feet|title=Creative Freedom Promised|author=Marc Bradley|publisher=Deutscher Falcon Crest Fanclub|date=September 2003|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> Freilich made many changes and turned ''Falcon Crest'' into a show he would want to watch.<ref group="commentary" name="bradley_falcon_crest_interview_making_changes">{{cite web|url=https://www.falconcrest.org/english/show/interviews/crew/freilich-2003.pdf#:~:text=So%2C%20I%20made%20lots%20of,I%20would%20want%20to%20watch|title=Making Show Changes|author=Marc Bradley|publisher=Deutscher Falcon Crest Fanclub|date=September 2003|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref>

== Partnership with Norman Jewison and Film Work ==

In his nine-year association with [[w:Paramount Pictures|Paramount Pictures]], Freilich worked in partnership with [[w:Norman Jewison|Norman Jewison]] on the Emmy- and [[w:CableACE Award|Cable Ace Award]]-winning ''Picture Windows'' for [[w:Showtime (TV network)|Showtime]].<ref group="external" name="amc_freilich_jewison_partnership">{{cite web|url=https://www2.amc.com/shows/lodge-49/cast/jeff-freilich-executive-producer--7762#:~:text=In%20his%20nine%2Dyear%20association,Ace%20Award%2Dwinning%20Picture%20Windows%20for%20Showtime|title=Freilich's Partnership with Norman Jewison|publisher=AMC|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref>

Freilich also produced films for directors [[w:Bob Rafelson|Bob Rafelson]], Jonathan Kaplan, Tim Hunter, [[w:John Boorman|John Boorman]], [[w:Lynne Littman|Lynne Littman]], and [[w:Tony Bill|Tony Bill]].<ref group="external" name="amc_freilich_director_collaborations">{{cite web|url=https://www2.amc.com/shows/lodge-49/cast/jeff-freilich-executive-producer--7762#:~:text=In%20addition%2C%20Jeff%20has%20produced,Littman%2C%20and%20Tony%20Bill|title=Freilich's Film Director Collaborations|publisher=AMC|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> He formed a partnership with [[w:Michael Douglas|Michael Douglas]], Peter Bogdanovich, and [[w:Zack Norman|Zack Norman]] to develop motion pictures based on the works of [[w:Cornell Woolrich|Cornell Woolrich]] and [[w:Damon Runyon|Damon Runyon]].<ref group="external" name="amc_freilich_woolrich_runyon_partnership">{{cite web|url=https://www2.amc.com/shows/lodge-49/cast/jeff-freilich-executive-producer--7762#:~:text=He%20formed%20a%20partnership%20with,Cornell%20Woolrich%20and%20Damon%20Runyon|title=Literary Adaptation Partnership|publisher=AMC|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref>

=== ''Rescuers: Stories of Courage'' ===

Freilich produced ''Rescuers: Stories of Courage'' with [[w:Barbra Streisand|Barbra Streisand]], creating six films about Christians who did selfless acts of courage during World War II, during the [[w:The Holocaust|Holocaust]], to save the lives of Jews.<ref group="commentary" name="tvaddict_freilich_rescuers_project">{{cite web|url=https://www.thetvaddict.com/2008/07/31/tv-addict-interview-burn-notice-showrunner-jeff-freilich/#:~:text=Rescuers%20was%20a%20series%20of,save%20the%20lives%20of%20Jews|title=Rescuers: Stories of Courage|author=Amrie Cunningham|publisher=the TV addict|date=July 31, 2008|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> The films took place in France, Belgium, Holland, Hungary, and Germany.<ref group="commentary" name="tvaddict_freilich_rescuers_locations">{{cite web|url=https://www.thetvaddict.com/2008/07/31/tv-addict-interview-burn-notice-showrunner-jeff-freilich/#:~:text=It%20took%20place%20in%20France,Holland%2C%20Hungary%2C%20and%20Germany|title=Rescuers Production Locations|author=Amrie Cunningham|publisher=the TV addict|date=July 31, 2008|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref>

The project began with Rabbi Harold Schulweis of Valley Beth Shalom, who for decades had passionately urged Jews to remember the rescuers as well as the gas chambers.<ref group="commentary" name="jankiewicz_jewish_journal_rabbi_schulweis">{{cite web|url=https://jewishjournal.com/old_stories/447/#:~:text=Specifically%2C%20it%20began%20with%20Rabbi,as%20well%20as%20the%20gas%20chambers|title=Rabbi Schulweis and the Rescuers Project|author=Pat Jankiewicz|publisher=Jewish Journal|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> Two of his congregants, Malka Drucker and Gay Block, put up thousands of their own dollars in the late 1980s to interview and photograph 50 rescuers in eight countries, meeting peasants and noblemen, priests and atheists, men and women who had stolen food for their Jewish wards, forged passports, and carried chamber pots from attics.<ref group="commentary" name="jankiewicz_jewish_journal_drucker_block_research">{{cite web|url=https://jewishjournal.com/old_stories/447/#:~:text=in%20the%20late%201980s%2C%20they,and%20carried%20chamber%20pots%20from%20attics|title=Drucker and Block's Research|author=Pat Jankiewicz|publisher=Jewish Journal|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref>

Although 20 publishers initially rejected the book, remarking that the world had heard enough about the Holocaust and questioning who wanted to look at pictures of old people, the tome was eventually a success.<ref group="commentary" name="jankiewicz_jewish_journal_book_rejection">{{cite web|url=https://jewishjournal.com/old_stories/447/#:~:text=Nevertheless%2C%2020%20publishers%20initially%20rejected,enough%20about%20the%20Holocaust|title=Initial Book Rejections|author=Pat Jankiewicz|publisher=Jewish Journal|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> Drucker's agent brother-in-law made sure it crossed the desk of fellow Valley Beth Shalom congregant Jerry Offsay on his first day as the new president of programming for Showtime, and an enthusiastic Offsay soon sent the book to Barbra Streisand and her producing partner, Cis Corman, who said there was no way they could not do the project, as they were in awe of the rescuers.<ref group="commentary" name="jankiewicz_jewish_journal_streisand_involvement">{{cite web|url=https://jewishjournal.com/old_stories/447/#:~:text=made%20sure%20that%20it%20crossed,We%20were%20in%20awe%20of%20the%20rescuers|title=Streisand's Involvement with Project|author=Pat Jankiewicz|publisher=Jewish Journal|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref>

Freilich explained that he and Streisand both wanted to die knowing they'd made at least one thing that had some kind of weight to it, that wasn't just pure entertainment.<ref group="commentary" name="tvaddict_freilich_rescuers_motivation">{{cite web|url=https://www.thetvaddict.com/2008/07/31/tv-addict-interview-burn-notice-showrunner-jeff-freilich/#:~:text=She%27s%20really%20a%20good%20person,that%20wasn%27t%20just%20pure%20entertainment|title=Motivation for Rescuers Project|author=Amrie Cunningham|publisher=the TV addict|date=July 31, 2008|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> For this work, Freilich won numerous Christian awards despite being Jewish, and received an award from the Archbishop of New York at St. Patrick's Cathedral, where he delivered a speech that "silenced the crowd."<ref group="commentary" name="tvaddict_freilich_christian_awards">{{cite web|url=https://www.thetvaddict.com/2008/07/31/tv-addict-interview-burn-notice-showrunner-jeff-freilich/#:~:text=For%20a%20New%20York%20Jew,speech%20that%20silenced%20the%20crowd|title=Freilich's Christian Awards for Rescuers|author=Amrie Cunningham|publisher=the TV addict|date=July 31, 2008|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> He noted that [[w:Robert Duvall|Robert Duvall]], who won the award for feature films that year for ''[[w:The Apostle (film)|The Apostle]]'', came up and hugged him after his speech.<ref group="commentary" name="tvaddict_freilich_duvall_interaction">{{cite web|url=https://www.thetvaddict.com/2008/07/31/tv-addict-interview-burn-notice-showrunner-jeff-freilich/#:~:text=And%20the%20only%20person%20who,told%20me%20that%20he%20was%20proud|title=Robert Duvall at Awards Ceremony|author=Amrie Cunningham|publisher=the TV addict|date=July 31, 2008|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref>

Freilich urged the art department to comb Europe for period props, including actual forged passports, Nazi uniforms, wartime German vehicles, a 1930s French bicycle, and a Hungarian iron from 1935.<ref group="commentary" name="jankiewicz_jewish_journal_period_props">{{cite web|url=https://jewishjournal.com/old_stories/447/#:~:text=Producer%20Jeff%20Freilich%20urged%20the,a%20Hungarian%20iron%20from%201935|title=Period Props for Rescuers|author=Pat Jankiewicz|publisher=Jewish Journal|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> Their efforts were so successful that once, while shooting in small-town Canada, an elderly Auschwitz survivor who had not read the newspaper ads warning about the shoot was overcome by the sight of Nazis and cowering Jews in the streets, and Freilich found him crying, unable to stand and leaning against the wall.<ref group="commentary" name="jankiewicz_jewish_journal_survivor_reaction">{{cite web|url=https://jewishjournal.com/old_stories/447/#:~:text=Their%20efforts%20were%20so%20successful,unable%20to%20stand%20and%20leaning%20against%20the%20wall|title=Holocaust Survivor's Reaction to Filming|author=Pat Jankiewicz|publisher=Jewish Journal|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> When Freilich apologized and explained about the movies, the survivor wanly smiled and thanked him.<ref group="commentary" name="jankiewicz_jewish_journal_survivor_thanks">{{cite web|url=https://jewishjournal.com/old_stories/447/#:~:text=But%20when%20the%20producer%20apologized,smiled%20and%20thanked%20him|title=Survivor's Thanks|author=Pat Jankiewicz|publisher=Jewish Journal|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref>

The experience stayed with Freilich, who summed up that "Rescuers" was the first time he had done something meaningful in TV.<ref group="commentary" name="jankiewicz_jewish_journal_meaningful_work">{{cite web|url=https://jewishjournal.com/old_stories/447/#:~:text=The%20experience%20has%20stayed%20with,something%20meaningful%20in%20TV|title=Rescuers as Meaningful Work|author=Pat Jankiewicz|publisher=Jewish Journal|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref>

Regarding working with Streisand, Freilich recalled that Peter Bogdanovich advised him not to send her a movie until it was finished because "she will give you notes until you die."<ref group="commentary" name="tvaddict_freilich_streisand_advice">{{cite web|url=https://www.thetvaddict.com/2008/07/31/tv-addict-interview-burn-notice-showrunner-jeff-freilich/#:~:text=%22Ok%20what%20do%20you%20think,because%20she%20will%20give%20you%20notes%20until%20you%20die|title=Working with Barbra Streisand|author=Amrie Cunningham|publisher=the TV addict|date=July 31, 2008|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> Following this advice, Freilich would hire directors, shoot and cut the picture, deliver it, and then send Streisand a copy, always receiving back a really nice note of approval.<ref group="commentary" name="tvaddict_freilich_streisand_collaboration">{{cite web|url=https://www.thetvaddict.com/2008/07/31/tv-addict-interview-burn-notice-showrunner-jeff-freilich/#:~:text=so%20that%27s%20what%20I%20did,really%20liked%20it|title=Streisand Collaboration Process|author=Amrie Cunningham|publisher=the TV addict|date=July 31, 2008|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref>

=== Fox Films ===

Freilich produced three films for [[w:20th Century Fox|Twentieth Century Fox]]: ''Bachelor Party: The Last Temptation'' (also known as ''Bachelor Party 2''), ''Wrong Turn: Dead End'' (also known as ''Wrong Turn 2''), and ''[[w:Behind Enemy Lines: Colombia|Behind Enemy Lines: Colombia]]''.<ref group="external" name="amc_freilich_fox_films">{{cite web|url=https://www2.amc.com/shows/lodge-49/cast/jeff-freilich-executive-producer--7762#:~:text=He%20produced%20three%20films%20for,Behind%20Enemy%20Lines%3A%20Colombia|title=Freilich's 20th Century Fox Films|publisher=AMC|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> He also produced one film for Universal: ''Beethoven's Christmas Adventure''.<ref group="external" name="amc_freilich_universal_film">{{cite web|url=https://www2.amc.com/shows/lodge-49/cast/jeff-freilich-executive-producer--7762#:~:text=and%20one%20for%20Universal%20(Beethoven%27s%20Christmas%20Adventure)|title=Universal Film Production|publisher=AMC|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref>

Freilich recalled producing ''Behind Enemy Lines 3'', directed by [[w:Tim Matheson|Tim Matheson]], which was shot in Puerto Rico with most of the same crew from ''Frogmen'' 14 years earlier.<ref group="commentary" name="tvaddict_freilich_behind_enemy_lines">{{cite web|url=https://www.thetvaddict.com/2008/07/31/tv-addict-interview-burn-notice-showrunner-jeff-freilich/#:~:text=We%20did%20Behind%20Enemy%20Lines,the%20same%20crew%20as%20Frogmen%2014%20years%20ago|title=Behind Enemy Lines 3 Production|author=Amrie Cunningham|publisher=the TV addict|date=July 31, 2008|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref>

== Return to Television: ''Burn Notice'' ==

=== Leaving Television and Return ===

Freilich's last experience in episodic television before ''Burn Notice'' was in 1994 when he was executive producer and partners with producer [[w:Arnold Kopelson|Arnold Kopelson]] making the movie ''Frogmen'' with [[w:O.J. Simpson|O.J. Simpson]] in Puerto Rico.<ref group="commentary" name="tvaddict_freilich_frogmen_experience">{{cite web|url=https://www.thetvaddict.com/2008/07/31/tv-addict-interview-burn-notice-showrunner-jeff-freilich/#:~:text=My%20last%20experience%20in%20television,movie%20Frogmen%20with%20OJ%20Simpson%20in%20Puerto%20Rico|title=Last Pre-Burn Notice TV Experience|author=Amrie Cunningham|publisher=the TV addict|date=July 31, 2008|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> The experience was thoroughly unpleasant because everything in the movie became evidence in the [[w:O. J. Simpson murder case|O.J. Simpson murder trial]], with the film being confiscated.<ref group="commentary" name="tvaddict_freilich_frogmen_simpson_trial">{{cite web|url=https://www.thetvaddict.com/2008/07/31/tv-addict-interview-burn-notice-showrunner-jeff-freilich/#:~:text=everything%20in%20that%20movie%20became,was%20a%20thoroughly%20unpleasant%20experience|title=Frogmen and O.J. Simpson Trial|author=Amrie Cunningham|publisher=the TV addict|date=July 31, 2008|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref>

This negative experience, combined with changes in the television industry that made him uncomfortable, led Freilich to leave episodic television for 14 years.<ref group="commentary" name="tvaddict_freilich_14_year_absence">{{cite web|url=https://www.thetvaddict.com/2008/07/31/tv-addict-interview-burn-notice-showrunner-jeff-freilich/#:~:text=I%20hadn%27t%20worked%20in%20television%20in%2014%20years|title=14 Years Away from Television|author=Amrie Cunningham|publisher=the TV addict|date=July 31, 2008|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> He explained that television in the mid-1990s began to change in a way that was uncomfortable for him, as the autonomy he had previously enjoyed—where he could say no to any network or studio note, cast anybody he wanted, and hire any director or writer—was disappearing as studios and networks were handed over from individuals to corporations.<ref group="commentary" name="tvaddict_freilich_tv_industry_changes">{{cite web|url=https://www.thetvaddict.com/2008/07/31/tv-addict-interview-burn-notice-showrunner-jeff-freilich/#:~:text=What%20happened%20in%20television%20in,from%20individuals%20to%20corporations|title=Television Industry Changes in 1990s|author=Amrie Cunningham|publisher=the TV addict|date=July 31, 2008|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref>

Freilich recalled a particularly frustrating experience when a network executive, after reading a pilot script Freilich had written, said "I don't know, I'm the only one who's read it," effectively abdicating responsibility for making a decision.<ref group="commentary" name="tvaddict_freilich_network_executive_anecdote">{{cite web|url=https://www.thetvaddict.com/2008/07/31/tv-addict-interview-burn-notice-showrunner-jeff-freilich/#:~:text=I%20actually%20once%20heard%20from,I%27m%20the%20only%20one%20who%27s%20read%20it|title=Network Executive Anecdote|author=Amrie Cunningham|publisher=the TV addict|date=July 31, 2008|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> This epitomized for him how "the inmates began to run the asylum" and why he didn't want to be part of that system anymore.<ref group="commentary" name="tvaddict_freilich_inmates_asylum">{{cite web|url=https://www.thetvaddict.com/2008/07/31/tv-addict-interview-burn-notice-showrunner-jeff-freilich/#:~:text=I%20suddenly%20realized%20that%20the,I%20just%20didn%27t%20want%20to%20be%20a%20part%20of%20that|title=Industry Culture Shift|author=Amrie Cunningham|publisher=the TV addict|date=July 31, 2008|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref>

=== Discovering ''Burn Notice'' ===

Freilich's return to television came through his relationship with David Madden at Fox Television.<ref group="commentary" name="tvaddict_freilich_david_madden">{{cite web|url=https://www.thetvaddict.com/2008/07/31/tv-addict-interview-burn-notice-showrunner-jeff-freilich/#:~:text=I%20had%20a%20relationship%20with,we%20were%20just%20friends|title=Relationship with David Madden|author=Amrie Cunningham|publisher=the TV addict|date=July 31, 2008|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> After Freilich produced ''Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas'' with [[w:Christina Applegate|Christina Applegate]] for Fox based on a [[w:James Patterson|James Patterson]] book, Madden called him a few years later saying he had a pilot script he wanted Freilich to read.<ref group="commentary" name="tvaddict_freilich_madden_call">{{cite web|url=https://www.thetvaddict.com/2008/07/31/tv-addict-interview-burn-notice-showrunner-jeff-freilich/#:~:text=A%20few%20years%20later%2C%20David,I%20said%20no|title=Madden's Pilot Script Call|author=Amrie Cunningham|publisher=the TV addict|date=July 31, 2008|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> Freilich initially refused, but Madden persisted, saying he knew Freilich well and thought he would like it.<ref group="commentary" name="tvaddict_freilich_initial_refusal">{{cite web|url=https://www.thetvaddict.com/2008/07/31/tv-addict-interview-burn-notice-showrunner-jeff-freilich/#:~:text=He%20said%2C%20I%20know%20you,I%20think%20you%27re%20going%20to%20like%20it|title=Initial Refusal of Burn Notice|author=Amrie Cunningham|publisher=the TV addict|date=July 31, 2008|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref>

Freilich read the 100-page pilot script while in New York with his daughter looking for an apartment for her, and found himself ignoring his daughter as he became absorbed in the script.<ref group="commentary" name="tvaddict_freilich_reading_script">{{cite web|url=https://www.thetvaddict.com/2008/07/31/tv-addict-interview-burn-notice-showrunner-jeff-freilich/#:~:text=So%20I%20get%20this%20pilot,I%27m%20ignoring%20my%20daughter|title=Reading Burn Notice Script|author=Amrie Cunningham|publisher=the TV addict|date=July 31, 2008|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> He loved the script, which was written by [[w:Matt Nix|Matt Nix]], someone he had never heard of before.<ref group="commentary" name="tvaddict_freilich_matt_nix_discovery">{{cite web|url=https://www.thetvaddict.com/2008/07/31/tv-addict-interview-burn-notice-showrunner-jeff-freilich/#:~:text=I%27m%20reading%20Burn%20Notice%2C%20and,never%20heard%20of%20before.%20I%20loved%20the%20script|title=Discovering Matt Nix|author=Amrie Cunningham|publisher=the TV addict|date=July 31, 2008|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref>

=== Partnership with Matt Nix ===

When Freilich met with Matt Nix, he instantly liked him and saw a little bit of himself 20 years earlier—a writer terrified that his work would be taken and turned into something completely different.<ref group="commentary" name="tvaddict_freilich_nix_first_meeting">{{cite web|url=https://www.thetvaddict.com/2008/07/31/tv-addict-interview-burn-notice-showrunner-jeff-freilich/#:~:text=I%20met%20with%20Matt%20and,turned%20into%20something%20completely%20different|title=First Meeting with Matt Nix|author=Amrie Cunningham|publisher=the TV addict|date=July 31, 2008|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> Freilich, who had been teaching at the American Film Institute, found that working with Nix made him as excited as he was 25 or 30 years earlier when he started in the business.<ref group="commentary" name="tvaddict_freilich_nix_excitement">{{cite web|url=https://www.thetvaddict.com/2008/07/31/tv-addict-interview-burn-notice-showrunner-jeff-freilich/#:~:text=What%20got%20me%20excited%20about,25%20years%20ago%2C%2030%20years%20ago|title=Renewed Excitement Working with Nix|author=Amrie Cunningham|publisher=the TV addict|date=July 31, 2008|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref>

Freilich and Nix made a pact: if Nix gave Freilich what he wanted (something they could shoot), Freilich would give Nix what he wanted (his show, without anybody meddling with it and turning it into something different).<ref group="commentary" name="tvaddict_freilich_nix_pact">{{cite web|url=https://www.thetvaddict.com/2008/07/31/tv-addict-interview-burn-notice-showrunner-jeff-freilich/#:~:text=Our%20deal%20has%20always%20been,and%20turning%20it%20into%20something%20different|title=Freilich-Nix Working Agreement|author=Amrie Cunningham|publisher=the TV addict|date=July 31, 2008|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> Initially, this pact was only for the pilot, as Freilich refused to commit to the series.<ref group="commentary" name="tvaddict_freilich_pilot_only_commitment">{{cite web|url=https://www.thetvaddict.com/2008/07/31/tv-addict-interview-burn-notice-showrunner-jeff-freilich/#:~:text=And%20we%20kind%20of%20made,I%20refused%20to%20do%20the%20series|title=Initial Pilot-Only Commitment|author=Amrie Cunningham|publisher=the TV addict|date=July 31, 2008|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref>

=== Miami Production ===

When the pilot was originally written, it was designed for Newark, New Jersey, but was changed in part by USA Network's influence to Miami to give it a better look and make it more inviting as viewers flipped the channels.<ref group="commentary" name="tvaddict_freilich_newark_to_miami">{{cite web|url=https://www.thetvaddict.com/2008/07/31/tv-addict-interview-burn-notice-showrunner-jeff-freilich/#:~:text=When%20this%20pilot%20was%20originally,more%20inviting%20show%20as%20you%27re%20flipping%20the%20dials|title=Newark to Miami Setting Change|author=Amrie Cunningham|publisher=the TV addict|date=July 31, 2008|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> Nix's conundrum was: "I want a guy to be trapped in an uncomfortable place. How do you ever make Miami an uncomfortable place to be trapped?" After being in Miami for two summers in a row shooting in extreme heat and humidity, Freilich joked they had found the answer.<ref group="commentary" name="tvaddict_freilich_miami_uncomfortable">{{cite web|url=https://www.thetvaddict.com/2008/07/31/tv-addict-interview-burn-notice-showrunner-jeff-freilich/#:~:text=How%20do%20you%20ever%20make,we%20have%20the%20answer|title=Making Miami Uncomfortable|author=Amrie Cunningham|publisher=the TV addict|date=July 31, 2008|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref>

Freilich emphasized that working on a cable television budget meant having no more than 60% of the budget of a standard prime time network television show, requiring more creativity in spending money.<ref group="commentary" name="tvaddict_freilich_cable_budget">{{cite web|url=https://www.thetvaddict.com/2008/07/31/tv-addict-interview-burn-notice-showrunner-jeff-freilich/#:~:text=One%20of%20the%20disadvantages%20of,way%20that%20you%20spend%20your%20money|title=Cable Television Budget Constraints|author=Amrie Cunningham|publisher=the TV addict|date=July 31, 2008|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> They couldn't afford to shoot in Los Angeles and come to Miami three times a year for beauty shots like other series did, so they had to dive into Miami with both feet.<ref group="commentary" name="tvaddict_freilich_miami_commitment">{{cite web|url=https://www.thetvaddict.com/2008/07/31/tv-addict-interview-burn-notice-showrunner-jeff-freilich/#:~:text=We%20couldn%27t%20afford%20to%20shoot,we%20had%20to%20dive%20in%20with%20both%20feet|title=Full Commitment to Miami Filming|author=Amrie Cunningham|publisher=the TV addict|date=July 31, 2008|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref>

Freilich came to Miami as an executive producer to set up the production and created what he called "a movie studio" in a building that was going to be torn down near the Miami Convention Center—the same venue where Jim Morrison had exposed himself on stage at a Doors concert years earlier.<ref group="commentary" name="tvaddict_freilich_miami_studio_creation">{{cite web|url=https://www.thetvaddict.com/2008/07/31/tv-addict-interview-burn-notice-showrunner-jeff-freilich/#:~:text=We%20came%20to%20this%20building,the%20Miami%20convention%20center%20was%20just%20the%20place%20where%20Jim%20Morrison|title=Creating Miami Studio|author=Amrie Cunningham|publisher=the TV addict|date=July 31, 2008|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> He noted with pride that while he said "let's do it," a bunch of other people actually did the work to turn the space into an ideal place to work.<ref group="commentary" name="tvaddict_freilich_studio_pride">{{cite web|url=https://www.thetvaddict.com/2008/07/31/tv-addict-interview-burn-notice-showrunner-jeff-freilich/#:~:text=I%20said%20let%27s%20do%20it,I%27m%20even%20more%20proud%20of%20the%20people%20who%20did%20it|title=Pride in Miami Studio Team|author=Amrie Cunningham|publisher=the TV addict|date=July 31, 2008|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref>

Regarding the show's look, Freilich explained that Miami itself is a character of the show—its color, architecture, and people contribute to the lightness and crispness that audiences liked.<ref group="commentary" name="tvaddict_freilich_miami_as_character">{{cite web|url=https://www.thetvaddict.com/2008/07/31/tv-addict-interview-burn-notice-showrunner-jeff-freilich/#:~:text=the%20look%20of%20Miami%2C%20the,Miami%20is%20a%20true%20character|title=Miami as Show Character|author=Amrie Cunningham|publisher=the TV addict|date=July 31, 2008|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> He contrasted ''Burn Notice'' with ''[[w:Miami Vice|Miami Vice]]'', calling it "the anti-Miami Vice" because it's not about being flashy, but about a guy trying to get out of what seems to be a beautiful place—an irony that attracted Freilich to the show.<ref group="commentary" name="tvaddict_freilich_anti_miami_vice">{{cite web|url=https://www.thetvaddict.com/2008/07/31/tv-addict-interview-burn-notice-showrunner-jeff-freilich/#:~:text=This%20is%20the%20anti%2DMiami,kind%20of%20attracted%20me%20to%20the%20show|title=Burn Notice as Anti-Miami Vice|author=Amrie Cunningham|publisher=the TV addict|date=July 31, 2008|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref>

=== Producer Philosophy ===

Describing his role as producer, Freilich used a cocktail party metaphor: "A producer is the guy who throws the cocktail party. You want to invite a whole bunch of people who basically get along but there's a little conflict because conflict is good. Conflict keeps things interesting."<ref group="commentary" name="tvaddict_freilich_producer_philosophy">{{cite web|url=https://www.thetvaddict.com/2008/07/31/tv-addict-interview-burn-notice-showrunner-jeff-freilich/#:~:text=A%20producer%20is%20the%20guy,Conflict%20keeps%20things%20interesting|title=Producer as Cocktail Party Host|author=Amrie Cunningham|publisher=the TV addict|date=July 31, 2008|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> He emphasized knowing everybody's name and job, and being able to do almost anybody's job (though not as well as they do it), which helps him understand how to solve problems when they arise.<ref group="commentary" name="tvaddict_freilich_knowing_crew">{{cite web|url=https://www.thetvaddict.com/2008/07/31/tv-addict-interview-burn-notice-showrunner-jeff-freilich/#:~:text=I%20know%20everybody%27s%20name%2C%20I,understand%20how%20to%20solve%20that%20problem|title=Understanding All Crew Roles|author=Amrie Cunningham|publisher=the TV addict|date=July 31, 2008|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref>

Freilich stressed the importance of crew morale, wanting people to feel appreciated and supported rather than blamed when things go wrong.<ref group="commentary" name="tvaddict_freilich_crew_morale">{{cite web|url=https://www.thetvaddict.com/2008/07/31/tv-addict-interview-burn-notice-showrunner-jeff-freilich/#:~:text=They%20need%20to%20know%20that,because%20it%20goes%20wrong%20all%20the%20time|title=Supporting Crew Members|author=Amrie Cunningham|publisher=the TV addict|date=July 31, 2008|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> His philosophy was that if people can't have a good time doing the work, it shows on screen, and he wanted crew members to look forward to Monday mornings rather than dreading going back to work.<ref group="commentary" name="tvaddict_freilich_work_enjoyment">{{cite web|url=https://www.thetvaddict.com/2008/07/31/tv-addict-interview-burn-notice-showrunner-jeff-freilich/#:~:text=if%20you%20can%27t%20have%20a,coming%20back%2C%20and%20that%27s%20what%20I%20try%20to%20do|title=Creating Positive Work Environment|author=Amrie Cunningham|publisher=the TV addict|date=July 31, 2008|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref>

Freilich described himself as "a writers' director," saying he became the kind of producer he always wanted to have.<ref group="commentary" name="tvaddict_freilich_writers_director">{{cite web|url=https://www.thetvaddict.com/2008/07/31/tv-addict-interview-burn-notice-showrunner-jeff-freilich/#:~:text=Would%20you%20describe%20yourself%20as,I%20literally%20always%20wanted%20to%20have|title=Self-Description as Writers' Director|author=Amrie Cunningham|publisher=the TV addict|date=July 31, 2008|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> He doesn't stand on set looking at his watch and making people nervous, instead focusing on spending money in the most creative ways possible—on things a writer would feel are most important, rather than where production executives think money should go.<ref group="commentary" name="tvaddict_freilich_creative_spending">{{cite web|url=https://www.thetvaddict.com/2008/07/31/tv-addict-interview-burn-notice-showrunner-jeff-freilich/#:~:text=What%20I%20do%20best%20is,the%20most%20important%20place%20to%20spend%20it|title=Creative Money Spending Philosophy|author=Amrie Cunningham|publisher=the TV addict|date=July 31, 2008|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref>

Freilich served as executive producer on 32 episodes of ''Burn Notice'' from 2008 to 2010, co-executive producer on 11 episodes in 2007, and producer on 1 episode in 2007.<ref group="external" name="imdb_freilich_burn_notice_credits">{{cite web|url=https://m.imdb.com/name/nm0003306/filmotype/producer#:~:text=Burn%20Notice,2007%20%2D%202010|title=Burn Notice Production Credits|publisher=IMDb|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> He also directed 2 episodes of the series between 2008 and 2009.<ref group="external" name="imdb_freilich_burn_notice_directing">{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0003306/#:~:text=Burn%20Notice,2008%E2%80%932009%20%C2%B7%202%20episodes|title=Burn Notice Directing Credits|publisher=IMDb|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref>

== Recent Work ==

After ''Burn Notice'', Freilich produced the first two seasons of ''Grace and Frankie'' for [[w:Netflix|Netflix]]<ref group="external" name="amc_freilich_grace_frankie">{{cite web|url=https://www2.amc.com/shows/lodge-49/cast/jeff-freilich-executive-producer--7762#:~:text=He%20produced%20the%20first%20two%20seasons%20of%20Grace%20and%20Frankie%20for%20Netflix|title=Grace and Frankie Production|publisher=AMC|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> and served as producer/director of [[w:AMC (TV channel)|AMC]]'s ''Halt and Catch Fire'' for four seasons.<ref group="external" name="amc_freilich_halt_catch_fire">{{cite web|url=https://www2.amc.com/shows/lodge-49/cast/jeff-freilich-executive-producer--7762#:~:text=and%20served%20as%20producer%2Fdirector,Halt%20and%20Catch%20Fire%20for%20four%20seasons|title=Halt and Catch Fire Work|publisher=AMC|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> He produced 40 episodes of ''Halt and Catch Fire'' between 2014 and 2017<ref group="external" name="imdb_freilich_halt_episodes">{{cite web|url=https://m.imdb.com/name/nm0003306/filmotype/producer#:~:text=Halt%20and%20Catch%20Fire,2014%20%2D%202017%20%C2%B7%2040%20episodes|title=Halt and Catch Fire Episode Count|publisher=IMDb|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> and 26 episodes of ''Grace and Frankie'' between 2015 and 2016.<ref group="external" name="imdb_freilich_grace_frankie_episodes">{{cite web|url=https://m.imdb.com/name/nm0003306/filmotype/producer#:~:text=Grace%20and%20Frankie,2015%20%2D%202016%20%C2%B7%2026%20episodes|title=Grace and Frankie Episode Count|publisher=IMDb|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref>

== Teaching and Lectures ==

Freilich has served as a senior mentor at the American Film Institute, teaching the Advanced Producing Workshop.<ref group="external" name="amc_freilich_afi_teaching">{{cite web|url=https://www2.amc.com/shows/lodge-49/cast/jeff-freilich-executive-producer--7762#:~:text=Previously%2C%20he%20served%20as%20a,the%20Advanced%20Producing%20Workshop|title=AFI Teaching Position|publisher=AMC|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref> He has also lectured at [[w:New York University Tisch School of the Arts|NYU Tisch]], [[w:Stanford University|Stanford]], and [[w:UCLA|UCLA]].<ref group="external" name="amc_freilich_university_lectures">{{cite web|url=https://www2.amc.com/shows/lodge-49/cast/jeff-freilich-executive-producer--7762#:~:text=He%20has%20lectured%20at%20NYU%20Tisch%2C%20Stanford%2C%20and%20UCLA|title=University Lecture Circuit|publisher=AMC|accessdate=November 4, 2025}}</ref>

== Writer credits for ''Galactica 1980'' ==
*Season 1:
** [[Spaceball]] (co-written with [[Frank Lupo]] and [[Glen A. Larson]])

== Notes ==
* [[Jeffy Frieley]] is an [[Encino Cougars]] player in the baseball game in "Spaceball", named after Freilich. 
* Freilich is a character briefly mentioned in ''[[Galactica 1980 2|Galactica 1980 #2]]'', although his name is incorrectly spelled "[[Frellich]]."

== References ==

=== External Sources ===
{{reflist|group=external}}

=== Commentary and Interviews ===
{{reflist|group=commentary}}

[[Category:A to Z]]
[[Category:Behind the Scenes]]
[[Category:Crew]]
[[Category:Crew (1980)]]
[[Category:Producers]]
[[Category:Producers (1980)]]
[[Category:Writers]]
[[Category:Writers (1980)]]
[[Category:Directors]]
[[Category:Directors (1980)]]
[[Category:1980]]