Alkemy X has brought on brand marketer and network executive Gary Freilich as head of content development & strategy. He will lead the company’s revitalized content partnerships and entertainment strategy. Freilich will work alongside Alkemy X’s team of creative talent to develop opportunities for brand and agency partners, and Alkemy X will tap Freilich’s expertise creating content that is highly strategic for brands and feels authentic for the talent, artists and content creators.
With over 20 years of experience and a big-tent, inclusive approach to creative development, Freilich led innovative production partnerships as SVP of strategic partnerships at NBC/Universal for celebrity talent including Conan O’Brien, Jimmy Fallon, the cast and writers of Saturday Night Live, network shows like the Today Show and MSNBC’s Morning Joe, and the Olympic broadcast every two years–each fostering direct creative collaboration with brands like Microsoft, Intel, Sharp, Samsung and American Express. Most recently, Freilich spearheaded a dynamic range of content development collaborations for Martha Stewart and MSC Cruises, as well as Jessica Simpson with Green Giant and No Kid Hungry. Freilich’s other notable recent strategy and partnership development work has included the creation and development of the U.S. Wildlife Trafficking Alliance for the U.S. Department of Interior, and the launch TEACH.org for Microsoft in collaboration with State Farm and the U.S. Dept. of Education.
Alkemy X created and is responsible for series such as TLC’s Dragnificent! and the cult favorite Restaurant: Impossible, currently in its 20th season on the Food Network, among others. At Alkemy X, Freilich will leverage his broad experience to lead Alkemy X’s development and creative teams to work closely with brands on content development, while continuing to align with longstanding agency partners.
Alkemy X president and CEO Justin Wineburgh noted, “Gary has such an impressive depth of experience across all sides of the industry, bringing a nuanced understanding of how creative development can help brands meet their business goals. His proven track record for building brand awareness through targeted content development demonstrates the effectiveness of his inclusive approach.”
Freilich added, “The most effective commercials, promos, experiential or short form content pieces are first and foremost entertaining. What I have seen Alkemy X deliver for clients is next level and, amazingly, all the creative and production talent, including world-class VFX, is in-house. The most innovative and successful partnerships always include the creative talent sitting at the ‘ideation’ table with the brand marketing people who know their consumers inside and out. I’m excited to work with Alkemy X’s creative team to continue the long history of creating visually stunning and impactful content for any platform in partnership with marketers, brands and their strategic agencies.”
Freilich began his career in packaged goods product management and marketing for brands including A+D Baby, Nivea and Dr. Scholls. He later moved to NBC/Universal, where he helped build and eventually led the Strategic Partnership Group, leveraging the creative, artistic, sales and celebrity/show strength of NBC/Universal with brands looking to creatively bolster their traditional advertising & marketing strategies.
