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.
“Scandal” cast will reunite for online script reading for hurricane relief in western North Carolina
The cast of ABC's hit political drama "Scandal" may need to brush up on their snappy, speedy delivery known as "Scandal-pace," because they're reuniting for a good cause. Its stars including Kerry Washington, Tony Goldwyn and Bellamy Young will take part in a live virtual script reading on Nov. 17 to raise money for hurricane relief in western North Carolina.
Beginning Friday, fans can go online and donate to reserve a spot for the online reading. Proceeds will benefit United Way of North Carolina. Everyone who donates will be able to take part in a virtual pre-event with the cast and Shonda Rhimes will give an introduction.
Additional guest stars will also be announced. The online fundraising platform Prizeo is also holding a contest where one person who donates online via their site will be selected to read a role from the script with the actors. The winner should not worry about the "Scandal"-pace, assured Young over Zoom.
"Whomever the lucky reader is can read at whatever pace they want," she said.
Young, who played Mellie Young, the first lady and later Republican presidential nominee on "Scandal," was born and raised in Asheville, North Carolina. She came up with the idea for the effort with a friend and took it to her fellow "Scandal" actors, who all jumped on board. Young said this is the first script reading the cast has all done together since the show ended after seven seasons in 2018.
Which episode they will be reading has not been announced yet.
Young said it's "been devastating" to see so many parts of her hometown badly damaged by Hurricane Helene, which ravaged western North Carolina one month ago.
To research the best use for donations, Young spoke with numerous political leaders, including North... Read More