Richard Friedman (filmmaker)
Richard Friedman | |
|---|---|
| Born | Brooklyn, New York, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Director, producer, writer |
| Years active | 1984–present |
| Website | Orichardfriedmanfilm.com |
Richard Friedman is an American director, producer, and writer known for his work in motion pictures, television, and music videos. He has directed over 15 feature films, including Born, Thou Shalt Kill,[1] and Acts of Desperation. His career spans network television, episodic series, and music videos, collaborating with major studios and notable actors.
Early life and education
Richard Friedman was born in Brooklyn, New York. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Brooklyn College before pursuing filmmaking at the New York University Graduate School of Film, where he received a Master of Fine Arts in Motion Picture Directing and Film Production.[2]
Career
Feature films
Friedman has directed and produced multiple feature films across various genres, including:
- Thou Shalt Kill (2025) – starring Vince Lozano and Augie Duke[3][4]
- Acts of Desperation (2018) – starring Paul Sorvino and Jason Gedrick[5]
- Christmas Crime Story (2016) – starring Adrian Paul and Eric Close[6]
- Born (2007) – starring Alison Brie, Denise Crosby, and Joan Severance[7]
- 5th & Alameda (2011) – starring Corey Sevier and Mario Van Peebles
- DarkWolf (2003) – starring Samaire Armstrong and Tippi Hedren
- Phantom of the Mall: Eric's Revenge (1989) – starring Pauly Shore and Morgan Fairchild[8]
His films have been distributed by companies such as Lionsgate and Twentieth Century Fox.
Television
Friedman has directed over 35 episodes of network and syndicated television series, including:
- Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman (Warner Bros.)
- Baywatch Nights (All American TV)
- Silk Stalkings (Stu Segall Productions)[9]
- Friday the 13th: The Series (Paramount Television)
- Tales from the Darkside (Laurel Entertainment)
- Monsters (Laurel Entertainment)
He also directed television movies such as:
- Shadow of a Stranger (1992) – starring Joan Chen and Parker Stevenson[10]
- In the Shadows, Someone's Watching (1993) – starring Daniel J. Travanti and Chris Noth
- Awake to Danger (1995) – starring Tori Spelling and Michael Gross[11]
Music videos
Friedman directed music videos, including:
- "You're Only Human (Second Wind)" – Billy Joel
- "My, My, My" – Johnny Gill
- "Love Is for the Chosen" – Richie Havens
His video for Billy Joel's "You're Only Human (Second Wind)" was recognized for raising awareness about teen suicide.
Teaching and affiliations
Friedman has taught directing at UCLA and is currently an adjunct professor at the New York Film Academy.[12] He is a member of the Directors Guild of America, Writers Guild of America, and the Television Academy of Arts and Sciences.
References
- ^ "Thou Shalt Kill (2025) Review - Voices From The Balcony". voicesfromthebalcony.com. Retrieved February 6, 2025.
- ^ "Home". RichardFriedmanFilm. Retrieved February 6, 2025.
- ^ "Thou Shalt Kill | The Horror Collective". thehorrorcollective.com. Retrieved February 6, 2025.
- ^ "'Thou Shalt Kill' Movie Review: A Decent Serial Killer Thriller With Perhaps Unnecessary Twist | Film Fugitives". January 22, 2025. Retrieved February 6, 2025.
- ^ nyfa. ""Acts of Desperation" Provides New York Film Academy (NYFA) Alumni Credit & Experience Opportunity". NYFA. Retrieved February 6, 2025.
- ^ nyfa. "NYFA Industry Lab Debuts "Christmas Eve" with Richard Friedman". NYFA. Retrieved February 6, 2025.
- ^ "DVD Review: Born". Retrieved February 6, 2025.
- ^ "Blu Review – Phantom of the Mall: Eric's Revenge (Arrow Video)". Horror Society. February 23, 2022. Retrieved February 6, 2025.
- ^ "The BEST episodes directed by Richard Friedman". episode.ninja. Retrieved February 6, 2025.
- ^ Shadow of a Stranger (1992). Retrieved February 6, 2025 – via letterboxd.com.
- ^ "RICHARD FRIEDMAN". The Scarlet Abbey. March 20, 2023. Retrieved February 6, 2025.
- ^ nyfa. "Faculty Directory". NYFA. Retrieved February 6, 2025.