Roy Freirich
American novelist
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Roy Freirich is an American screenwriter and novelist.[1][2] He began his writing career as a songwriter for Warner Music Group and EMI, penning lyrics sung by Aretha Franklin and Smokey Robinson, and films such as A Goofy Movie and Top Gun.[1][3] In 1983, Freirich was nominated for Best Album Or Original Score Written For A Motion Picture Or A Television Special at the 26th Annual Grammy Awards.[4]
Roy Freirich | |
|---|---|
| |
| Born | New York City, United States |
| Alma mater | |
| Occupations | Screenwriter, novelist, songwriter |
| Spouse |
Debrah Neal (m. 1992) |
| Writing career | |
| Period | Contemporary |
| Genres | |
| Website | royfreirich |
Freirich has also written screenplays for FOX Searchlight,[5] Warner Bros.,[6] and DreamWorks.[7] Freirich wrote the novel and screenplay adaptation for Winged Creatures.[6][8][9][10]
Early life
Freirich was born in New York City, and graduated from Beloit College in 1974.[11] He received his Master's Degree in English Literature from the University of Michigan.[12]
Freirich previously worked as Associate Editor for the Beloit Poetry Journal.[13]
Career
Freirich began his career as a songwriter, working with on contract with Warner Music Group and EMI.[1] He has received numerous gold and platinum certifications, as well as a Grammy nomination in 1983 for Best Album Or Original Score Written For A Motion Picture Or A Television Special.[1][4] His most recent song, Songs from a Social Distance (2023), was co-written with and performed by Teitur Lassen.[14]
As a screenwriter, Freirich worked on projects for DreamWorks.[7] and Fox Searchlight.[5] He notably wrote the screenplay adaptation for the Sony film release of his novel Winged Creatures.[6][8][9][10] The 2008 psychological thriller stars Forest Whitaker, Kate Beckinsale, Dakota Fanning, Josh Hutcherson, Guy Pearce, Jennifer Hudson, Jackie Earle Haley, and Jeanne Tripplehorn.[9]
His sophomore novel, Deprivation, was released in March, 2020.[15][16]
Works
Novels
- Winged Creatures (St. Martin's Press, 2008)
- Deprivation (Meerkat Press, 2020)
Filmography
- Winged Creatures (Screenwriter & Producer, 2008)
Songwriting
- "This Night Won't Last Forever" (1978), performed by Bill LaBounty, Bob Dylan
- "Another Night" (1985), performed by Aretha Franklin
- "Just Another Kiss" (1990), performed by Smokey Robinson
- "Meaning of the Word" (1987), performed by Laura Branigan
- "Songs from a Social Distance" (2023), performed by Teitur Lassen
Film soundtracks
- Top Gun Soundtrack
- "Brooklyn Girls" from Donnie Brasco
- "Stand Out" & "i2i" from A Goofy Movie
- Staying Alive
- Flashdance