The Production Guide
Martin Landau archives
Freddie Freiberger

This is a letter from producer Gerry Anderson to Martin Landau and Barbara Bain, dated Friday 10th October 1975. Monday 13th October would be Columbus Day, a US federal holiday. Anderson was staying in New York at the Regency ( 61st Street and Park Avenue, near Central Park) until 15th October.

Sadly we don't have the attached rundown on Fred Freiberger; the "people listed" probably refers to his references. Anderson is careful to address his work for Hanna Barbera, which dominated Saturday morning cartoons. The company was just about to announce a live action division, although it was to be headed by Herbert Solow (formerly of Desilu, where he oversaw Star Trek and Mission Impossible).

Space 1999 had not been renewed yet, and Anderson has to underline that it remained his priority. This is probably because Anderson was working on concepts for 2 other series, Starcruiser and Rescue 4, which he was pitching to CBS and NBC during this visit (Freiberger would get involved in these too, and they continued to work on them until Space 1999 was renewed).

Freiberger finally travelled to the UK in late November, penning a memo dated 25th November 1975 proposing a changes including a new alien character. This finally persuaded ITC to back the second series, announced 15th December 1975.

October 10, 1975

Dear Barbara and Martin,

Herewith is the rundown on Freddie Freiberger. You will see that his past credits are excellent and I am not in the least put off by his three and a half years with Hanna Barbera, for I know that Joe Barbera wants to break into the live action field, and it is my view that he chose the best man to help.

Perhaps you will be kind enough to check with the people listed on Tuesday of next week: (after the holiday), and call me in New York at The Regency Hotel, for I think we have found our man and would like to secure his services before leaving the country, probably Wednesday night.

I would also like to confirm Space 1999 is my top priority and that should the show be renewed, there is no question about my producing it... I will.

Will be in touch over the weekend.

Love,

Gerry

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