Bill Freas

Born January 25, 1979 in Norristown, Pennsylvania, Bill began his work in the arts and entertainment industry at a young age. During his youth, he studied creative writing with renowned author and screenwriter S.C. Sykes. A state champion musician during his time as a student at Wissahickon High School in Ambler, Pennsylvania, Bill also performed professionally in the Philadelphia area with such dynamic, eclectic ensembles as The City Rhythm Orchestra/Big Band (bass trombone), The Black Eyed Peas Jazz Band (tuba), The Philadelphia Sinfonia II (tuba), The United States Army Reserve Bands (bass trombone), Purple Sunset (piano, keyboards, drums), and indie pop-rock band Marah (tuba). While at WHS, he won numerous music awards, including the prestigious John Philip Sousa Award, and earned top positions in major ensembles, including sweeping first-chair tuba distinctions in PMEA District 11 Band and Orchestra, Region 6 Band and Orchestra, and Pennsylvania All-State Band, all in his senior year. Over four years at WHS, he earned tuba seats in a total of eight PMEA band and orchestra festivals, as well as being chosen in back-to-back years as the bass trombonist for the elite Cavalcade All-Star Jazz Band. As his musical interests peaked, Bill studied intensive music theory and composition while learning to play every instrument. Following graduation from WHS in 1997, Bill continued his musical studies at West Chester University in West Chester, Pennsylvania, while maintaining his professional career as a performer, composer, and arranger. In 2000, Bill was hired to compose the musical score and theme for a Philadelphia-based television pilot produced by Ron Smolin for Fat Hat Films, Inc. That opportunity branched out to positions as head writer and cast member for the project, which garnered interest from networks such as TBS and Comedy Central. Following his involvement with the project, Bill began writing for film full-time and soon secured numerous deals for his projects with various international film companies. Over the next few years, he expanded his technical, business, and creative capabilities and began producing, directing, and acting as well. In 2011, Bill's first major directorial debut "Ain't So Funny", which he also wrote and produced, made its world premiere at the popular Blue Snowman Film Festival in Montreal, Quebec to rave reviews. In addition to writing for film, he has authored a satirical comedy book, an eclectic horror and sci-fi short story collection, and a number of acclaimed fiction works that have been published by several domestic literary entities in top-selling anthologies and literary compilations. Founded in 2010, Bill's production company, Crazy Owl Films, has worked in various development and production capacities on a number of film and television projects both in-house and outside of the company. The firm frequently partners with Canadian film label Foresight Entertainment to produce genre films such as "Friends in Dark Places", "Nocturne Six", and "Shadow Hill". In 2014, Crazy Owl Films expanded and opened a music division known as Crazy Owl Entertainment that composes and produces original music for established professional musical artists and for placement in film, television, and assorted multimedia projects. Bill's alma mater, Wissahickon High School, honored his school and career achievements by inducting him into its Hall of Fame in 2017.