Biography
Born in Norristown, Pennsylvania, Bill Freas 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, bass, and 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 within 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, composition, orchestration, and learned 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 and produce the musical score and theme song for a Philadelphia-based television pilot produced by Ron Smolin for Fat Hat Films, Inc. That opportunity branched out for him into 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 US and 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 made his first major directorial debut with "Ain't So Funny," which he also wrote and produced. The film made its world premiere at the popular Blue Snowman Film Festival in Montreal, Quebec, to rave reviews. In addition to writing for film and television, he has authored a satirical comedy book, an eclectic horror and sci-fi short-story collection, and a number of acclaimed works of fiction that have been published in top-selling anthologies and literary compilations by domestic and international literary entities.
Founded in 2010, Bill's production company, Crazy Owl Films, has worked in various development, production, and post-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 and television content, such as "Friends in Dark Places," "Nocturne Six," "Shadow Hill," and "Kemical Kacee." 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. "Yellowstone Lake," Bill's neo-classical/New Age concept album with the Cottage City Symphony Orchestra, and one of the division's marquee projects, was released in 2021 to superb reviews and quickly made its way to the top of numerous domestic and international radio and sales charts. Aside from his work with the Crazy Owl and Foresight labels, Bill also holds the positions of Head of the USA Division and Global Director of Development with Auspol Media, an Australian-based international creative agency. Bill's alma mater, Wissahickon High School, honored his school and career achievements by inducting him into its Hall of Fame in 2017.
