Fred’s Goodbye at 89
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From Fred Barzyk
“Winter weather’s coming and snow is probably not far behind.
“I think it’s probably time to say my goodbye.
“Well, it’s not so much a goodbye as a big thank you to WGBH, my spiritual home.”
Jay, so glad you posted Fred’s video, I’ve been wanting to see it.
Fred – I loved every second of it! I learned more about the history of experimental film pioneered at WGBH through your video than during my ten years (1999 -2009) working there. (I overlapped briefly with you at Educational Programming.) Thank you for all your amazing genre-expanding work. GBH today stands on the shoulders of giants like you!
We received a copy of Fred’s video, so you should be able to see it embedded at the top of this post: https://www.wgbhalumni.org/2025/11/21/freds-goodbye-at-89/
As a rookie director, I was in awe of the creative universe that Fred inhabited. Once, I was fortunate to assist on a Fred Barzyk production, and it really opened my eyes to what could be done when you pushed the boundaries of video production. That experience served me well when I had an opportunity to work with Brother Blue (another boundary pusher), and many fabulous talents during my career.
Fred,
You are my hero.
And had you not recognized my wacky video art and featured it on WGBH Artist’s Showcase, I am quite sure I would never have found a career in Public Television.
Love and Thanks!
The first time I picked up a hand-held camera (PCP-90, of course) was in a Fred production—“Boston Common”, I think—at Carson Beach, looking down at two fish positioned to be “talking” to each other. Good times!
(Hi, Claudia)
Hey Dick! Thanks for sayin’ “Hi”! Much appreciated!! Nice to know I’m “alive”…
Claudia
Ditto. If I had never worked with you, I never would have ended up as the GBH president. Thanks Fred.
Fred…I was touched by your “good-bye” but not a good-bye. It was really a “Corraggio”. Thank you.
Fred – WGBH gave you a creative window. You gave Public Broadcasting WGBH. If not you and all of those other creative geniuses, WGBH would have been just another PBS station. Of the many memories you and I could share — Gene Shepard. We parked the minibus on the parking lot driveway, grabbed the gear, and Gene, tossed the equipment and Gene onto the departing (moving) train and crossed America. The early ENG camera, a PCP90 – serial 2 was connected to a two-inch tape recorder on cameraman’s back… Creative risk taking every day. Fred Barzyk leading the charge. (still have my signed book from Nam Jun Paik.). Every day is a bonus good friend.
Jack
Dear Fred – It was so wonderful to see the span of your work in your video, and so hard to hear you say goodbye. Early in my career, I recall being at WGBY with Ron Nicodemus and trying to understand Trisha Brown’s numerical dance performance that we taped with you. Through the years, other encounters of working together on zany projects occurred at WNET, GBY or GBH – all joyful experiences. Thank you and take care.
Fred, as my mentor you already know how grateful I am to have worked for you and with you. Bob
And for bringing us world class ranconteur and White Sox fan, Jean Shepherd! Not to mention your enthusiasm, joy, and moose energy. Always an inspiration. And thanks for all that you’ve shared through the archive.
Many years spent working with Fred. First at 84 Mass Ave. before the fire, and later with his CTA on so many projects. Many highs and a few lows. But, as Jean Shepherd would say, “Little did he know at the time, but this was to be the high point of his life.” Thanks for all the years, Fred. And WGBH.
From “Where to Get Off in Boston” — my first job at GBH and where I met my husband Tony Kahn — to the HBO Wall Street Crash and Cocoanut Grove Fire docudramas, to coming up with $100 to make a video for the workshop, to linking me with David Loxton for the Childhood project, I have a lot to thank you for and all good wishes to send your way. What a remarkable achievement you have to contemplate, and thank you for providing us a survey of the dimensions of your pioneering work, always done with such a friendly and generous spirit. Among your many gifts was that fine ability to bring out the talents of others. It was always about the people as well as the work.
Fred, I will never forget the Vietnam View-In which ran from 8 p.m. ’til 11:30.
At one point, David Ives stuck his head in the control room and growled, “Is this program going to ever end?”
All best, Austin.
Thanks, Fred. I also am honored to have been able to work on your incredible projects, starting with Mothers Little Network. You are one of my television producer heroes!
Thank you, Fred! You were the first GBH producer who I got to know, my creative, zany office neighbor at 475 Western! ;)
Fred
You have been a remarkable, unparalleled spirit for all of us. You were always so generous with me, and thoughtful with your energy and wisdom!
Sending you a big embrace!
Jon Abbott
You did amazing things Fred, I’m honored to have worked with you on Soundings, Ollie Hopnoodles, French In Action and maybe more.
Awww, Fred. You forgot The French Chef!! Ruth Lockwood, Producer, David Atwood, among others, Director! And me, Claudia Allyn, PA! What a trip that was!