New Yorker moves to the coast for TV

TREASURE TROVE- As executive producer of "Family Jewels," Adam Freeman is responsible for every behind-the-scenes detail of the reality show featuring Gene Simmons of the band KISS. Many residents of Calabasas are known for their wealth and success, a large number of them working in the entertainment industry- either in front of or behind the camera.

Adam Freeman, executive producer for Gene Simmons' reality show "Family Jewels," operates behind the scenes, yet, without him, the busy rock 'n' roll life of the KISS front man might remain a secret from the television-viewing community.

"I am responsible for every aspect of the show, such as what's shot, what's edited, dealing with the family and dealing with the network," says Freeman, a New York native.

Freeman moved to Calabasas in 2003 after being offered a job by Fox television to be executive producer for the "On-Air with Ryan Seacrest" talk show.

The job offer led Freeman to relocate his family to the West Coast.

"I never imagined myself living in California," he said. "I was one of those snobby New Yorkers who swore till the day they died they would live in New York."

After an 11-year employment with MTV, during which he met his wife, Krissy, Freeman left New York.

"Moving here was really stressful and sad to leave our families, but after six months of being out here we would've never gone back," Krissy Freeman said.

Over the course of his MTV career, Freeman worked on "Total Request Live," "Spring Break," "Nick Cannon Presents Wild 'N' Out," and the station's New Year's Eve programs.

Despite his hectic schedule with "Family Jewels," sometimes working weeks in a row without a break, Freeman manages to find time for his wife and two daughters: Ella, 5, and Sadie, 2. He's also the co-author of several comic book series.

After moving to California, Freeman kept in close touch with lifelong friend Marc Bernardin, a senior editor for Entertainment Weekly.

The two had spent time together discussing ideas for screenplays and comic books, but it wasn't until they were on opposite sides of the country that their dream of publishing comics came true.

"We didn't become super productive until I moved out here, because now, when we work, it's over the phone, it's on instant messenger, it's on email- but it forces us to really hyper-focus instead of being distracted," Freeman said. "Whenever we talk, we have a limited amount of time, and we really stick to the topic and turn out some great stuff."

Freeman and Bernardin's most recent comic book venture, "Genius," represents a passion for Freeman and an escape from the A&E television reality show that he dedicates so much time to.

The first "Genius" issue debuted June 18 and introduces a young woman named Destiny, who is fed up with the government, police and society in general.

"Every generation has its military genius," Bernardin said. "What if this generation's military genius was a 17-year-old girl born in South Central L.A.?"

Published by Top Cow, the pilot issue of "Genius" was released at the same time as five other comics under the same publisher. Fans are able to vote on their favorite comic via Top Cow's website. The two comics with the highest amount of votes will become ongoing monthly series.

Freeman and Bernardin also collaborated on a five-part comic book series, "The Highwaymen," and a graphic novel, "Monster Attack Network," and additionally worked with Simmons on a comic book titled "House of Horrors No. 2."

"I try not to complain because I get paid to make television and comic books," Freeman said. "All they have to do is pay me to eat pizza and I'll have a trifecta."

Although his career as a television producer is his main work, Freeman hopes one day to be able to spend more time on his comic book venture. He says he's just waiting for the right offer, but until it comes along, settling for less is not an option.

"I would love nothing more down the line, if I was successful enough at comic book writing, for it to become my new career," he said. "I would not be opposed to that, but right now you always get the best deals in life when you have the ability to say 'no.'"