biography from 1986

NEW MONKEES producer Victor Fresco's first experience in "getting in over my head" came during the making of his first Super 8 film in the seventh grade. His first experience of "salvaging a film in the editing room" came during the making of his first 16mm film in the 10th grade. Even before he had his high school diploma in hand, Victor Fresco's penchant for excellence was driving him onward.

"It was either go belly up or rise to the occasion -- I chose the latter."

A typical southern California teenager, Fresco spent his formative years riding his stingray through the shopping malls of the "Valley." While attending the Oakwood School he met and developed a lasting friendship with Matt Fassberg who was to become his writing and producing partner in NEW MONKEES. He also ventured into the world of film where his first forays were warmly received.

"The night they screened our first Super 8 film, at Oakwood, Bert Schneider (the original "Monkees" co-creator) and Candice Bergen were in the audience. "Bert thought it was pretty funny and Candice offered to be in my next film. Being only thirteen at the time, I was thrilled at the offer but unfortunately we couldn't agree on salary and points."

After graduating from high school, Victor went east to Hampshire College, a small liberal arts school in Massachusetts where his main interests were social studies, politics and film. "My mother wanted me to be a lawyer -- so of course, I had to rule that out."

After graduation, when "everyone I knew was going to Europe," Victor headed for Alaska to grow sugar cane in underwater caves. That adventure was short lived -- and Victor came back to Los Angeles to pursue a career in the entertainment industry.

"I started out as a comedy writer for the Republican party and eventually landed a job writing gags for the National Security Council. Then I worked on commercials for a few years working my way up through the ranks from runner to production assistant before switching to the art department, and finally reaching the rank of property master."

Still the silver screen beckoned and Victor turned to writing as a way to get into the film industry. "I enjoy writing; pens, pencils, felt tips, I love them all. And they always speak highly of me too." An agent, an optioned sitcom and a children's show followed, as Victor started taking fewer and fewer commercial assignments.

A call to Matt Fassberg in New York reunited the Fresco/Fassberg team. At the same time, the original "Monkees" creators were looking for young producers who were plugged into today's youth just as they were when they first produced "The Monkees" 20 years ago. "We heard that they were going to do NEW MONKEES so we came up with a series concept and executive producer Steve Blauner hired us_.on the spot."

The perfect foil to partner Matt Fassberg's kinetic, visual approach to NEW MONKEES, Fresco's strengths lie in the actual writing/rewriting process, as well as supervising video and audio aspects of the production.

"We want the show to be funny but at the same time be able to say something. We're interested in breaking formats and leaving things undefined yet accessible to the viewer. We're going for a show that will be wild and bigger than life, have a zesty flavorful aroma which will mix well with company, and won't stain the carpet.

"....now where did I put Candice Bergen's number..."