Richard Brick

Richard Michael Brick (September 20, 1945 – April 2, 2014) was an American film producer,[1] professor of film at Columbia University,[2] and former Commissioner of New York City’s Mayor's Office of Film, Theatre & Broadcasting.[3] He was born in New York City, United States.

As a producer, Brick is best known for his three pictures with Woody Allen: Deconstructing Harry, Celebrity and Sweet and Lowdown.[4] He also was the Co-Producer of Emir Kusturica’s only picture in the U.S., Arizona Dream;[1] Producer of Robert M. Young’s Caught[1] and Joseph Vasquez’ Hangin' with the Homeboys.[1] In television Brick was senior producer of two network specials for Peter Jennings: The JFK Assassination - Beyond Conspiracy[1] and UFOs: Seeing Is Believing.[1]

Brick had a long involvement with the graduate film program at Columbia University, where he received his M.F.A. degree in 1971.[2] He joined the faculty and served as chairman and as co-chairman with Miloš Forman from 1987 through 1989,[5] and was an adjunct professor of producing from 1990.[2] During his tenure Brick created the first Columbia University Film Festival, which celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2012.[2]

Brick served as New York City's first Commissioner of the Mayor's Office of Film, Theatre and Broadcasting from 1992 through 1994 (the Office was previously headed by a Director), following the studio boycott of New York City during 1990–91.[3] Brick was also involved with the labor side of the film industry as a member of the Producers Guild of America[6] and as a member of the Eastern Assistant Directors/Unit Production Managers Council, as a delegate to the 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009 and 2011 National Conventions, as a member of the PAC National Leadership Council of the Directors Guild of America,[7] and as a member of the DGA National Negotiating Committee 2010–11. He died of esophageal cancer on April 2, 2014, aged 68.[8][9][10]

He is survived by his wife, the publisher of Metropolitan Books, Sara Bershtel.[4]