Frederick Ahern

Who was Frederick Ahern?

Frederick Ahern was an American filmmaker.

Fred Ahern began his career stacking lumber at Pathe Studios. Over the next 10 years he worked his way up to Assistant Production Manager at Trem Carr Productions,. His first job as Production Manager was in 1940, working for Sol Lesser on the movies Tarzan and Stagedoor Canteen. He worked for 5 years with David Selznick.

During his time working for Selznick, Ahern met Alfred Hitchcock. He worked for Hitchcock the next 5 years, mainly overseas, on the films Under Capricorn, Stage Fright, and Rope.

In 1950, Ahern returned to work for Sol Lesser as Associate Producer and Production Manager on another Tarzan picture; this one filmed in Africa.

After building his reputation as a Location Production Manager, Ahern signed on as Director of West Coast Operations for CBS Television Film and Live Programs. While there, he helped produce the Amos and Andy film series. The majority of his work there involved the production of 27 ½ hours a week of live TV shows, most of which were dramas.

In 1955, Ahern returned to work and an Associate Producer of films. He also ran his own commercial production company during this time.