Theodore (Ted) Arthur Goetz (84), part of a five-generation Hollywood family that were pioneers in the film and television business and part of the larger MGM family, died peacefully at his home in Encinitas, Ca. on July 15, 2012 from melanoma. He was born in New York City on April 25, 1928 and graduated from New York Military Academy and Michigan State University. After graduation, Ted created a successful career in television advertising, directing and producing television commercials. He spent 30 years as executive producer at FilmFair in Studio City, Ca. directing and producing many national television commercials such as Frosted Flakes (Tony the Tiger), the original "Milk Does a Body Good" campaign, the Schlitz malt liquor bull, and the Man from Glad, among others. Family lore includes a commercial featuring Groucho Marx, with Marx imitating Ted's directing style between "takes." Due in part to his contributions, FilmFair expanded from a commercial animation company to an international live action commercial production company.

Ted was a key driver in building the Association of Independent Commercial Producers (AICP) and spent time as President of the West Chapter and Vice President of AICP National. He was awarded AICP’s highest honor in 1992, the Jay B. Eisenstat award, which the organization notes is reserved for individuals who have helped define the industry through their individual accomplishments and selfless giving through their work on behalf of AICP. His career also includes some work in the direction and production of feature films, the most notable of which was The Baltimore Bullet (1980) starring Omar Sharif and James Coburn.

Ted was known for his generosity and, along with his wife, his support of family and charitable organizations. Ted is survived by his wife of 50 years, Sandra; children Jack, Amy, Ted, Matthew, Daniel and his niece Jan; grandchildren Jillian, Jason, Jena, Kali, Rachelle, Cari, and Sara. He was preceded in death by his brother Jack and his daughters Beth and Dana, who both died in young adulthood from the ravages of diabetes. 

Donations in his memory may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

A memorial service for Ted will be held at 3:00PM on Saturday, August 25 at the FilmFair stage, 10900 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, CA. Following the celebration, all are welcome to join us at Zach’s Café for refreshments.  We request you email and let us know if you able to join us there so we can plan accordingly.