Actress Rebecca DeMornay’s last name was spelled without a space in opening credits, but as De Mornay in end credits. Various reviews spelled her name both ways.
       Production notes in AMPAS library files state that Feds was originally intended as a “buddy comedy” for two male co-stars set at the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Academy in Quantico, VA. While the FBI did not officially approve the film, writers Dan Goldberg and Len Blum were allowed to conduct research by touring the facility’s training headquarters. Under the working title G-Men, Goldberg and Blum developed several drafts of the script and were joined by Goldberg’s wife, Ilona Herzberg, who agreed to produce with Blum. When Ivan Reitman signed on as executive producer, Warner Bros. Pictures acquired the property in a “negative pickup” deal.
       Although the creative team was in place, filmmakers struggled to secure two leading actors with compatible schedules, and Blum and Goldberg began working on other projects. As a result, Warner Bros. executive Mark Canton suggested changing the protagonists to women, attracting the interest of Rebecca De Mornay and former Saturday Night Live (NBC, 11 Oct 1975-- ) cast member Mary Gross.
       According to a 15 Jun 1988 Var item, principal photography took place in Nov 1987. Filming was completed entirely on locations in Southern California, including the Los Angeles and Santa Barbara city halls, the Loyola University Law School, the ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, and a boutique in Santa Monica. Interior sets of the FBI dormitory were constructed inside a warehouse, but it was the film’s only stage set. In all, twenty-four locations were used.
       The 14 Nov 1988 issue of People magazine reported that retired lawyer and convicted Watergate operative G. Gordon Liddy spent several days filming a cameo appearance, but was forced to drop out of the film for personal reasons.
       Feds marked Goldberg’s feature directorial debut, and his fourth collaboration with Blum and Reitman, who worked together on Cannibal Girls (1974), Meatballs (1979, see entry), and Stripes (1981, see entry). Mary Gross also appeared in Reitman and Herzberg’s Casual Sex? (see entry), which opened 22 Apr 1988.
       Although post-production was completed in time for Warner Bros.’ anticipated opening in Aug 1988, the release date was pushed back to later that fall. Reviews were largely negative.
       Acknowledgments state: “Dictionary of Criminal Justice Terms courtesy of Gould Publications,” and, “This motion picture has not been approved, endorsed, or authorized by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.”
      As end credits begin, an epilogue scene depicts "Ellie DeWitt" and "Janis Zuckerman" learning that they have been assigned to serve together in Los Angeles, CA.