Director Kim Manners passed away on Sunday. He was a staggeringly prolific television director and producer, whose many credits included Supernatural, The X Files and the original Charlie’s Angels. He also directed the pilot for Alaska, which is how I met him. I liked him instantly. He felt like a cowboy, which made him the perfect guy to shoot a show about the wild frontier.
“Two cameras, no waiting!” he’d holler with delight as he found a spot to grab a simultaneous close-up. After a take, he’d glance over at me. Did I want another take? I could always find something I’d tweak, but Kim was smart enough to understand that TV doesn’t dick around getting everything just so. You make your days so you can make your show.
The series didn’t get picked up, and everyone went their separate ways. Yet of all the directors I’ve sat next to, I probably learned the most from him over those twelve cold days and nights in Vancouver. I regret not having the chance to tell him that.
By the accounts I’ve read, he was doing what he loved quite close to the end. That’s something we should all get. My sympathies go out to his family and the folks at Supernatural.