Kim Manners
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.
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January 27th, 2009 at 11:46 am
What a touching reflection. Thank you for sharing.
January 27th, 2009 at 11:56 am
What a beautiful tribute. Such a sad loss. Thanks for taking the time to share.
January 27th, 2009 at 12:32 pm
you were a great person an a great father in law. You will be deeply missed Love jarrett, chelsea, and brayden..
January 27th, 2009 at 3:08 pm
As a fan of his work, I’m extremely saddened to hear of his death. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.
January 27th, 2009 at 10:12 pm
He was most definately a cowboy! He had a heart of gold and will be dearly missed.
January 28th, 2009 at 12:46 am
I wasn’t too sure about that show, SUPERNATURAL. The bus ads were about good-looking CW guys with a ridiculous knife. I thought it would steal geeky ideas that I loved and hip them up while mocking them to produce some BUFFY BENEATH ONE TREE HILL garbage.
Then I saw Kim Manners directed the third episode, and I knew everything would be okay.
January 28th, 2009 at 11:33 pm
It seems to be, when we lose someone of this caliber, I go to IMDB and look over their career (whether it be a director, or D.P., etc) and invariably find that I have enjoyed their work for many years without knowing it was they who created it.
Such is the case with Mr. Manners. Of course, with the many X-Files episodes, but looking back on shows like “Wiseguy”, “21 Jump Street” (and it’s guilty pleasure “Booker”), right on down to my childhood with “Charlie’s Angels” (another John August connection). And so, I want to say “thanks” to Mr Manners, for many enjoyable moments…wish there could be more.
-RTA
February 14th, 2009 at 9:27 am
Manners was one of the best bleepin’ artists working.
March 27th, 2009 at 12:32 pm
I’ve only just recently gotten ‘into’ both the “The X-Files” and “Supernatural”. I’m truly saddened that someone of his quirky and creative leanings has been lost to us. I know his family, co-workers and friends will have a difficult time reconciling his lose; so I’m responding to say that we the viewers of your programs are aware of what he meant to you and share (as much as we can) in your grief. But, his legacy lives on as long as syndicated t.v. does. That is not meant to be trite; it is meant to be a vindication of the talent showcased in the programs. Maybe Kim will now find the “Truth that is Out There.” Sleep sweetly.