Kim Manners, one of the directors who helped define the visual style of The X-Files and Supernatural, passed away on Sunday from complications due to lung cancer.
Manners started working in television in the late 1970s as a production manager and director for Charlie's' Angels. He worked his way up to director and producer level, and joined The X-Files in 1995 as a producer. He directed such memorable episodes as "The Post Modern Prometheus" (the black and white Frankenstein pastiche), "Home" (inbred Hillbillies live under the beds) and "Leonard Betts" (the headless man). Recently he had been an executive producer on Supernatural where he was implemental in setting the show’s look and feel. He directed 17 episodes of Supernatural, including each of the season finales for the first three seasons. His directorial style included some use of audacious close ups, crisp lighting and elegant, slow-moving tracking shots.
Supernatural creator Eric Kripke released a statement saying, "Everyone at Supernatural is walking around in a daze, shocked and absolutely devastated. Kim was a brilliant director; more than that, he was a mentor and friend. He was one of the patriarchs of the family, and we miss him desperately. He gave so much to Supernatural, and everything we do on the show, now and forever, is in memory of him."
Thanks Kim. You’ve been a huge influence on the TV we love. Rest in peace.
