Chris Manley

Chris Manley

Personal Details

Biography

Chris Manley is a highly acclaimed and respected television director and cinematographer, whose impressive body of work has garnered widespread recognition and admiration within the industry. He is particularly renowned for his contributions to the critically acclaimed series Mad Men, a show that has consistently pushed the boundaries of television storytelling and visual aesthetics.

Throughout his illustrious career, Chris Manley has demonstrated a remarkable range and versatility, directing a total of four episodes and photographing an astonishing 71 episodes of Mad Men. His dedication to his craft and unwavering commitment to excellence have earned him a total of four Emmy nominations, a testament to his outstanding work and the high esteem in which he is held by his peers and industry professionals.

As a director, Chris Manley is known for his meticulous attention to detail, his ability to coax outstanding performances from his cast, and his innovative approach to storytelling. His work on Mad Men has been particularly notable, as he has brought a unique visual perspective and a deep understanding of the show's characters and themes to the project.

As a cinematographer, Chris Manley is highly respected for his technical expertise and his ability to capture the essence of a scene or sequence. His work on Mad Men has been praised for its beauty, its nuance, and its ability to transport viewers to a bygone era. His collaboration with the show's directors and producers has been instrumental in shaping the visual identity of the series, and his contributions have been widely recognized and acclaimed.

Throughout his career, Chris Manley has worked with a wide range of talented professionals, from actors and writers to producers and other crew members. His ability to work effectively with others, his strong communication skills, and his collaborative approach have been essential to his success, and have helped him to build a reputation as a highly respected and sought-after television director and cinematographer.

In summary, Chris Manley is a highly acclaimed and respected television director and cinematographer, whose impressive body of work has earned him widespread recognition and admiration within the industry. His contributions to Mad Men have been particularly notable, and his dedication to his craft has earned him a total of four Emmy nominations.

Before achieving widespread recognition and acclaim through his work on the acclaimed television series Mad Men, Chris had the opportunity to refine his skills and expertise as a director of photography, serving under the tutelage of the renowned and influential filmmaker Roger Corman.

Early on in his career, Chris's work as a director of photography included the film Dahmer, a critically acclaimed and thought-provoking project that earned widespread recognition and accolades, including three Independent Spirit Award nominations.

Notably, the film Dahmer played a significant role in launching the career of the talented actor Jeremy Renner, introducing him to a wider audience and helping to establish him as a rising star in the film industry.

This project was a major milestone in Chris's career, marking a significant turning point and contributing to his future success, including his first television series and the first of five ASC nominations he would go on to receive.

Chris's illustrious career has been marked by a plethora of exceptional accomplishments, including his work on the critically acclaimed television series Mad Men. Beyond his contributions to this iconic show, Chris has also had the distinction of directing a multitude of pilots, with one of his most notable achievements being his direction of the highly acclaimed Homeland.

In addition to his work on pilots, Chris has also had the privilege of serving as a director on multiple television shows, with his most recent endeavor being the role of producing director for three seasons of the hit HBO Max series Doom Patrol. During his tenure on this popular show, Chris had the opportunity to direct a total of 11 episodes, further cementing his reputation as a masterful director with a keen eye for storytelling and a deep understanding of the television medium.

Throughout his career, Chris has consistently demonstrated a remarkable ability to bring complex characters and compelling storylines to life, earning him a reputation as one of the most talented and respected directors in the industry. His impressive resume is a testament to his dedication, hard work, and passion for his craft, and he continues to be a driving force behind some of the most innovative and engaging television programming available today.

Chris's academic trajectory began with a Bachelor's Degree from the esteemed Temple University, situated in the vibrant city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Not content to rest on his laurels, Chris further honed his skills by enrolling at the renowned American Film Institute, located in the sun-kissed state of California. This impressive educational foundation laid the groundwork for a career replete with accolades, as Chris's talents did not go unnoticed by the esteemed Barbara Schock, director of the critically acclaimed short film "My Mother Dreams The Satan's Disciples in New York" (1999). In a moment of great significance, Schock publicly acknowledged Chris's contributions during her acceptance speech for the Best Short Film/Live Action academy award in 2000, thereby cementing his status as the first individual to be publicly recognized by the award-winning director.