INTERVIEW: Chris Manoe

The super-villains are coming! Super-talented Chris Manoe chats to Folklore about his new DC inspired book ‘The Rogues Gallery’.

What happens when you get a successful theatre performer, who just happens to have had a recording deal with Warner Bros. has toured in ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’, founded 3 entertainment agencies, worked on massive events such as The Brits & the 2012 Olympic Games, directed the Adam Garcia & Kimberly Wyatt show ‘Revolution’, worked with superstars from the world of music including Madonna and has now created a gorgeous book based around the villains of the DC Universe? I’ll tell you what you get my dear ladies & gents, you get the multi-talented Mr. Chris Manoe!

Chris, thank you so much in taking the time out of your very busy life sir. Welcome to The Slaughtered Bird.

‘You’re very welcome.’

I’ll be straight up with you here, I wasn’t familiar who you were initially and was conducting this interview on the basis of The Rogues Gallery in which you have produced, but upon doing a bit of research on you I’m ashamed. I truly apologise as you’re a very big deal indeed sir?

‘I don’t know about that, but thank you for taking the time to research.’

You have founded 3 UK creative agencies: Dancers Inc., Singers Inc. and Agency 105 which boasts a portfolio of clients such as Elton John, Madonna, The Black Eyed Peas, Robbie Williams & the 2012 Olympic Games…..Wowza you must be extremely passionate about your work?

‘Without passion to propel me forward I don’t think I could do what I do. I seek inspiration every day and love to research and create brand new ideas and concepts. It’s been great to do the high profile events and work with celebrity because it sets the bar higher for me and what I strive to achieve.

Where did it all begin Chris? Was this always your dream since you were a child?

I began as a performer, trained in musical theatre. My first job, straight from college, was in the UK National Tour of ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’. I then was lucky to have a record deal for two years with Warner Bros.

Overseeing and directing large scale shows such as Revolution with Adam Garcia must be a dream, but overwhelming and stressful at times, how do you manage your time and not totally lose it?

It’s a good question. Everyone seems to have their own coping mechanisms that work for them in situations of high stress. I guess I always look at worst case scenarios and if that means no one is dead, (people are often very dramatic in show biz!) then surely that’s a bonus, and we can work from there. Things should always be dealt with rationally. Anything else is a waste of energy.
As I’ve become more experienced I can problem solve in my mind on a minute to minute basis which helps me stay focused and alert.

What’s your favourite part of creating is it writing, directing, performing?

My favourite part of creating is all of it. I really enjoy every part of the process and look forward to starting a new project with all the adventures they can bring. The rewards are great too, but I’m my own worst critic so things have to be perfect before I allow myself a gift for a job well done!

Where did the idea of The Rogues Gallery come from and can you tell us a bit about it?

The idea of The Rogues Gallery came from a lifelong interest of mine in the DC comic book universe and the incredible characters that inhabit it. I loved first the comics, then later the films and have enjoyed seeing how these characters have transferred to most forms of media and have their own fanbases.
When deciding to do our initial shoot, I at once decided that the villains rather than the heroes would make for excellent subjects photographically. The extra dimension of evil they exude creates layers of characterisation to work with and the actors who worked on ‘The Rogues Gallery’ embraced their roles with aplomb. The original shoot was three days long and we had such a great time. We were squealing with laughter each time a new character emerged out of the makeup chair. It was like magically bringing a photo to life and each look surpassed the last. Such a fantastic creative team effort.

Would you call yourself a superhero fan or was it that it’s a very popular piece of pop culture and extremely current at the moment?

Yes. I’m 100% a superhero fan. Fully paid and signed up. I’m counting the days until the brand new ‘Batman vs Superman’ film is released. It’s getting between me and my sleep!

You transformed the Crypt Gallery in London into Arkham Asylum for the official launch. That must have been pretty cool to create?

The Crypt Gallery was the most perfect canvas to recreate Arkham Asylum, with its gothic statues and dark windowless tunnels. The fact there are over 550 bodies down there too gave it exactly the type of eerie ness you would hope for on a Halloween launch event.
We had an excellent lighting team who created incredible effects throughout the venue.
I had been for weeks building, buying, spray painting and planning all the set pieces we used to create The Penguins Lair, Catwoman’s Boudoir, The Jokers Electric Chair Room, Poison Ivy’s Grotto. The night before the event myself and the team worked till the early hours to build the set and it looked fantastic! I was very happy with how it looked.

Being such a creative person are you influenced by film and if so what films influence your work?

Yes, I’m massively into the medium of film. I like films that make you question what happened before and what happens next. When a film really affects you and returns to your mind days and weeks afterward, then you know that was a great film.
Stand out films for me are…’Sophie’s Choice’, ‘The Talented Mr Ripley’, ‘The Alien Series of films’ ‘Dolores Claiborne’, ‘Twin Peaks - Fire Walk With Me’. My taste is quite eclectic though as I also love a classic musical film from the MGM period.

Would directing a movie be something you’d like to add to your portfolio?

Yes, I most definitely would like to direct a film. I’ve directed videos and advertisements but I have a burning desire to direct a feature length film and I’m going to make it happen!

Obviously we specialize in the more alternative and dark side of cinema. Are you a fan of the horror genre and if so what’s your earliest memory of horror films and what scared you as a kid?

I remember being terrified by the film of Stephen Kings ‘Salem’s Lot’ as a child. I remember the ghostly vampire child tapping at the window that meant my windows were always firmly shut at night when I was in bed. I saw the film again recently and it didn’t have the same impact on me at all. The Omen also really scared me when I saw it as a kid.
I love cool horror films that are well made like ‘The Hunger’. I even liked the first ‘Halloween’ film although I’m not a fan of slasher movies with lots of blood and gore. I like something a bit more psychological and full of suspense.

The Hunger is a great shout sir!

Ghost films don’t really do it for me at all.

You must have rubbed shoulders with some stars in your time. Do you ever get star struck? Who’s your favourite and why? Any funny stories?

Yes I’ve been lucky to work with some incredible artists/celebrities who I’ve revered from a young age. To inhabit the same space as them can sometimes seem a little surreal but you quickly get into work mode and sort of forget the magnitude of their presence and being. Some are lovely, some a little more trying, but they are people who have good and bad days like all of us. The only difference is they are scrutinised for every part of their behaviour which is pressure for anyone.
I think I was most impressed when I got to meet and work very briefly on an event with Madonna. She was amazing. The most impressive thing is her professionalism, attention to detail, discipline and work ethic which even in the event we worked was apparent. It was a positive experience and I remained a big fan after I met her.

I bet you are Chris! My wife is also a huge fan of hers and has been since she was young. I guess the story is even more special when you find out those types of ‘ultra-celebrity’ people are truly impressive to work with and live up to that picture you have in your mind.

So what now for Chris Manoe? Obviously you’re an extremely busy man, but you must have some secret projects up your sleeve. Can you give us any spoilers?

I’m working on two TV shows at the moment. One in a new deal with Sony Pictures in the UK and another in the USA. I have a major event coming up in Feb next month that I am creative director for. The agencies are very busy right now with concert tours & TV shows etc. which is exciting and stretches through most of the year. I’m hoping to get over to the USA at some point this year to work on the TV show. I’m a massive fan of L.A so it would be nice to be stationed there for a bit.

Chris it’s been wonderful being able to chat to you. We wish you every success (not that you seem to need it) and if your ever thinking of creating ‘Horror Inc’ and taking us to L.A. with you, I reckon we could fit it into our busy schedules! All the best sir.

Thank you for your interest in my and ‘The Rogues Gallery’ I really hope the word spreads about it and people get chance to add a copy to their collection. It’s beautifully packaged and feels like an impressive addition to the coffee table. I’m very proud of it and direct people to www.TheRoguesG.com where there will be more information about The Rogues coming up regularly.

Interview by- FOLKLORE

@ChrisManoe105

@TheRoguesG

www.TheRoguesG.com