Exclusive Interview – Erica Fraga

(Aquí versión en nuestro idioma).

First and foremost we at “Expediente X” (“EsX”) would like to appreciate your time. It is our honour for us to make this interview, bearing in mind how busy our lives run nowadays. So thanks a million in advance!! Besides, being the author of a book dedicated to Kim Manners makes it even better, a big deal for us due to we at “EsX” have much love and respect to the amazing director and producer was.

So let us get straight to the point. Here you have the questions our members, readers and fans have sent to you. There you go!!

EsX: How did the idea of writing “LAX-Files” come up? Is it some sort of thesis, project or educational work…or is it just a personal goal?
Erica Fraga: “LAX-Files” actually began as Southern California ‘X-Files’ location guide; a companion piece to Todd Pittson’s “X Marks The Spot”.  I had travelled to British Columbia and conducted my own “X-Files” tour.  When I returned, I began looking for location information for “X-Files” shows filmed in the Los Angeles area.  I found none.  I asked the location manager on “The X-Files” if he was going to write his own book, he said no, so began “LAX-Files”. Once Kim passed away in January 2009, the book became so much more.

EsX: Did you meet Kim Manners?
Erica Fraga: No, I never had the pleasure of meeting Kim directly.

EsX: What does this book mean to you?
Erica Fraga: This is a great question.  This book represents a year of my life, from tracking down location address, confirming if the addresses were valid and still in existence, to tracking down friends and family close to Kim and securing interviews.
To be able to honor Kim like this is my way of showing my appreciation for his work.  To be able to honor Kim’s family after his passing, and leave them with a collection of positive stories of his influence on those around him is my way of showing my admiration for him.

Final cover of the book.

EsX: How many people are involved in the project? What kind of help did you get in order to carry out on it?
Erica Fraga: Many close and trusted friends were involved in the making of this book. They have been given special mention in a section of the book. The help I received ranges from graphic design to tracking down the talent to simple word editing.

EsX: How did the people answer when you first announced the idea of writing such a book?  How did the people have a hand in it?
Erica Fraga: Do you mean the cast and crew? Before I began to work on the revised version of “LAX-Files”, I asked Frank Spotnitz if there was someone else working on a tribute project to Kim and if not, I asked for his blessing. He knew of no one else and gave me the go ahead.  The cast and crew have been very supportive of the project and have been instrumental to the success of this book.

EsX: We see there’s an altruistic cause behind the book. How were the relationships with Kim Manners’ family and how did you end up donating the benefits to the American Cancer Society was the best choice?
Erica Fraga: I knew I wanted to donate the profits of the book sales to a charity of the Manner’s Family choosing. Kim’s widow selected the “American Cancer Society”.

EsX: Tell us how can we get the book outside of the USA.
Erica Fraga: The book will be available for worldwide purchase through “Amazon.com”.

EsX: How did the interviews with the Special Guest go?
Erica Fraga: Everyone who worked on “The X-Files” is credited for the superb work that they did, whether it be in front or behind the camera. To me, everyone on the show is responsible for the global success of the show and is important.
All of the interviews went smoothly; I was truly blessed to so many people respond to my requests and share their memories of knowing Kim and working on “The X-Files”.

EsX: Do you recall a very special touching moment in any of those conversations? Maybe some confidential curiosity?
Erica Fraga: Alas, anything said in confidence will stay locked away in my vault.  Everyone I interviewed had a touching or funny story about Kim or “The X-Files” in general. Most of those stories have made it into the book.

EsX: Are you happy with the final result?
Erica Fraga: I am very pleased and proud of the final result, and I hope I was able to do Kim’s memory justice and make his family even more proud of him than they already are.

- Now a bit about The X-Files:

EsX: How was your first contact with the show? Do you remember?
Erica Fraga: My first episode of “The X-Files” was Season 1 “Miracle Man” in 1993.  My younger brother was already hooked onto the show and he made me stop studying and watch “The X-Files” with him. I have been hooked ever since.

EsX: After 16 years the show’s still alive and achievements such as this book are very helpful to keep it fresh and contemporary. Why is the show so special?
Erica Fraga: “The X-Files” are special for a number of reasons. In my opinion, the production quality, the writing, acting and directing all came together and did something that no one else on television had done at the time, and still has not done, in my opinion. “The X-Files” was not a regular television show; making every episode was like making a big budget feature film and everyone had to be on their “A” game.

- And now a couple of questions regarding other Kim Manners’ works and productions:

EsX: What can you tell us about Kim Manners’ early works and productions? How were his beginnings at “21 Jump Street” or “Brisco County”?
Erica Fraga: Kim first began to direct in 1978 on “Charlie’s Angels”.  His captivating and unique style of directing landed him those jobs.

EsX: What do you remember of them?
Erica Fraga: I caught re-runs of “21 Jump Street” when I was older, but I loved “Brisco County Jr.” because I am a Bruce Campbell fan. You may remember Bruce as Wayne Weinesider from Season 6 “Terms Of Endearment”.

EsX: In this respect, do you make any contributions to them in the book or just his years in Los Angeles regarding “The X-Files”?
Erica Fraga: A brief biography of Kim’s early works is mentioned in the book, and several cast and crew members, like Rob and Mitch, have worked with Kim on the aforementioned shows.

EsX: Kim was producing and directing Supernatural when he passed away.  Did you have the chance to speak with the staff and crew of that show? If so, what kind of feelings did you get from them?
Erica Fraga: Several attempts were made to contact the Supernatural cast and crew members once I began work on LAX-Files, but Kim’s passing has left such a gaping hole in the lives of the Vancouver cast and crew, that no one responded to any of the requests.  I presume the pain is still too fresh for them.

EsX: We would like to thank you once again your time and cooperation. It’s been our pleasure meeting you by all means and we hope the book will be having a positive reception so future generations won’t forget Kim Manners and his sensational work in the Television business.

Thanks a lot!!!