Lesley Manning
- Known For
- Directing
- Active Years
- 1978–2025 (48 Years)
- Total Credits
- 29 credits in database
Biography
Lesley Manning is a Welsh-born director who began her filmmaking career at Bristol Art College, where she graduated with first-class honours. She continued her training as a director at the National Film and Television School. Following her education, she worked on films and serials for the BBC. Among her notable projects is the cult hit Ghostwatch, which was part of the BBC Screen One film strand and was identified as the highest-rated single drama for 48 years. Manning also directed My Sisterwife for the BBC Screen Two film strand. Her feature film credits include Leila, released in 2011, which she also wrote. Additionally, Manning is known for her work on the 2019 production Help.
Career overview
Lesley Manning is a Welsh-born director who began her filmmaking career at Bristol Art College, where she graduated with first-class honours. She continued her professional training as a director at the National Film and Television School. Following her education, she transitioned into working on films and serials for the BBC. Among her notable projects for the network was the cult hit Ghostwatch, which was part of the BBC Screen One film strand. The production was recognized as the highest-rated single drama for 48 years and was named by Channel Four as the most controversial television drama.
In addition to her work on Ghostwatch, Manning directed the film My Sisterwife for the BBC Screen Two strand. This project received the CRE Best Drama award and the Best Asian Film Award, and it was screened at film festivals in Dinard and Brussels. In 2011, Manning released the feature film Leila, which marked the first time she served as both writer and director. The film was a finalist at the Austin Film Festival. Her directing credits also include the 2019 production Help. Manning is credited with 25 known credits throughout her career.
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Career timeline
Full Filmography
29 titles- Found Footage Finds (2025) as Herself
- Man With a Movie Camera: The Found Footage Legacy of 'Man Bites Dog' (2025) as Self
- Man With a Movie Camera: The Found Footage Legacy of 'Man Bites Dog' (2025) Thanks
- Do You Believe In Ghosts?: 30 Years of Ghostwatch (2022) as Self
- Help (2022) Director
- Good Thanks, You? (2020) as Reader in the Waiting Room
- Seven (2019) Director
- Sleeper (2014) Editor
- Ghostwatch: Behind the Curtains (2012) as Self
- Ghostwatch: Behind the Curtains (2012) Editor
- Ghostwatch: Behind the Curtains (2012) Producer
- Leila (2011) Writer
- Leila (2011) Director
- The Agent (2009) Director
- The Story of Tracy Beaker (2002) Director
- Home Road Movies (2002) First Assistant Director
- Drovers' Gold (1997) Director
- Ghosts (1995) Director
- Three Miles Up (1995) Director
- Ghostwatch (1992) Director
- My Sister-Wife (1992) Director
- A Grand Day Out (1990) Thanks
- Screen One (1989) Director
- South of the Border (1988) Director
- Building Sights (1988) Director
- Brewers Droop (1986) Editor
- The Victor (1985) Editor
- A Dangerous Summer (1982) Assistant Sound Editor
- Recent Fiction (1978) as (player)
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Lesley Manning best known for?
Lesley Manning is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including The Story of Tracy Beaker (2002), Day Tripper (1966), A Grand Day Out (1990), Screen One (1989).
How many credits does Lesley Manning have?
Lesley Manning has accumulated over 29 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1978 to 2025.
What is Lesley Manning's background in cinema and television?
Lesley Manning is a Welsh-born director who began her filmmaking career at Bristol Art College, where she graduated with first-class honours. She continued her training as a director at the National Film and Television School. Following her education, she worked on films and serials for the BBC. Among her notable proje...
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