Communications grad makes waves with new comedy series

Learn more about the Graduate Certificate in Professional Communication Management.

Kimberly Manky, a dynamic storyteller and Graduate Certificate in Professional Communication Management alum, is making a splash with her latest project, DEBRA. The half-hour comedy series delves into themes of disability and ageism, offering a fresh and captivating perspective that is resonating deeply with audiences.

“Debra is about a middle-aged mermaid trying to get back up on her tail, but that's really just the surface,” says Manky. 

Manky credits her studies with informing her work on DEBRA. Through immersive learning experiences and mentorship, she gained confidence in her communication abilities and leadership potential.

Add a spark of inspiration from a whimsical workshop and the show began to take form.

The inception of DEBRA occurred during Manky's visit to Jim Henson Studios in Los Angeles. Inspired after meeting Brian Henson and a spontaneous purchase of puppets, including a mermaid, Manky found herself immersed in a whirlwind of character development.

“I started coming up with character traits and voices for the puppets: Debra was a hardened broad, recently divorced, and she smoked two packs a day. At one point I turned to my husband and said, ‘This is a show’ and then I immediately went into the office and wrote the pilot in one go,” she says. 

DEBRA, a character born from Manky's vivid imagination, mirrors her own experiences as a woman in her 40s with a disability. What began as a creative spark swiftly evolved into a fully-fledged pilot script, crafted in a single burst of inspiration—a rarity in the realm of television production.

The live-action comedy is set in a world where merpeople are viewed as anomalies who live alongside humans, Debra, a 52-year-old mermaid, faces discrimination due to her age, gender, and tail. When the audience first meets her, she has just committed to joining a documentary series aimed at reshaping perceptions about these misunderstood creatures.

Manky draws parallels between a middle-aged mermaid feeling out of place, and the experiences of people who feel marginalized. “Like many of us, Debra does not fit into society’s norms,” she says. 

“Because DEBRA is an allegory, we can touch on sensitive, controversial and complex subjects and when we pair that up with comedy it can play an important role in social change: it disarms the audience, creates an emotional connection, breaks down barriers, and hopefully starts meaningful conversations,” she says.

While the short is garnering a lot of attention, Manky hasn’t sold the series yet and is still looking for a production company to turn it into a series. 

“Last week I was in New York at the ReelAbilities film festival and I pitched my series in front of a live audience and panel of TV Executives and it won in the TV Category, so I will be mentored by the AMC Networks,” she says.

Manky's journey with DEBRA was enriched by her participation in the Canadian Film Centre’s Norman Jewison Film Program Writers' Lab. Surrounded by industry luminaries and guided by mentors, she honed her skills and developed a proof of concept for the series.

“I had this vision in my head and I wasn't sure if it could be achieved, but somehow it all came together,” says Manky. “It felt like magic.”

Collaboration played a pivotal role in shaping DEBRA, with Manky enlisting long-time friend Juno Rinaldi from Workin’ Moms to play the title role, and CFC Head of Programs Kathryn Emslie suggesting Dani Kind (known for her work on Workin' Moms and Wynonna Earp) to direct the short. "Juno and Dani both brought so much to the project and supported me throughout the process."

“I wasn't sure if anyone could capture the tone I was going for with DEBRA - but Juno totally nailed it and captured this multi-dimensional character so beautifully,” says Manky.

In a landscape dominated by familiar tropes and rehashed content, DEBRA challenges the status quo of television comedy, offering a refreshing departure from conventional storytelling.

“I think DEBRA doesn't fit the current landscape, and I think that's why it works,” says Manky. “There is nothing on TV like it and I think that's one of the reasons that it is connecting with so many people.”

Having navigated diverse writing roles, Manky's decision to complete a Graduate Certificate in Professional Communication Management at Royal Roads University was unexpected but transformative.

“I think coming into any program with an open mind is so important,” says Manky. “You might find that it is not exactly what you wanted it to be, or exactly what you thought it might be - but that could be a good thing.

“One of my final assignments was titled, Trust the Process and that was my biggest takeaway from the course,” she says.

During filming, several crew members expressed their personal connection with the character and themes, highlighting the universal nature of these human experiences and fostering a sense of hope. As DEBRA continues to gain momentum, Manky remains dedicated to amplifying diverse voices and challenging societal norms.

“My hope for audiences watching DEBRA is that they will feel seen,” says Manky. “The show is about feeling different and finding your community.”

Learn more about the Graduate Certificate in Professional Communication Management.