Steve Miner

Lore & Background

Miner began work in the film industry as a recurring collaborator of producer-director Sean S. Cunningham, filling in for various behind the scenes roles on films such as The Last House on the Left and Friday the 13th. His directorial debut was the latter film's first sequel, Friday the 13th Part 2, and he directed the third entry, Friday the 13th Part III, less than a year later. Miner is one of several directors to have crossed over and directed entries in multiple horror franchises, including Halloween and Friday the 13th; Ronny Yu directed Freddy vs. Jason, which belongs to both the Friday the 13th and Nightmare on Elm Street franchises, while other directors like Jack Sholder and Stephen Hopkins have also helmed films in multiple series.

In Their Own Story

In 1983, Miner acquired the rights from Toho to develop an American Godzilla film titled Godzilla: King of the Monsters in 3D, with Miner attached as the director. He hired Fred Dekker to write the script and William Stout for storyboards and concept art. Miner generated some interest in Hollywood but was unable to secure financing and let the rights revert to Toho. He went on to direct other horror films such as Warlock, Halloween H20: 20 Years Later, and Lake Placid.

Reader's Guide

Miner first crossed over into the comedy genre with his 1985 cult horror-comedy House, and has since gone on to direct other films in the genre including Soul Man and Big Bully. His work on The Wonder Years earned him a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Comedy Series and a DGA Award for Outstanding Directing in a Comedy Series. Miner has since become a notable television director on shows like Smallville, Psych, Felicity, Dawson's Creek (including the pilot and four of the other episodes of the first season), and Diagnosis: Murder.

Did You Know?

• Steve Miner's directorial debut was Friday the 13th Part 2, the first sequel to the original film.
• He directed Friday the 13th Part III less than a year after Part 2.
• In 1983, Miner acquired the rights from Toho to develop an American Godzilla film titled Godzilla: King of the Monsters in 3D.
• Miner is one of several directors to have directed entries in multiple horror franchises, including Halloween and Friday the 13th; Ronny Yu directed Freddy vs. Jason, which spans both the Friday the 13th and Nightmare on
• His work on The Wonder Years earned him a Primetime Emmy nomination and a DGA Award.