Joss Whedon is one of the most influential figures in popular culture today. A mainstream filmmaker with an independent sensibility, he is equally at home working on blockbuster productions like The Avengers and more personal projects. But it is in his television work, particularly the era-defining Buffy the Vampire Slayer, that Whedon has done most to develop his distinctive style and themes.
Celebrating and analysing the TV shows as works of mass-mediated public art, this book rejects the straightforward notion of Whedon as ‘television auteur’. Instead, it explores the wider industrial, technological, political and economic contexts that have both influenced and been influenced by him. Based on key source material, including drafts of episodes from across Whedon’s career and unique correspondence with Whedon collaborator Jane Espenson, it offers unparalleled insights into the creative process behind such favourites as Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Dollhouse and Firefly.
Energetic, engaging and informed by meticulous scholarship, this book makes a significant contribution to our understanding of Joss Whedon’s work. It is also a timely and important re-invigoration of television studies. It will appeal to students and scholars of contemporary history, pop culture, aesthetics and mass art, as well as fans who want to learn more about the shows they love.
Industry Reviews
'The book is impressively thorough, detailed and innovative in its approach to authorship within
contemporary media and television studies and will be invaluable not only to scholars or
fans of Whedon's works but to academics in the field.'
Journal Critical Studies in Television
'Matthew Pateman's new book is an essential addition to the collection of all Whedon scholars and fans. Pateman's accounts of each of Whedon's major television shows are informed by detailed research into the surrounding contexts of creative working relationships, network negotiations, and television programming strategies. This fresh angle of approach, coupled with a sharp eye for textual detail, adds breadth and depth to our understanding of these shows, of Whedon, and of broader questions of agency and structure in television production.'
James A Zborowski, University of Hull
'Matthew Pateman's Joss Whedon is a timely reflection on Whedon's place as a leading figure in contemporary TV production and a cult figure within popular media. Challenging traditional notions of the single creative artist, Pateman examines the complex tapestry of creative partnerships, cultural and industrial contexts, political engagements and multi-media platforms that have shaped Whedon's output and his cult auteur-image. Rich in insight, detailed analysis and scholarly rigor - expressed with passion for the material in Pateman's own inimitable style - this a must-read for the Whedon fan and the TV scholar. This not just the Whedon book we want but the Whedon book we need.'
Stacey Abbott, Reader in Film and Television Studies at the University of Roehampton
