Joss Whedon: A Life in Pictures

Joss Whedon, award-winning writer, director and the man who created Buffy the Vampire Slayer, has shared his “absurd love of storytelling.”

Whedon, who as well as creating Buffy directed Avengers Assemble and co-wrote Toy Story, told the audience at a special Life in Pictures event he’s happy to be a “wannabe”.

In a live interview with Francine Stock on 14 June 2013, he said:

“The best thing a director can be is a wannabe – and I am the world’s greatest wannabe,” he said.

“If I could sew the costumes I would, if I could do the stunts I would.”

Joss Whedon was the focus of a 2013 A Life in Pictures event

Whedon is one of Hollywood's top creators, scripting several hit films including Marvel’s The Avengers.

The writer and director created one of television's most critically acclaimed shows, Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

The interview was in front of a live audience in London.

Whedon was pictured speaking on stage with interviewer Francine Stock.

The writer and director says: "The end game is getting people to feel."

Creating game-changing TV

Whedon is recognised as one of the most original voices working in the film and television industry. But his first experience in features was tough – the debut film he wrote, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, tanked at the box office.

However, it established Whedon as a go-to script doctor, who worked on high-profile hits like Speed, Twister and Toy Story. For the Pixar smash he was one of seven writers to score an Oscar nomination for Original Screenplay.

Famously, Buffy didn’t stay dead. Adapted for TV, the show became a hit in the late nineties. It was praised for innovations including a near-dialogue free episode and another presented as a musical.

“Every episode we did was for a different reason,” he said.

“We don’t show up and give the audience what they already have.”

Building unique worlds

After Buffy’s success Whedon created Angel, a darker spin-off which confirmed his talent at building unique, multi-layered fictional worlds. He followed this with Firefly, a sci-fi show that didn’t let the fact it was cancelled after a single season stop it becoming a cult. He adapted it for the big screen as Serenity, his first film as director.

Whedon’s film career rose another level when he directed superhero film Avengers Assemble. It achieved the highest-ever opening weekend at the US box office, grossing over $200m.

However big the productions get, he’s renowned for keeping a story’s emotional heart beating.

“The end game is getting people to feel,” he said.

“And if you can get them to think? Bonus”.

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