21 December 2009: Things Joss I Grateful For (Whedonesque Post)

In the final week of filming of Dollhouse, Joss Whedon took the time to post the things he is grateful for on Whedonesque. Here's what he said:

Things I Am Grateful For. A heartwarming, spleenpiercing holiday happy list from one of America's pre-eminent procrastinators.

Gentle Readers,

As the season of buying-scarves-for-relatives-you-don’t-know-that-well-because-of-religion descends upon us, I like to take a moment to reflect on the things that have truly made me happy this year. I’ll skip my family, since you don’t know them (but sidebar: awesome!) and share a few of the things that have helped me remember why I don’t spend every minute in a spiral of rage and despair. Instead, it’s a tingly combo of jealousy and joy. In no particular order:

1) A Serious Man. “I haven’t done anything.” This movie is both totally universal and clearly made by the Coens for a target audience of the Coens. It shreds basic narrative templates while being more emotionally connecting than the most cynical crowd-pleaser could dream of. Are we not all God’s fools? And don’t we all have a relative we suspect is a Dybbuk?
2) LXG: the trailer. (Link’d!) They were insane on “So You Think you Can Dance”, but it’s the trailer for their web series that makes the Legion of Extraordinary Dancers my favorite part of 2010. I’m frantic. I want a shirt. Guys, build a shirt!
3) Dombey and Son. A second reading shows that Dickens is not only more talented and hilarious than I’d remembered, but unbelievably morbid. Next to him, I’m… who’s not morbid? I’m that guy.
4) Glee, particularly the first-order finale. So many pay-offs, so many set-ups, and show-stopper after show-stopper. And just when you think they can’t rock any more show choir cred, out comes the Streisand. I’m actually more nervous about directing the show than I was to begin with. Absolute cool. (And, let’s just say it… Brittany. The duck is in the hat!)
5) The Godzilla fight from “Crank II: High Voltage.” Even though I enjoy the Statham oeuvre, I can’t think of a single person I could recommend this tawdry, misogynist hurt-fest to. In fact, if I found out I had a friend that liked it, I would probably back away slowly and avoid eye-contact. But then, when they reach the power plant: cinematic glory. Sometimes, if you go far enough over the top… you can see my house from here. (Yeah, I don’t know what that means either.)
6) “From Eden With love”, Eden Espinoza’s cabaret show at Feinstein’s. If this doesn’t continue, or come out as an album or a DVD, I shall become irate. And possibly slightly stalky. A stunning voice and presence, a totally unpredictable set list, and hauntingly beautiful arrangements. I cried. Other people, much less fey than myself, cried. This much talent in this small a room can solve the mysteries of life.
7) The Watkins Family hour at Largo. Speaking of small rooms and great talent… Hearing Sean and Sara Watkins (2/3rds of the band Nickel Creek) banter and goof in that little club in West Hollywood is adorable. Hearing them play is something else entirely. Bluegrass hasn’t been this riveting since Grisman and Garcia started hanging out, and Sara is way cuter than both of them.
8) “The Mold of Yancy” by Phillip K. Dick. A blistering critique of our current politics/entertainment/technology, written 54 years ago. Somebody should make some of his stuff into movies! Really. (Also, the Man-Made-of-Hashish run in “Scanner Darkly” is as hilarious as anything written, all the more so for appearing in a very dark sci-fi noir. Honorable mention.)
9) “An Immigrant’s Tale” from SNL. I’ve watched it dozens of times. It’s so tightly written, and Justin Timberlake nails every syllable. Flawless sketch comedy. (Honorable mention here has to go to the somewhat older “Gardening Tips From a Man Very Afraid of Plants”. The entire sketch is structured around the idea of making Christopher Walken say “googly eyes” as often as possible. Which is a noble mission indeed.)
10)Tinkerbell, bichez! That’s right. (Everyone I lost at “Streisand” just stopped reading again.) A movie for little kids that’s actually good for little kids. Not frenetic, scary, hyper-cutty, “hip”, heavy-handed, or annoying (Sadly, the sequel, just out, is almost all those things). Just a lovely tale about a girl who likes to build things. When Disney gets it right, they get it the rightest.

And there it is. My list of happy. On this last week of shooting Dollhouse, I can use all the happy I’ve got. I hate the thought of leaving my peeps, and my Eliza, and this uncompromisingly odd world. But I’ll rest up, and hopefully I’ll make someone else’s list in 2010 when I unveil the – oh and we’re out of time. Smoochez! -j.

joss | Purple prose | 17:52 CET | 104 comments total | tags: joss post, googly eyes, tinkerbell, jason statham

You can read the whole thread at www.whedonesque.com

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4 November 2009: Producers Guild of America Vanguard Award

Joss Whedon will receive the Producers Guild of America 2010 Vanguard Award at the 21st Annual PGA Awards Ceremony on 24th January 2010. The Vanguard Award recognizes achievements in new media and technology and previous recipients include George Lucas and James Cameron.

Co-Cgairs of the PGA Awards, David Friendly and Laurence Mark said, "Joss Whedon has mastered the art of melding the newest technology with inspired storytelling, truly exemplifying the spirit of the Vanguard Award.

Joss himself had the following to say:

This is an honor I didn't expect and probably don't deserve. The truth is, I've never actually guarded a van. But I am super-total visionary, so that fits. I'm ready to take my place next to the guys who made THX 1138 and Tin Toy (Did they ever do anything else, btw? They showed such promise.) This is a time of radical change in media delivery and content, and I'm honestly proud the PGA has singled me out as someone who sort of knows what's going on.

4 November 2009: Joss Bids for Terminator Franchise

Following an article on www.deadline.com revealing that the Terminator franchise was up for sale, Joss Whedon posted an open letter on Whedonesque to make his official bid.

Here's what it said:

An Open Letter to the Terminator Owners From a Very Important Hollywood Mogul

I am Joss Whedon, the mastermind behind Titan A.E., Parenthood (not the movie) (or the new series) (or the one where 'hood' was capitalized 'cause it was a pun), and myriad other legendary tales. I have heard through the 'grapevine' that the Terminator franchise is for sale, and I am prepared to make a pre-emptive bid RIGHT NOW to wrap this dealio up. This is not a joke, this is not a scam, this is not available on TV. I will write a check TODAY for $10,000, and viola! Terminator off your hands.

No, you didn't miscount. That's four -- FOUR! -- zeroes after that one. That's to show you I mean business. And I mean show business. Nikki Finke says the Terminator concept is played. Well, here's what I have to say to Nikki Finke: you are a fine journalist and please don't ever notice me. The Terminator story is as formative and important in our culture -- and my pretend play -- as any I can think of. It's far from over. And before you Terminator-Owners (I have trouble remembering names) rush to cash that sweet cheque, let me give you a taste of what I could do with that franchise:

1) Terminator... of the Rings! Yeah, what if he time-travelled TOO far... back to when there was dragons and wizards? (I think it was the Dark Ages.) Hasta La Vista, Boramir! Cool, huh? "Now you gonna be Gandalf the Red!" RRRRIP! But then he totally helps, because he's a cyborg and he doesn't give a s#&% about the ring -- it has no power over him! And he can carry it AND Frodo AND Sam AND f@%& up some orcs while he's doing it. This stuff just comes to me. I mean it. (I will also offer $10,000 for the Lord of the Rings franchise).

2) More Glau. Hey. There's a reason they're called "Summer" movies.

3) Can you say... musical? Well don't. Even I know that's an awful idea.

4) Christian Bale's John Connor will get a throat lozenge. This will also help his Batwork (ten grand for that franchise too, btw.)

5) More porn. John Connor never told Kyle Reese this, but his main objective in going to the past was to get some. What if there's a lot of future-babies that have to be made? Cue wah-wah pedal guitar -- and dollar signs!

6) The movies will stop getting less cool.

Okay. There's more -- this brain don't quit! (though it has occasionally been fired) -- but I think you get my drift. I really believe the Terminator franchise has only begun to plumb the depths of questioning the human condition during awesome stunts, and I'd like to shepherd it through the next phase. The money is there, but more importantly, the heart is there. But more importantly, money. Think about it. End this bloody bidding war before it begins, and put the Terminator in the hands of someone who watched the first one more than any other movie in college, including "Song of Norway" (no current franchise offer). Sincerely, Joss Whedon.

joss | Purple prose | 18:21 CET | 192 comments total | tags: come with me if you want to live, joss post

You can read the whole thread at www.whedonesque.com

23 October 2009: Dollhouse Screener Note from Joss

Screeners of episodes four and five of Dollhouse were recently sent out to the media and Sci Fi Wire chose to share the accompanying note from Joss Whedon.

Here's what it said:

We're back! With two brand new, never-before-sent-to-reviewers episodes of DOLLHOUSE, the show that's sweeping an unbelievably tiny portion of the nation. This is the year we all just get to have fun: twist the premise, go farther, darker, sillier... make the whole world our Dollhouse. It's a party, and you're the first to arrive, which means the food's not ready and we're not dressed and who shows up to a party on time anyway? Losers. I mean, best friends ever. ... We really hope you enjoy these. ...Thanks and see you on TiVo! - joss

Dollhouse airs tonight on Fox and 9/8c with an all-new Sierra-centric episode.

21 October 2009: Glee

Joss Whedon is set to direct one of the back nine episodes of Glee that Fox have just ordered. Joss himself commented on this, what it means for Dollhouse and the fact that he only seems to be known for dealing out the hand of death. Here's what he said:

Hey kids and parents of kids and super-old, like ancestor-old-but-not-dead-yet-type people, just poking my oversized head in to say that the rumors are true... unless something very odd happens in the next few months, I will have the privilege of shooting an episode of GLEE. Why GLEE? Because I love cops, serial killers and gritty urban drama (I haven't seen the show yet). Why me? Because they're struggling and can't afford real directors. And to head off a few queries:

No, this doesn't mean Dollhouse definitely won't get a back nine. Our numbers mean that! But I kid. Okay, we're not exactly saving all the good stuff for 14-22, but nobody's closed the door. If D'House suddenly busts wide, huzzah, we'll still bring it, and I'll still go and direct an episode of Glee, because of my love of cops. These realities can co-exist. And possibly cross over, at least in fiction that I have wri - read. About.

What can we expect from a 'Joss Whedon' epsiode of Glee? An episode of Glee. God willin' and the crik don't rise, a good one. A television director's job is, on some level, to be anonymous; to find the most compelling way to present a story without calling attention to himself. I had a wonderful time doing just that on The Office, and hope to again. A guest director can bring a huge amount to the party (we've had CRAZY talent on Dollhouse), but the party isn't his. I just want to work with good people on a show that I like enough to have watched every episode several times. (I lied: I HAVE watched the show. And seriously, when do the cops show up?)

Whom will I kill? When will that go away? Is death really the only thing I'm known for? I'd hope not. You know how many people in the world actually die? ALL OF THEM. You know how many I've killed? Statistically, somewhat fewer. Can't we focus on another element of my work? Having said that, probably Principal Figgins. (No! I kid! God.)

Anyway, I hope that clears things up. I'm going to do my best, and more importantly, I'm going to do my best not to gush like a fanboy for eight straight days on set. Don't worry. I practiced with Bamber. I'm a pro.

Happy Monday. Especially for me. -j.

joss | October 19, 23:15 CET

You can read the full thread at www.whedonesque.com

28 August 2009: Access Hollywood Video Interview

Access Hollywood recently spoke to Joss Whedon on the set of Dollhouse where he spoke about some of the upcoming guest stars for season two. You can watch the video interview at www.accesshollywood.com.

5 August 2009: Joss Whedon Cultural Humanist Award Speech.

Earlier this year Joss Whedon accepted the third annual Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Award in Cultural Humanism. You can watch (or just listen to) his acceptance speech and the following question and answer session at www.wgbh.org.

4 August 2009: Joss Whedon - Airlock Alpha Video Interview

Airlock Alpha spoke to Joss Whedon at San Diego Comic Con while he stood in line to watch Glee. You can watch the video at www.airlockalpha.com.

3 June 2009: Harvard Humaninsan Award Ceremony

Joss Whedon recently attend the Harvard Humanism Award Ceremony where he accepted the 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award in Cultural Humanism. You can watch a video clip of his acceptance speach at www.harvardhumanist.org.

12 May 2009: Fox Video Interview

Fox interviewed Joss Whedon at the recent Paley Fest and kept a part of the interview back until after the Dollhouse Season Finale had aired. You can watch it at www.youtube.com

12 May 2009: More Than Mary Video Interview

Joss Whedon and Neil Patrick Harris recently attended the Streamy Awards where they picked up awards for Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog. More Than Mary were backstage to interview them and you can watch the video interview here and here.

6 May 2009: This American Life Podcast

Joss Whedon's appearance on This American Life is now available for download at www.thisamericanlife.org.

29 March 2009: Associated Press Video Interview

Associated Press have a video interview with Joss Whedon on their YouTube page and you can watch it at www.youtube.com.

27 March 2009: This American Life Live

Joss Whedon will be making an appearance on This American Life - Live, a live stage version of the radio program which will be broadcast live on 23rd April 2009 to select movie theatres and performing arts centers across America. For more information and tickets go to www.thislife.org.

21 March 2009: TV Guide Video Interview Part 4

Part four of TV Guide's Video Interview with Joss Whedon is now available to watch at www.tvguide.com.

19 March 2009: Comic Book Resources Video Interview

Comic Book Resources recently interviewed Joss Whedon and Tahmoh Penikett at the New York Comic Con and you can watch the video at www.comicbookresources.com

19 March 2009: TVGuide Video Interview Part 3

The third part of TVGuide's video interview with Joss Whedon is now available to be viewed at www.tvguide.com.

19 March 2009: TVGuide Video Interview Part 2

The second part of TVGuide's video interview with Joss Whedon is now available to be viewed at www.tvguide.com.

18 March 2009: Harvard Humanist Award

Joss Whedon will receive the 2009 Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Award in Cultural Humanism from Harvard University on 10th April 2009. During the ceremony Joss will discuss his experience in film and television and his humanist values. For more details go to www.harvardhumanist.org.

15 March 2009: TVGuide Video Interview - Part 1

TVGuide recently interviewed Joss Whedon and you can watch part 1 of this at www.tvguide.com.

13 March 2009: Joss Whedon - Five Questions on Whedonesque

Just before the premiere of Dollhouse, Joss Whedon took the time to post on Whedonesque and offer members a chance to ask questions, five of which he would personally answers. Here's what he posted and the answers he gave:

"For You Guys. I'll check this in 30 minutes and pick five questions to answer.

I'll have to be brief, but since I'm talking to everyone that should include you."

And his answers:

"What role will Felicia Day play on Dollhouse?

A tough yet tender freedom-fighter in a post-apocalyptic future, DUH.

Okay, that one doesn't count.

What aspect of Dollhouse are you most proud of?

I'm gonna go with the casting. I'm enormously proud of the ensemble we put together. They're all very different and gave us more than we'd hoped for, while filming everything out of order and never once carping. There's gonna be some love. There's gonna be some shipping. I might have accidentally shipped.

Out of all of the characters you have worked with over the years who's story arc has pleased you the most?

For a long term arc, you can't beat Wesley Wyndham-Price. Talk about empowering a geek! I also have special love for Anne, formerly (among other things), Chantarelle. I didn't realize till after the fact how much her story owed to "A Little Princess".

If residuals from the interwebs are not that good, is it worth thinking about a donate-scheme to supplement them? I prefer watching online, I'd be happy to donate a few dollars for each show I enjoy watching if there was an easy way to do that. It hurts me that my preferred watching method is less equitable.

I think donation or subscription -- or just budgeting through pre-sale -- models are kind of interesting. The guild was fan-financed its first season -- one of the internet structures I'm investigating could be similar. The more direct connection between the fan and the artist, the better. It would be fun to announce a project with and actor and THEN find out what the budget was based on the fans.

Which episode of Dollhouse would you say stands out to you the most (your favorite episode)?

Well, "Man on the Street", our episode six, was the ep that really seemed to bring everything together. I've never written faster or more easily. Having said that, my favorite eposides of my own shows are usually Tim Minear's, and he's still in editing, so...

Also, the last one is bonkers.

Do you feel you've been pigeonholed as a geek writer? Whether it's sci-fi or superheroes, these genres tend not to garner the respect (read:awards) that other let's say more realistic genres do. Does that bother you? Would you ever consider writing something more in the vein of The Wire?

I've planted myself firmly where I am. I like them genres. I like 'em all. A tough cop drama belongs to somebody like David Simon who actually knows about tough cops. (His Book Homicide, on which they based the series, is one of my favorites ever.) I like things a little bigger than life. Or smaller, but only if they were really small, and had to fight the cat.

joss | February 13, 07:52 CET

An addendum:

And is 42 really the answer for everything?

I'm 44, so not anymore.

joss | February 13, 07:54 CET

You can read the whole thread at www.whedonesque.com.

11 March 2009: New York Times Audio Clips

The New York Times recently posed some of it's readers questions to Joss Whedon and you can hear the answers in short audio clips at www.nytimes.html.

7 March 2009: Associated Press Video Interview

The Associated Press have a video interview with Joss Whedon and you can watch it at www.youtube.com

7 March 2009: My Fox New York Video Interview

Joss Whedon and Eliza Dushku recently attended the Apple store in New York to promote Dollhouse and My Fox New York have a short video interview with them which you can watch at www.myfoxny.com

7 March 2009: Newsarama Video Interview Part 2

The second part of Newsarama's video interview with Joss Whedon and Tahmoh Penikett from Comic-Con is available to view at www.newsarama

27 February 2009: Newsarama Video Interview

Joss Whedon and Tahmoh Penikett recently attended New York Comic Con where Newsaram caught up with them. You can watch the video interview at www.nersarama.com.

6 January 2009: Dr. Horrible Review

Joss Whedon has written his own review of the Dr. Horrible DVD for Amazon.com. Here's what he had to say:

When Amazon asked me to review this movie, I was hesitant, as I'm not too familiar with the genre, and also I made it. But I found Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog quite rewarding, which is to say, if you buy it, I will be rewarded with a small sum of money. But what's in it for you? A few surprises, I won't lie. THE SECRET OF ETERNAL YOUTH. The Dark Knight doesn't have that, does it? A CONTROLLING INTEREST IN EUROPE. Not available with Mama Mia! BEES. Deadly, hideous bees are contained in certain shipments, sorry. We're trying to control that. But already, a pretty extraordinary disc.

The film itself I didn't really get. Apparently young people today think it's okay to make fun of supervillians. In my day we treated them with respect and fear, especially when they were singing. I did like the jokes, except when one man mentioned his secret love appendage to another, which I find crass. But the tunes are very hummable, and many of them ran through my head as I fell asleep before the ending, which I'll bet was a humdinger. In fact, the whole movie humdinged. I give it forty billion stars.

The extras (Eternal life, Europe, Bees) were mostly exciting. There is a whole second musical, called "Commentary!", which harkens back to the days of Radio and of writing things really poorly. I can't recommend it enough. (That should read "I can't recommend it. Enough!" Sorry.) Seriousfully, it's not so much a commentary as chance for the cast and writers to make fun of each other in every musical style possible. I give it forty eight billion stars.

The extras are all solid fun, especially the many applications to the Evil League of Evil, sent by people who how to show a supervillain the proper respect. I was promised eggs, but did not find any eggs, only horrible, stinging bees, but I am told the eggs are good. That is my review. I think you should buy the DVD every day forever, and I am totally unbiased. Happy Holidays! --Joss Whedon

Read it at armchaircommentary.com.

9 December 2009
11 Things You Didn't Know About Joss Whedon Video From Fox
Chicago Tribune

16 October 2009
Webisodes on the Big Screen

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