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Marti Noxon Online Chat - Live chat November 8th 2001

Gods and Monsters
  The big boss, Angel and feeling fresh after five years.

Samantha A: Is Joss Whedon really as god-like as he seems?

Nay, he is but a man. He’s an incredibly brilliant person and he is frightening in his ability to do a number of different things. I think after seeing him pull off the special episodes he has in the last couple of years he may be ready for god-hood, but so far he still walks on earth and not on water.

Nicholas Turner: The main thrust of your work is on Buffy, but are there any plans for you to write or work on any episodes of Angel this year?

I am not doing as much on Angel because Joss has been doing a little bit less on Buffy this year. He does a little less on the production side, so that’s kept me very, very busy - meaning I do a lot of the editing and music notes. That sort of stuff. So there’s been a little less Joss on Buffy and a little more me. Consequently I don’t do as much on Angel.

Maria Picton: How do you see the Buffy series continuing now the characters are getting older? Do you see them continuing into mid to late twenties, still having interesting scenarios to tackle?

We have said, I think, that Buffy would never go beyond five seasons. Originally Joss’s plan was that at the end of Season Five, Sunnydale was going to get sucked into the Hellmouth and that was going to be the end of it. Obviously, as you know, we’re continuing here in the States, so that didn’t happen.

We also feel really revitalised. We feel that the new shows are still really fresh. As long as we feel the stories we’re telling still feel fresh and fun and interesting, and as long as the people involved want to continue doing it, it could go on for a good long time.

I also see a great deal of spin-off potential. Sometimes I imagine it like the Star Trek franchise. This Buffy might go away but might be replaced by another version.

Spin-off Potential
  Exploring the the past, comics and film projects.

Gavin P: Do you think you might take the same approach as the new Star Trek spin-off - Enterprise - and actually go back before Buffy, go back to an earlier Slayer?

Who knows. The possibility of that is real because it’s not just a show that Joss created, it’s a world. And it’s populated by a lot of different interesting characters. So, the potential is pretty endless.

Host: What would your preference be for a spin off? Are there any particular aspects you’d like to explore?

Hmm, interesting. Assuming the cast we have (who are amazing and I never want to work with anyone else) eventually want to do other things with their lives, I would want to look at the lives of different Slayers. I would love to see kind of an anthology series about different Slayers.

Peter Swain: The writers have been working on a comic book - Tales of the Slayers?

Some of the writers have. I didn’t this last time, but many of the writers on staff worked on Tales of the Slayers. That’ll be coming out sometime soon I think.

Host: Is there any particular reason you weren’t involved?

I have been working on a feature for Universal so I already had another job, and comic books... I know this is heresy, but I was kind of a Richy Rich fan, so I don’t really fit with this whole gang here.

Host: What was the feature you were working on?

I just finished writing a romantic comedy and I’m waiting for another pass on that. I have also done another supernatural comedy in the Buffy vein for Universal which is still in development, as they often are.

Pain and Chains
  Evolving story arcs, dark scribblings and new networks.

Chantelle Putter: As a writer/producer/director on Buffy, how much influence have you had on the show’s characters, and where would you like to see them end up?

The influence varies. Joss has very strong ideas about the overall pattern of the show, what’s going to happen in the course of a year. He usually comes in with a general shape and then from episode to episode the different writers pitch wrinkles on that.

I’d say [that] as the years have progressed, Joss is busy with his empire, so there’s a little more time to discuss and bring in other ideas. It varies from show to show. I think that every writer sort of brings their personality to the show and that’s reflected in the episodes and in different characters.

I’ve been accused of being the sort of pain and chains girl. My episodes are often about dark issues and nasty sex. Joss would say that until I got this show, it wasn’t quite as nasty, and I take that as a compliment.

Host: Do you think you’ll continue to specialise in that area, or will you do more comedy?

I love to write all kinds of genre and all different kinds of stories, but I definitely am drawn more to the darker side of things. The things I’m definitely drawn to are more melodramatic, and that’s OK - we all have our favourites.

It takes me a long time to write a good joke. There are a lot of people here who it’s second nature to. We sort of assign scripts based on people’s loves and first abilities.

Jasmine B: I was curious about the change in networks. Has it involved any particular changes in style or approach?

The benefit has been fairly clear. We have the full support and full promotional push of a network in our sixth season, so that’s a huge big deal. Most of the time, a show’s support is waning [at this point] and you’re just going from day to day, but we’re a new show to UPN and we’re very exciting to them.

So, they’ve been doing a lot more promotion and really putting us in the public eye again. As a result, we’ve got some new viewers this year, and that’s really great - to breathe fresh life into a the show that’s been on for a long time is really difficult and they’ve been doing a really good job, so that’s been great.

The other part of it is, creatively, they were happy with the show when they bought it, so they were pretty committed to just staying out of our way. That’s been great because generally we didn’t have a lot of input from the WB on the direction of the show creatively and we were used to that, so that was something that was of concern as to whether it would stay like that.

A change of direction
  Directing Into the Woods and the end of Riley.

Tina: With Into the Woods, how does it feel to be in the Director’s chair for a change? Were you happy with the end result?

It was thrilling and it was terrifying. I thought I was going to bolt the whole time. Technically, it’s a totally different skill than what you use as a writer.

When you’re writing, it’s fairly solitary and it requires zoning everything out, not talking to people and really staying focused. Directing is entirely about dealing with other people and troubleshooting and being the eye of a hurricane all day long.

So, it was incredibly challenging, but also - when it’s good - it was the happiest I felt ever, because it’s like putting on a live show. You’re in the middle of something that’s incredibly social and creative, which is something that most writers really need and crave.

It was incredibly exciting, it was very difficult, and I discovered a lot of things that I need to learn to do better. Ultimately, I was pretty happy with the results. I thought that the most important thing as a director is to tell the story, not to get caught up in being all fancy just for fanciness sake, so I tried to do that.

Rodolpho Polanco: Were you given any particular pointers on the directing by anyone on the team? Who was the most help?

Well Joss was adamant that I do it. I wanted to do it and I have always dreamed of doing it but I was terrified, ready to bolt, but Joss was incredibly insistent because he knew that creatively I needed to understand that process better so that when he was less involved on the technical ends of things I would really understand every aspect of the show.

So, he was my mentor, as he’s been in many respects, and he walked me through making shot lists, making storyboards and all the technical parts of it. He was on the set for some of the time, but much to my delight - because he he wasn’t too worried for me - he started showing up less and less, letting me do it. By the end of the first episode, I was on my own.

Eilidh: Why was Riley written out? Did Marc Blucas want to concentrate on movies?

Well, he had other opportunities. He had some movie opportunities. But, truthfully the answer it, Sunnydale romance just rarely goes well. Buffy with a boyfriend is not as interesting as Buffy in some kind of romantic strife. Riley, by his nature, was such a good and constant character that we were at risk of things getting a little dull.

Wild at Heart
  Directing past triumphs, favourite characters and Fray

Chris Craven: If you could direct any other episode that you have written, which one would it be and why?

Probably Wild at Heart, just because that episode was very close to my heart. The kind of metaphor that was working in that episode and also another episode with Oz and Willow, was really resonant for me - the idea that most of us have a creature inside of us that makes us do things that we wish we didn’t do.

Plus, the whole issue of sexuality between men and women is kind of fraught because of the beast. So, I would have loved to get into those episodes. I thought they were great and the directors did great jobs, but I was particularly invested there.

Rach Me: Who is your favourite character to write for and why?

Honestly, I identify the most with Buffy. Not because I can crush things with my hands, or I am super-strong. Because (and fortunately it’s changed for me) like Buffy, my love life was a mess for years and years, and I just couldn’t get it together. So I’m constantly identifying with her. Trying to be it all and failing.

Gary: Is Spike’s friendship with Dawn genuine or just motivated out of his love for Buffy?

I believe that it’s genuine. I believe that Spike has a genuine appreciation for her, for her plight. I can’t give stuff away, but yes, I think it is genuine.

Emily: Are there any plans to bring Fray off the page? Into film or television format?

Not at the moment. It’s its own thing now.

Host: Are there any other spin-offs you’d particularly like to see?

Only a sit-com. The ex-friends of the Slayer sitcom. I think I’d love to see a Faith show. I’d love to see her in her own show.

Jeremy: Do you think you’d be able to get Eliza Dushku back again?

I think it’s unlikely. But this is my fantasy series right?

Planning Ahead
  Preparing for Buffy's future, the appeal of the show and hopeful writers.

Mark Clarke: How far ahead does Joss actually plan?

Well, we know, for instance, what the end of this season we’re working on now is and we have many ideas about what the arc of next season will be. So, we’re talking about it, but we’re still at the stage where it’s maybe this, maybe that.

By the time we end the season, by the time we reach episode 22, we’ll know what next season’s going to be.

James Stead: Will Buffy ever end or will it go on forever?

I think Buffy will live on in the hearts of man for all time. But as far as the show goes… no, it won’t go on forever. I know for both myself and for Joss, that at a certain time then we will move on to other projects.

That doesn’t mean that the people who own the rights to the shows won’t do Buffy Babies, and Buffy sequels for all time. But, will Joss and I be involved? Definitely, no. So the show will definitely change.

Katie Walker: Why do you think Buffy is so popular? What is it’s appeal?

I think it’s popular because it works on so many different levels. It isn’t just one kind of show, it’s dramatic and funny and fantastic and very serious all at the same time. So, there’s something for everyone. I think that at the very basic level, that’s the secret.

Tim: How should aspiring writers get to write for shows like Buffy and Angel?

It’s different for everybody, but, first of all you have to write. A lot. And get good at it. Then, what happened with me was that I submitted material. You have to work in the business I think, or be close to it. I was an assistant for years, and got an agent as a result of being an assistant to a producer.

I don’t think without any sort of relationship within the film and television industry you can really get a break. Unfortunately, material sent willy-nilly usually doesn’t hit the mark.

Elusive Awards
  Critical acclaim, cartoons and Eddie Izzard.

David Todd: Do you feel that the Buffy production team get credit that they are due in the industry? I am thinking of episodes like Hush and The Body.

I think that we get a lot of critical love and praise. I don’t think that we’ll ever get the recognition from the Hollywood establishment, from the Emmys or from any of the larger awards, because we’re too genre and genre shows aren’t considered worthy for that sort of lauding.

Alex: Will there ever be another Buffy movie?

There’s talk. I think that, if it does happen it will be years from now after Joss, and after Sarah, have had time to do other projects.

Leanne C: Is Sarah Michelle Gellar going to be the voice of Buffy in the cartoons?

Yes, all the actors are doing their own voices.

Host: Will you be writing for that as well?

I don’t know. Most of the writers on the show have written episodes for the animated. I haven’t, just because of the other projects I’ve been working on.

Tony Pressley: Does a character leaving the programme cause problems, or does it give you more creative energy?

Well, for instance when Oz left we were all in despair, but in fact that opened up the door for the relationship with Tara, and for Willow’s sort of advanced practice of magic, which is becoming very key to this year’s storyline. So as one door closes another door opens.

Dave: You are quoted in an interview that you would like Eddie Izzard to appear in the show. Any joy?

Well, Tony Head was on an airplane with Eddie and apparently asked him if he would come on the show and Eddie said "Sure." But that was the last we heard of it. I’m an incredible fan, I’m totally, completely in awe of him, so it would be a dream come through. Maybe some day.

Writer's Block
  Keeping on writing, action figures and storyline ideas.

Claire Little: Do you ever feel like you’ve reached a limit and can’t write any more?

One of the wonderful things about working in television is that you can’t afford to get writer’s block. It’s a show that barrels forward whether you like it or not, so one of the skills you have to learn that if you have writer’s block you write anyway.

Sometimes not as well as you’d like, but you must keep plugging. And it sort of teaches you that writer’s block is absolutely a state of mind, because oftentimes you feel like you can’t write, and you have to, and it turns out alright.

Mark Harvey: Would you like to see action figures made of you and the rest of the writers?

I would love to see an action figure made of me and it would have my husband, he’d be my action figure sidekick, and it would have Diet Coke, and a liberal supply of candy.

Chris Craven: Will you be releasing an album with music from the Musical episode?

There is one in the works, unfortunately I don’t know if it’ll get out before Christmas but there is one in the works.

Abigail Clarke: Will there be any famous guest appearances in future episodes?

We talk about it, we hear tales that various famous people want to be in the show but we sort of shy away from it because it would take you out of the show. Buffy’s such a unique universe and if all of a sudden there’s some famous person it might jar you, so unless it’s a really good gag, or a really good excuse, we won’t do it.

Ray Anderson: Do any of the cast ever come up with storyline ideas?

Yes. For instance, yesterday, Sarah had an idea. There was something in the script she wanted to address, she had an alternate idea and we used it. So, yes.

As a general rule it doesn’t happen a lot because we are usually pretty far ahead in the process for writing and we usually have things pretty planned out. So, even if an actor comes up with a great idea, it may not fit with the season just because we’re already well ahead. Sometimes it does happen, because they’re all creative and come up with some good ideas.

Chris Craven: How far into the season are you filming now?

Halfway through. This is the hardest time of year. This is when we have the least time from start to finish - the most pressure. Then, after Christmas, we get a break and we’re on the home side. Things get easier after Christmas.

Maria: What age group are the Buffy series aimed at? Many of the story lines in the series contain adult material, yet young kids are encouraged to buy the merchandise. Is this a fair deal?

The show is not aimed at a very young audience. The show is actually aimed at late teens, twenties and above. And we don’t, on the creative side, talk about that much.

The merchandising and all that is totally separate and we’re not involved in those decisions. I will tell you that I worry sometimes about children watching the show without parents. I think it’s too scary and too sexually sophisticated at times.

Spoilers
  The musical episode, the big bad of season six and new Slayers.

Vicky Wardle: I’ve just had the pleasure of watching the musical episode. Can I just say you were great and have a lovely voice. Was it fun to do your cameo?

It was enlightening. It was really hard and we had to do twenty-two takes. Not because of me I want to point out. It was tough and it gave me a much greater appreciation for what the actors do.

Debbie Allan: Did you enjoy laying the false spoiler trailers for the Buffy and Angel series?

Well we usually throw disinformation assignments to the other writers, and they have a ball doing that.

Jessibaby: What did you think of The Body?

I thought it was brilliant. I thought it was very disturbing. I had a hard time talking about it, it was so upsetting. But I thought it was very very personal to Joss, it was a very personal show, same as the musical is.

Nicholas Turner: Is it true that Willow is the big bad of season six?

(Sneezes) Err.. that question made me sneeze. Is it true that Willow’s the big bad… Well, you don’t want me to tell you that! I can’t answer that!

Amy Daniels: Do we see Riley again after we have just seen him leave?

There’s a definite possibility you will see Riley again, yeah.

Angela Dunn: If you introduce a new character in the future, who would it be, what would they be called, and why?

Jeez… it would be the parking ticket lady, from the musical episode, and she would have her own series actually.

Kirsty Ramsay: Will there be a new Slayer in season six? As one Slayer dies another is chosen, right?

Well, er, I was confused by this as well. But, apparently, when Buffy died for the second time, there was no new Slayer called because she already had a Slayer called as her replacement who is still alive. And that is Faith. And as long as Faith is alive there won’t be another Slayer called. I was very confused by that as well, but it’s been explained to me.

More Spoilers
  Amy the Rat, Jonathan, Buffy's new man and Xander.

Aeryn: Is Amy the rat going to be de-ratted?

Again, that is something we talk about all the time, and so far no go, but it could happen at any time.

Kate: In the end, would you like to see Buffy and Angel reunited, because they’re just made for each other?

Honestly, I don’t think so. I think that the truth of life is that we have our first love and they in some ways define who we are, but you can’t go home again in a way.

Most people I know don’t end up with the first person that they loved. That relationship is usually significant and life-changing, but not the ultimate. To give you the honest answer, no, I think they’re going to move on.

Leanne W: Will we see Jonathan in future episodes of Buffy?

Jonathan? You never know.

Leanne C1: Is there a new man on the horizon to take the place of Riley or has Spike already nabbed the part?

I’d say more of an older man.

Jil Shore: What do you see happening in Xander’s future? He is a great character, and great with Anya.

Well, it depends... in the spoiler world they are already engaged, so things are getting quite serious with them.

Prime Suspect with monsters
  Writing for Ripper, scaring people and final words.

George C: What will be the focus of the Giles show, Ripper?

The Giles show - I think - is going to be a little more adult. It’s going to be a little more like Prime Suspect with monsters. And I think there’ll be more ghosts. Just because that’s sort of British.

Jonny Ramone: Will you be working on Ripper?

I would love to. I’m actually eligible for dual citizenship. My father was born in Britain so my brother has worked in London and I know I can get a work permit. So, we’ve talked about it, we’ve talked about giving me a shot.

Tony Pressley: Will any of the other Buffy regulars appear in Ripper?

I think there would be some cross-over, I think it would primarily be a new cast, but you will definitely see, time and work permits and technicalities permitting, you’d see guests from the Buffy world for sure.

James Stead: Who’s the most annoying writer on the show?

Me.

Xander4Anya: What is your view on the way that episodes of Buffy are available for download on websites?

I think it’s a reality, now that this technology is available. I don’t know how many people actually avail themselves of that at this point. If it ever cut into my residuals, I’d have an opinion.

Lucy: Do you enjoy scaring people in scripts?

Absolutely. I want to make people feel the extreme of every emotion. As a writer your greatest hope is that you either make someone laugh, cry or shout. So that’s the goal.

Host: Would you like to say a few final words to everyone who logged on tonight?

I just want to thank all the fans, particularly fans through the BBC for all their tremendous support. We get such a strong reaction from British fans, and we just feel very gratified. We love you people too!