The authors would like to profusely thank everyone who graciously took the time over the years to be interviewed by us, in some cases multiple times for many, many long hours. Thank you for your indulgence, enthusiasm, and candor.
Regrettably, Joss Whedon chose not to participate in the writing of this book, but interviews are taken from myriad previous interviews with Whedon conducted exclusively (and extensively) by Edward Gross over many years.
In addition, we’re particularly indebted to Buffy scholar Sarah Lemelman, who was willing to share her own original material and insights to help supplement this volume.
Also, thank you to the publishers of Cinefantastique magazine over the years for their gracious assistance, ranging from the legendary Frederick S. Clarke to our good friend Mark Gottwald, Joe Sena, and current publisher Steve Harris, and a very special thanks to Mitchell Persons, who graciously allowed us to excerpt several interviews from his indispensible coverage of Buffy in Cinefantastique as well, including Kristy Swanson and Fran Rubel Kuzui, who declined to participate in new interviews for this volume.
In almost all cases, material is taken from original interviews, conducted by the authors, with the exception of the aforementioned material as well as public comments excerpted from personal appearances at press conferences, Paleyfest, Television Critics Association presentations, and conventions.
In addition, a very special thanks to our research assistants, without whose help we would probably be publishing this book for the fiftieth anniversary of Buffy: our indispensable senior research assistant, Jordan Rubio, as well as our additional research associates, Josh Rubin, Hilary Paige Taylor, and Lucille E. Brillhart. We would also like to single out the help of New York University professor Andrew Goldman for his gracious assistance in helping round up a group of talented and hardworking millennials (for the most part) to assist us as well as Brandeis University professor of American studies Thomas Doherty for his always-welcome advice, counsel, and inspiration.
We would also be remiss not to thank our patron saint, editor Brendan Deneen; Tor jack-of-all-trades, the awesome Christopher Morgan; and our intrepid literary agent, Laurie Fox, at the Linda Chester Literary Agency, for her boundless enthusiasm, undying love, and affection for Buffy.
You can follow the authors on Twitter at @markaaltman, @edgross, and @Slayersandvamps, or contact them directly at 50yearmissionbook@gmail.com.