The art of interpretation: Women, directing and sf television

While there is an established tradition of women writers of sf literature, it is more difficult to identify a similar pantheon of women creators of sf television. This is because authorship tends to be located within a single figure, usually a male writer/producer, despite the collaborative nature of television production. This article examines the contribution of women to sf television by re-evaluating the role of the director. By surveying a sample of sf television, it identifies a selection of women – such as Doctor Who directors Hettie MacDonald, Alice Troughton and Rachel Talalay – who have helped shape contemporary sf television through their aesthetic sensibilities and continued presence in the industry. This article thereby aims to destabilise conventions that position creativity with one, usually male, creator.