George R. R. Martin’s Game of Thrones panel took place today at Aussiecon 4. Now before you get too excited about any chance of major new revelations coming out of this Q&A session you should know that this panel was, by GRRM’s own admission, mostly for folks who hadn’t been following the production as closely as us. However, while most of the questions you guys had come up with in our previous post were, unfortunately, unanswerable by GRRM, there was some interesting info to come out of the panel. Jake Stormoen was there and provides some of the more interesting nuggets:
I’ve just typed up a few questions that WERE able to be asked today. I will try to ask more at the party tomorrow as well. Now, these aren’t from a transcript…they’re not word for word. They’re the answers he gave in essentially the wording he used, but I’ve written it from my notes and memory. He also mentioned that he’s really overall very pleased with the actors, especially the children. He said Maisie, Isaac, and Sophie are all amazingly talented, grounded actors. One story involved Isaac climbing to the top of these stone walls and towers with a harness on and just having no fear. Was great to see him so excited about the people breathing life into his works :)
In any case, here’s the questions and answers so far:
1) Q: To what extent are you consulted when it comes to additions or changes to the story to make sure it doesn’t create inconsistencies with what you have in store for the rest of the series? Have you had to reveal any secrets of the book series to aid in the development of the show?
A: Yes I have actually, there have been many meetings and such to discuss this and the result has been I had to share several secrets of the upcoming books In order to help out with the writing of the series itself.
2) Q: Do you think that once the show comes out and you begin watching it, It’ll influence what you write in the rest of the books? I.e. do you think you’ll be influenced by the actors and write something that maybe you wouldn’t have otherwise written?
A: My honest answer is I don’t know. I will try everything I can to not let it influence me but the fact is, I’m human and I’ll be watching the show just like everybody else and who knows what will happen? I like to think that nothing will influence what I have in store for these characters and the rest of the books.
3) Q: Are the designs for the costumes and swords and that sort of thing brand-new or are they taking it from you and existing art, posters, replicas, miniatures etc. Do you influence them? Because we know you’ve given descriptions in the books and that sort of thing… or are they being designed by artists and set designers from scratch?
A: Honestly it’s entirely brand-new. HBO has been doing it their own way with their own artists and designers because to take it from anything existing would breach copyright infringement. So for the sake of legal reasons as well as artistic pride, it’s really been done from the ground up and it will be HBO’s version of all these designs, elements, weapons and armor and that sort of thing.
4) Q: Have you seen any of the footage that’s been shot so far?
A: I’ve seen a rough cut of the pilot that was put together and I’ve been there for some shooting so far and everything that I’ve seen really looks great. I’m very excited about it–Very happy with it so far.
Winter Is Coming: While we didn’t get all of our questions answered, this report still contained some good info. Most interesting is the fact that the amount of people that know the book’s secrets has grown. Also it’s great to hear more raving about the young actors. Can’t wait to see the Stark kids on screen. It should be awesome!
If we get any more reports from this panel or subsequent meetings with GRRM, we will update this post, so stay tuned.
UPDATE: Another brief report, this one from morningsword over at the Westeros forums (thanks to morningsword also for the above pic). Here is what she had to say about the Thrones panel:
Today George talked about the HBO series, he said he wanted to show us photos that he’d taken when he was on set for some filming, but HBO wouldn’t let him because it showed the actors in costume (oh my! like we can’t imagine what they’re going to look like!) and bits of set in the background. So instead he just talked generally about the bringing his books to the screen, thought I don’t think there was particularly anything that I didn’t know. It was good to sit at his feet – literally – Jake, Neal, Mark and myself were in the very front row gazing up at him on the stage!!
Loading ...
34 Comments
Great! Time to read :)
Hear Me RoarQuote Reply
Awesome! Thanks for the report. Glas to hear that they are wroking so closely with GRRM on this.
The Winter RoseQuote Reply
Awesome! Thanks for the report. Glad to hear that they are wroking so closely with GRRM on this.
The Winter RoseQuote Reply
Cool, it must be the end of the week because when it rains it pours. Interesting news. I think Winter’s question (or variation of) has the most interesting response.
dizzy_34Quote Reply
What about flashbacks?
Marina DessaQuote Reply
Thanks for the great report! Glad to hear about the costuming. do we know who is doing the costumes? I know HBO , but who is in charge of the designs?
OldGranQuote Reply
I think you mean “by GRRM’s own admission.”
MatthewQuote Reply
Jake Stormoen, it’s awesome that you took the time to take notes and update all of us with this info! The quality of the members of this board impresses me again and again.
That said, the only question that seems to have made GRRM think and respond to was the one about whether he will be influenced by the show. The other responses seem a little stock and obvious. I mean, of course he says he is impressed with the footage so far. Too bad he wasn’t able to answer at least a few in-depth questions. Oh well!
Omitted Is MeQuote Reply
Great :)
Thanks Jake once again!
I am pretty satisfied with GRRM asnwers, understand perfectly (due to the others signs of “high-security” project :D) that he can not answer some questions for now.
For the first Q&A about the secrets reveales to the producers, I was pretty sure that he has done it. This story is so complex that every detail is important .
The RabbitQuote Reply
Would be interesting to also see which questions he refused to answer (flashbacks?).
pualoQuote Reply
Jake Stormoen, thanks for noting all this down for us. Maybe you’ll learn more at the party as well. Looking at the security on sets over here I’m quite sure GRRM has to be careful what he lets on to keep HBO happy.
silverjaimeQuote Reply
If I was a female I would be as moist as Shae waiting for a certain dwarf. This is excellent stuff and getting me excited.
GurgiQuote Reply
Great info! Thanks for sharing.
Always makes me happy when the answers are what I had hoped and contain no nasty surprises.
paulgudeQuote Reply
Ah! I want to know secrets! C’mon George, get dance out, we’re dyin over here!!
Eddie KimbroughQuote Reply
I don’t know what answer people would expect, George could say the show won’t effect him, but that would just be a lie. We’re influenced a little bit by everything, whether we like it or not. Lets just hope it doesn’t change anything major.
Tyler MetcalfeQuote Reply
Great report, and 1.) I am relieved he had those meetings and discussed the future direction of the books with them. 2.) Good honest answer and it will be interesting to see if he may change the planned destiny of a character because of the actors performance and how much love or hate they get. 3.) Ka-ching!
4.) HBO probably wants to do it right and release quality professional publicity stills with the actor in particular costume, lighting and makeup for the WOW factor (Sean Bean’s still), as a spy shot or tourist pic doesn’t do justice and is just a gimmic for fans and quick PR.
TysnowQuote Reply
One other thing Jake missed – GRRM said that he has told David and Dan some secrets about the plot which haven’t been revealed in the books yet – his quote was “If my plane crashes on the way back to the USA, David and Dan have some idea where the story is going”.
MaltaranQuote Reply
The question is did he tell them just some secrets or *the* end.
qwertQuote Reply
What are the odds we’re going to see a new trailer at the NYCC in October? I remember someone mentioning it a couple months ago as likely, and it’s only just over a month away…and that’ll only be about 5 1/2 months ahead of the premiere. Here’s hoping!
Steve AdamsQuote Reply
Maltaran,
God forbid, and I pray nothing befalls GRRM and he stays healthy and vigorous for many years to come, but if a plane he was in did crash does George have someone designated to finish his story (I am sure he has outlines along with detailed drafts and notes for the remaining books), and if not, which author should take over and should said author remain anonymous.
TysnowQuote Reply
If george were to die, for any reason, before finishing the series – i’d find me one of those voodoo priestesses, get his ass raised back up, and then kill him for being so careless as to drop dead before finishing… lol
Mickey DQuote Reply
…please take note of the ‘lol’ at the end of that, before you trash me, eh? i wouldn’t wish a premature death on anyone – but if it were to happen, i’d grieve for the loss of the person, and for the loved ones left behind, not for the loss of my future entertainment possibilities…
Mickey DQuote Reply
I know this is probably a dumb question but … he just means that they aren’t taking inspiration from any existing artwork right ? They are taking inspiration from the descriptions in the book ? They aren’t going to have people wearing colors they aren’t supposed etc. I hope. =[
AdamQuote Reply
Adam. I sincerely hope that is what he means. Imo the series suffers a little bit w/o the grand multi-hued armor with fanciful animal heads, elaborate scroll work and billowing capes that GRRM describes in his books. Its okay and even fitting to stick Eddard in the drab grays and whites of the North, but down King’s Landing way where they cotton to showmanship all the big name Sers should be sporting the custom stuff from the books. Not only will it serve to splash some color into what might be a more gritty pallette, but it could also serve to help new people to the show remember who is whom. “Which one is the Hound again? Oh yeah! He’s the guy with the big hound face for a helmet! That was easy to remember!”
Lord Ned’s HeadQuote Reply
As for the next preview, I’ll bet we get something on the opening night of Boardwalk Empire. We”ll at least get the teaser trailer again. Maybe it will be slightly altered or expanded with some new flash shots. Hopefully its something new entirely. A full scene from the show is probably too far away and too much to ask at this point. I’d love a redone trailer though. One other thing we might be able to expect is a feature article on “The Buzz” showing some behind-the-scenes stuff with maybe a few snippets of interviews with D&D or possibly even Bean Heady or Dinklage.
Yeah, I realize that some of the ideas might be a bit fanboi premature, but honestly, time is ever moving forward and the show’s start date isn’t all that far off as it once seemed now. After BE airs its finale we will be getting into the time where we start to see GoT come up on the mainstream radar in Spring Preview articles in entertainment rag or, maybe bits and pieces on ET, extra and the like.
I’m trying to get as pumped for BE as possible to keep me busy until that time, The four months or so from that point will probably give us alot more to talk about.
Lord Ned’s HeadQuote Reply
I watched Rome season 1 (for the first) last week and in the extra features they had a small documentary containing interviews with various cast/staff member. One of them was the costume designer, and she mentionned going to India to buy some colorful fabric made like it was two thousand years ago. Those costume were, for a good part, for extras, so Rome would look colorful and like the cultural melting pot it was. I wouldn’t be surprised something like that happened in GoT. HBO sure love their details.
SimQuote Reply
Lord Ned’s Head, new buzz video came up a few days ago, but still no info about GoT, so I wouldn’t expect it any soon. But with the start of BE I hope they will provide some extended teaser, considering they spent $10 mln for promotion BE it wouldn’t hurt.
nskQuote Reply
Wow, I had no idea HBO has spent that much money promoting Boardwalk Empire. From what I’ve seen of the previews it looks like they’re trying to sell it as The Sopranos set the the 20′s ( which is a good thing IMO). They seem to believe it can be just as big a hit as The Sopranos and they are doing all they can to help it to that end.
I hope they have as much faith in GOT. I believe I read somewhere that the success of True Blood served as a big push for HBO to go ahead with the pilot of GOT and give the series the green light since it proved that there is a big audience for a fantasy series. I just hope they spend at least as much promoting GOT as they did season 2 of TB.
As for new promotional trailers and ‘on the set’ video’s I hope to see them as soon as any fan, but they’ve only been filming for about a month and a half and if I’m not mistaken I think HBO likes to put out at least one or two 1-3 minute trailers before they do the longer on the set video’s. My guess is we’ll see some new stuff just before the the season finally of BE, that way the marketing team will have enough time and material to make a quality video and BE will have build up a larger viewing audience by then so lots of people will see it.
Hope I’m wrong though and we see something at BE’s premiere episode.
GrinbombQuote Reply
Grinbomb,
If the recent past is any idication (ie the starts of The Pacific and True Blood) HBO likes to flex its muscles on premier night. Yes, the GoT premier is still a good ways off and there is much to do until the series is finished, but HBO got alot of buzz out of the teaser trailer. If they were smart, the best forst place to release new footage would be on their own channel.
HBO subscribers would (and imo should) get first view of the new footage, but it would then quickly make its rounds along similar media circuits that the original trailer did.
I’m not positive that HBO will do something with the BE premier, but considering the audience the network hopes to get on the first night (folks needing a Sopranos fix) it would be a great time to do something. Also, there might not be an opportunity to get a larger viewing audience for the trailer if BE tanks and loses viewers along its run. If the subscriptions pick up, there is nothing stopping the network from rerunning the ad on following weeks.
One more thing to consider. GoT is kind of being billed as the Sopranos meets Rome meets Lord of the Rings. While this description is a bit rough around the edges, it basically suggests that GoT will be of interest to fantasy geeks, and gangster/history buffs. The trailer during the TB premier dangled a carrot in front of the fantasy crowd, what better chance to draw in some of the historical folk than to present something else at BE’s debut?
Lord Ned’s HeadQuote Reply
He didn’t say, and I doubt he will. My guess is that it’s backstory secrets – things that the characters would know, which could affect the way the actors portray them (the same way that Rowling told Alan Rickman details of Snape’s history during the Harry Potter filming, before she revealed it in the final book).
In the past, the phrase he has used is that if he dies, we are “shit out of luck”.
MaltaranQuote Reply
Grinbomb,
Yeah, I remember one articule and everyone there was like “so BE is new Sopranos and GoT is new Rome”.
About BE being as popular as Sopranos, well definitely times have changed.
During Sopranos DVR-s weren’t so popular and there wasn’t HBO On Demand.
True Blood pulls 5 mln in innitial viewing but overall it pulls 10+.
“The Sopranos” during s5 was making 1 billion per year.
Cast of BE is amazing, every critic says it’s one of the best shows of recent years.
HBO is taking back the throne :D.
nskQuote Reply
Another interview with Alfie Allen in Guardian , considering Thrones as his big break.
The RabbitQuote Reply
The Rabbit,
Thanks, zekice :)
Hear Me RoarQuote Reply
“God forbid, and I pray nothing befalls GRRM and he stays healthy and vigorous for many years to come, but if a plane he was in did crash does George have someone designated to finish his story (I am sure he has outlines along with detailed drafts and notes for the remaining books), and if not, which author should take over and should said author remain anonymous. ”
If George gets hit by a bus, the books remain unfinished. George’s literary heirs have agreed that another author will not be drafted in (as happened with WHEEL OF TIME) and will not be passed or sold on to anyone else. The situation at the moment is if GRRM passes away, the earlier anyone can finish the books is 70 years later when the copyright expires.
Of course, Robert Jordan said exactly the same thing right up to discovering he was ill, so none of these things are set in stone. But in that case RJ had two years to make preperations before passing away, time that most people would not have.
One of the key issues is that GRRM has background and worldbuilding notes for the series but only a single rather old (and now hopelessly outdated) outline for the series. All plot/character material for the future books is kept in his head alone. There are little to no notes for a potential new author to work from and no path for them to follow, at all.
Adam WhiteheadQuote Reply