It is being reported by Westeros that George R. R. Martin will be visiting the Game of Thrones set at the Paint Hall today. Based on reports we received last week, the scenes they are filming today are likely ones set at the Eyrie. Martin will supposedly be interviewed by local news media, so Belfast-area readers be sure to tune in to your evening news! Hopefully any videos will make their way onto the web for us less fortunate fans.
In other filming news, it sounds like there is filming at the Magheramorne quarry this week as well. It may even be going on concurrently with the filming at the Paint Hall. We’ve had reports of production trucks heading up that way and some of the Night’s Watch actors are apparently on set this week. Speaking of the Magheramorne set, Martin (not GRRM) has some interesting pictures of the set up on his Flickr account. Loving the rustic look of Castle Black.
They are filming in Malta this week also, as Eros Vlahos (Lommy Greenhands) has tweeted that he is leaving for Malta and will be gone for a week. Which could mean they are filming three separate scenes in three separate locations simultaneously. With three directors left to film the remaining episodes (it is believed that Brian Kirk has already completed filming his episodes) this is certainly possible. I wonder how David & Dan choose which of the shoots they will be monitoring though? I guess with GRRM on set, they would be at the Paint Hall. But what about when he’s not there?
Lastly, Variety is reporting that Thrones has added another director of photography, Matt Jensen. Jensen has worked with HBO before, as a d.p. on True Blood. His other credits include episodes of CSI, Numbers and The L-Word.
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59 Comments
More evidence that this show is going to be epic.
Tynan CraycraftQuote Reply
What exactly is the main duty of the director of photography ?
The RabbitQuote Reply
The Rabbit,
They are responsible for getting the composition of the shot set-up, including angle, framing, lighting, etc. They work with the director in this respect, although many times the director is more worried about getting the actors to convey the right emotions and actions. They rely on the DP to get the technical aspects of the filming right.
Winter Is ComingQuote Reply
The Rabbit,
Pretty sure they “set up” shots. The camera goes here, the actor goes here to get what the director wants. While they don’t always operate the camera itself, they choose the lens, type, etc. Work with the director to achieve the “feel” that is desired. Least thats what I’ve been told.
Tynan CraycraftQuote Reply
Winter Is Coming,
and they are the bane of Christian Bale’s existence…
dizzy_34Quote Reply
The Rabbit,
On set, the Director of Photography or DP supervises the camera and lighting crews, and he or she will work closely with the set designers, costumers, and makeup artists. Often, the Director of Photography and the Director both have final say over which cuts will be included in the finished piece, and the two work closely together to achieve the desired look. The Director of Photography will use lighting, filters, and a variety of camera techniques to shoot a scene in accordance with the wishes of the director.
A Director of Photography may also be involved in post-production, working with the sound and color artists to develop and reproduce the film. The DP often works closely with the editing staff as well, creating a consistent look throughout a scene, even if it was shot over the course of hours or days.
SleekyQuote Reply
Bah! Others answered before me. That will teach me to read before I post. *blush*
SleekyQuote Reply
Thank you, guys.
I think I got it :)
The RabbitQuote Reply
I wonder when this show will air? It sounds like they are well over halfway done filming. I’m sure there’s a ton of editing, post-SFX and musical score work to be done afterwards, but I’d have to think this show would be mostly ready by mid-January.
I’d love to see “Winter is Coming” ads on HBO all November long.
Maester MayQuote Reply
Maester May,
i guess we will see the first “big” Trailer mid December (12/12/2010 is my bet, right after or before the last episode of Boardwalk Empire)…
seb332Quote Reply
GIVE ME A F***ING ANSWER!
:D
DomQuote Reply
When to air the show is determined by more than just when production is done; it’s more of a marketing decision. Even if the show were to be done and completely ready for showing tomorrow, they’d wait to air it until a point that makes sense from a marketing perspective.
Ser_GQuote Reply
It’s exciting that the word is starting to spread. A few friends of mine have just started reading the books, and a handful of other friends (not reading the books, but they’re HBO fans) are now aware of the show and are looking forward to watching it next year!
Sometimes this still seems unreal…
LexQuote Reply
Yay! =)
ahh well sorry I actually don’t have anything interesting to say, but I’m a little bored and hesitating wheter I’ll continue studying or that I’m going to take a nice warm shower. Hmm though choice…. ;)
LiesieQuote Reply
No worries. Your answer was more thorough than ours. :)
Winter Is ComingQuote Reply
Minor news from a few days ago. Two Northern Ireland ministers extended their thanks to HBO and expressed delight with the positive impact of filming on the local economy:
http://www.4ni.co.uk/northern_ireland_news.asp?id=118189
They also seriously urged HBO to keep production in Belfast for a second season, if commissioned.
Adam WhiteheadQuote Reply
Three simultaneous shooting locations could also mean that one or two are actually Second Units working on scenes that don’t need the director present. Usually these will be things where the lead actors aren’t needed: big crowd shots, battle scenes, etc. Establishing shots and the like.
That being said, the most famous Second Unit sequence in movie history was the chariot race in Ben-Hur. The director of the film, William Wyler, wasn’t a big action director, so he gave that to Andrew Marton to direct, who spent five weeks shooting just that scene, alone (almost as long as most feature length films take to shoot, actually). I actually just re-watched that sequence the other day, showing it to a friend who had never seen it – it’s still one of the best action scenes I’ve ever seen.
BrudeQuote Reply
Not to start a “Wallgate” but I hope they put some more white paint on The Wall to make it look completely covered in ice. If any stone shows underneath, I would think it should be easier to tell it’s a man-made structure (considering it was built by man). Right now, it looks more like a natural cliff wall with a thin coating of ice.
Sorry, not a rant, and it won’t ruin the show for me. Just an observation.
Jaqen H’GharQuote Reply
Not a real problem. Easily fixed in post-production.
OhDanyBoyQuote Reply
^ Word. They’re bound to lather that wall with CG after the fact. Whitewashed stone by itself sure ain’t gon’ cut the mustard.
GaRQuote Reply
Catching up on all the recent news…
Martin
Thanks for the quarry set pictures! My guess is the snow area they set up is for the investigation of dead Othor discovered by Ghost.
Focus Group
To those attending, if they ask for catchy phrase or marketing ideas, please mention the Night’s Watch pledge as a good quote to include in trailers as someone suggested here before in plenty details, namely in the form of a voice over while we see glimpses of action all over Westeros… It would have such a stong, dark, dramatic effect :) Since I read I can’t get it out of my head and I need to see it!!!
Score
I am a big fan of soundtracks. Some composers produce one memorable piece, never to be heard again. So I wouldn’t have been surprise or angered if they had chosen a complete unknown, just curious to hear what new talent they’d have discovered. Some have repeatedly produced amazing scores, which makes them more sure bets, like John Williams, James Horner or Hans Zimmer. Having Zimmer would have been great, and the fact that he scored HBO’s The Pacific made it an almost realistic wish. But honestly, I was expecting a lesser known, HBO alumni composer, like Beal.
There are many great composers out there, and those who are truly good are those who are able to renew themselves, to create each time a score that is well adapted and sounds totally different. So it is difficult to choose the right composer. If you base yourself too much on previous work and expect the same sound or limit yourself to someone who’s done the same genre before, you could be limiting the originality of your commission.
Warbeck is on my soundtrack playlist and I like him. The fact that he hasn’t done something quite like GoT before and that he’s had a few quiet years to resource himself recently only bodes well for something different, creative and well inspired. I’m delighted we got a known, experienced, award-winning composer of big movie calibre. Some TV soundtracks are so bad!
Jon’s parents debate
Lastly, I read the very interesting recent discussion on Jon’s parents and I just wanted to contribute this: mind you, I haven’t finished AFFC yet, and assume she might still be alive, but I was wondering, am I the only one who thinks Old Nan could be a key to this? Agreed, Howland Reed is more likely, but didn’t Ned bring Old Nan to Winterfell along with Jon after the TOJ? Just like maester Aemon, she is very old and has seen a lot, so probably knows a lot more than everyone thinks…
End of rant. Sorry for the terribly long post.
NymeriaQuote Reply
On the issue of the Wall and what it may appear like in the finished product — it’s all pure speculation right now.
Maybe it will be great; maybe it won’t be. Nobody knows. At this stage — I expect there are only a few prototype shots within the post-production studio. To my knowledge, we have not seen *any* finished shots through which we can assess how great/bad it will be.
“We’ll see.”
Steel_WindQuote Reply
Nymeria,
I thought she was seen dead by Bran after the sacking of Winterfell. Need to do a quick trip to Tower of the Hand.
dizzy_34Quote Reply
She’s not mentioned after the sack http://www.towerofthehand.com/books/102/070/index.html
NymeriaQuote Reply
Jon’s parents debate
On the issue of R+L=J, any further insight will likely come from these characters:
1 – Howland Reed
2- Lady Ashara Dayne; and
3 – possibly Jojen Reed and Meera Reed.
The reason the first two might have any further insight to offer is obvious.
The Reed children may not seem as obvious, however, they questioned Bran at length — three times — as to whether he had heard the story of the Knight of the Laughing Tree before and seemd quite surprised he had not heard it from Lord Stark.
Jojen Reed, in particular, know a lot more than he is willing to talk about, generally. Whether that knowledge exctends to Jon Snow, in particular, is unknown.
All by way of saying, it is certain that the Reed children know more about their Father than they are prepared to talk about. Whether or not that further knowledge also includes more information concerning what happened at the Tower of Joy is unknown – but it is certainly possible.
I do think that Howland Reed, probably turning up in Winterfell/Castle Black with Lady Maege Mormant in tow towards the end of ADwD (along with King Robb’s Last Will and Testament, duly signed, sealed and witnessed by his various Lords Bannermen naming Jon Stark as his heir), is the likely source of any further insight to the events in the Tower Of Joy.
That speculation is nothing new. We’ve all been suspecting a variant of that scene for slightly over ten years now, since A Storm of Swords was first released.
So no, I don’t think Old Nan has much insight on that tale. As for other tales and legends of the North? Undoubtedly. That is assuming she is not dead – and she may well be.
Steel_WindQuote Reply
dizzy_34,
If I’m not mistaken, I read somewhere that the survivors were lead to Torren’s Square, so I thought she might be one of them.
NymeriaQuote Reply
Nymeria,
Hmm…that will require more research. I’ll have to crack open ACOK tonight because I swear I thought there was a mention of her. Could be wrong though I don’t want to go against the mighty “Hand”.
dizzy_34Quote Reply
dizzy_34,
Nymeria,
Nym and Dizzy,
No, Old Nan has been in WF since the begining of life in Westeros.
Just joking, but Ned did not bring her with Jon from the south, she was already in Winterfell.
The RabbitQuote Reply
The Rabbit,
really? didn’t she come to Winterfell as a wet nurse? Might be a long time before Jon, but I’m pretty sure I read something of the sort…
NymeriaQuote Reply
Kinda off topic but everyone should go over to SUVUDU and vote for Gregor Clegane the mountain that rides.
and while your at it throw in a few votes for Fenris the Feared…
ZaccurQuote Reply
dizzy_34,
Well she was summoned in the courtyard when they were searching for Bran and Rickon… could this be the appearance you remember? Wish I could check it too, but I lent my copy to a friend…
NymeriaQuote Reply
dizzy_34,
got me, I lol’d
KanaQuote Reply
hmm the link didn’t go through lets try that again
http://sf-fantasy.suvudu.com/2010/10/cage-match-villains-13-dracula-versus-20-the-mountain-that-rides.html
ZaccurQuote Reply
Zaccur,
Re:Cage Match
voted! Gregor is in the lead, winning 75% to 25%!
NymeriaQuote Reply
Not true. She is mentioned and discussed by both Bran and Meera and Jojen Reed in the same chapter where Meera recounts the Tale of the Laughing Knight and the King’s Tourney at Harrenhall. They specifically observe that they do not know what became of her and remark that Old Nan’s body was not found amongst the dead of Winterfell.
Steel_WindQuote Reply
Nymeria,
I think that someone stated that Old Nan was already old when Ned was child or something similar.
She raised a couple of Starks generations that is for sure.
The RabbitQuote Reply
God, that would be pitch-perfect. Ever since I read that chapter where they’re taking their vows I envisioned that speech to be the perfect way to describe the world of Westeros in a trailer where they fly over different parts over the Seven Kingdoms (and beyond). In fact, I might have even been the one who suggested the idea, but that would have been a long time ago, maybe even more than a year ago (time flies!).
Slightly off topic, but I think George will not believe his Tivo when he sees Gang Green and Big Blue (or Jet Blue as they were described yesterday) winning all their games on his tv-screen. He already blogged he is inspired by Ireland, he must be in friggin’ good mood to finish ADWD when he’s home!
KnurkQuote Reply
Ah, got it. According to a Wiki of Ice and fire
So I had it wrong. And she’s thought to be at the Dreadfort, not Torren’s Square
Steel_Wind,
Yeah, I meant she’s not mentioned when they explore the courtyard after the sack, but thanks for this further info.
NymeriaQuote Reply
Thanks for opening my Cowboys fan wounds again today, in the one place I go to escape it on the net no less ;( However I still got the Rangers.
dizzy_34Quote Reply
http://www.makinggameofthrones.com/production-diary/2010/10/26/lovehate-relationship.html
new update
GuzioQuote Reply
This is a great idea for a trailer! Someone should pitch this idea to the prod team.
They could start with one voice and end with several voices.
durandalQuote Reply
dizzy_34,
Saw your comment on MakingGameOfThrones. Careful about the spoilers. A newcomer may not agree with your assessment that Tyrion is going to have any scenes in the second season. The Vale is not what it use to be…
(I wouldnt think twice about that comment on this board, but an HBO board is something different!)
Though Dinklage does lead the reader on with “more scenes together in the first season”
MavisQuote Reply
Guzio,
Great update, but who is Steve Marzolf?
KnurkQuote Reply
http://stevemarzolf.com/about/
The fact that Lommy Greenhands is off to Malta does suggest that his first scene(s) will be in Kings Landing rather than on the road, unless of course they are doing some filming in the countryside there and not just in a town.
MormegilQuote Reply
Mormegil,
I’ve got to use google more often.
KnurkQuote Reply
Mavis,
Well that’s why I felt o.k. making that comment. Plus it’s not that big of a spoiler. If they want to moderate it so be it. I’m not sure what their spoiler policy is over there.
dizzy_34Quote Reply
I’ve always wondered where people get the idea that the wall is made completely of ice, rather than just very icy. I don’t recall anywhere that it’s mentioned in any manner that couldn’t be construed as exaggeration that it’s more than just a magically assisted built really high wall.
Critical GeekQuote Reply
While the core of it is is undoubtedly stone or brick, it has stood for centuries in freezing, snowy weather. It makes sense that it would eventually get so caked over with ice, that the stone would no longer be visible. It probably would look like a giant wall of ice.
Jaqen H’GharQuote Reply
Nymeria,
I find there isn’t enough HBO or production news to satisfy me so long posts are a boon, not a bad thing. Never apologize for that!
Larry D CurtisQuote Reply
Jaquen H’Ghar
Remember, the Wall has various different color shades from grey to white to blue depending on weather and sunlight. I’m pretty sure that post-production will be handling this very carefully.
Lord Ned’s HeadQuote Reply
Jaqen H’Ghar,
I believe the Wall is completely made of ice. When in the battle of the wildlings when Donal Noye defeats Mag the Mighty in the tunnel I’m pretty sure we learn it’s ice to the core.
Nevertheless on the top they always scatter pebbles so you can walk without slipping. So I think on the top of the Wall its a mix of pebbles and ice. ;-)
Joe AnnaQuote Reply
I was wathcing some of the news shows last night – and there was no mention of GoT or Martin’s visit – maybe I missed something though, didn’t see all news casts by any means though.
Will scour the papers today too.
Martin
MartinQuote Reply
Steel_Wind,
As to where info could come from on Jons parents I think Barristan the Bold is also a possibility, he was Kingsguard for the Targs and he speaks of Rhaegar to Dany and also about what it means to be a kingsguard (protecting them physically but also keeping/knowing their secrets etc.)
Rob O SevensQuote Reply
Pretty sure they mention that Brandon the builder built it with a base of huge stone blocks, then the ice covers it – thought there was a reference in the battle against the wildlings – but maybe they were referring to huge blocks of ice?
OhDanyBoyQuote Reply
Oh man I love the idea about the Nights Watch pledge!!!!! It’s a must have!!
LivveHultQuote Reply
Nymeria,
I always had the idea that Old Nan has something to do – some way or another, with the people Arya(is it?) meets next to that old white tree(sorry, can’t remember right now the name in english) you know… the original people, short I believe, and in that way connected to the old Starks and their old religion. Anyone agree?
LivveHultQuote Reply
LivveHult,
You’re referring to the Children of the Forest.
pualoQuote Reply
OhDanyBoy,
Yeah, right, i always thought it was made of huge blocks of ice, not stone. But I’ll look it up.
Joe AnnaQuote Reply
The Wall is made of ice. It’s made very clear in the books. Parts of it have a foundation of stone or rubble perhaps, but most of it is solid ice. The construction methods are described: cutting huge blocks of ice from frozen lakes and hauling them to the wall to raise it higher.
GaRQuote Reply