Video on the Evolution of Game of Thrones VFX

Game of Thrones is regularly referred to as one of the most ambitious programs on television. One of the reasons for that, beyond the scale of the filming, is the scale of the visual effects. Joe Bauer has been the VFX head for the production since the beginning of Season 3, when he took over the position from Rainer Gombos. Recently, io9 sat down with Bauer and went over the evolution of the show’s visual effects work.

Over the course of the show, the visual effects have gotten bigger and more complex, but it’s interesting to me that the only visual effects work they discuss from Season 1 is Tyrion in the sky cells. It’s well known that budgetary constraints in the early seasons are why the show chose not to stage big battles (instead having Tyrion get knocked out and wake up after a battle toward the end of the season was over.) Season 2, of course, had the Battle of Blackwater, and Season 4 had the Battle for Castle Black. Season 3 has comparatively little in the way of visual effects. Also, it’s interesting that the decision to use real fire in the scene where Drogon burns the slave master inspired the producers to use real fire at the end of Season 5 in The Dance of Dragons.

Then, of course, there’s Hardhome. Personally, I’m expecting the show to be nominated and sweep every technical category for the Massacre of the wildlings. It really was the season highlight.

Next: Two New Filming Locations Confirmed in Spain for Season 6