Game of Thrones Creators David Benioff & D.B. Weiss Answer All Your Questions

TL;DR

The creators discuss their journey to adapt Game of Thrones for HBO.

Transcript

[Applause] happening lately first of all the show is fantastic and congratulations how did this get started how it like how did you guys meet we met in graduate school in Dublin Ireland in Dublin yeah yeah is that why much of the show is shot in Ireland urner it has nothing to do without that was a happy coincidence I'll just a coin so you've read ... Read More

Key Insights

• 🥺 The creators' passion for George R.R. Martin's works led to a fervent commitment in adapting the series to television.
• 🧑‍✈️ HBO's initial investment in a pilot that did not meet expectations highlights the network’s willingness to gamble on potential successes.
• 🧑‍🏭 Language authenticity was vital for immersing audiences and actors in the world of Westeros, illustrating the show's dedication to detail.
• 🫠 The interaction with actors, especially regarding character arcs, reflects the creators' emphasis on maintaining relationships amid the challenging narratives of the series.
• ⚾ Insightful storytelling often requires testing storylines with diverse audiences and adapting based on feedback.
• 😒 The use of humor in behind-the-scenes moments brings a different dimension to the hardships faced during filming.
• ❓ The creators navigated complex themes and character dynamics, indicating the intricate planning involved in the series.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did the creators initially discover the Game of Thrones books?

The creators met in graduate school and one of them started reading "A Game of Thrones." After falling in love with the story, he called the other creator, urging him to read the book, which led to a shared obsession.

Q: What challenges did the creators face with their initial pilot?

Their first pilot was not aired due to poor audience reception during internal screenings, particularly regarding storytelling clarity. Feedback from viewers indicated confusion over character relationships, prompting HBO to invest in a second pilot, demonstrating their faith in the creators.

Q: How did the creators handle language development for the show?

The creators sought a language expert, David Peterson, to create Dothraki and Valyrian languages. He worked diligently to ensure the languages were realistic, making it challenging for actors, which added depth to character dialogues within the fantasy realm.

Q: What humorous incident occurred during an episode's production involving Jacob Anderson?

During a taxing shoot, Jacob Anderson, who plays Grey Worm, was asked to improvise a line in Valyrian. Exhausted, he mistakenly yelled "Mike Pence," showcasing the lighthearted moments arising amid the intense filming process.

Q: How did the creators inform actors about their characters’ deaths?

Traditionally, the creators personally called actors whose characters were set to die in the series, ensuring they were informed before receiving the script, maintaining a level of respect and sensitivity in delivering such difficult news.

Q: What can we expect in the final episodes of Game of Thrones?

The creators hinted at numerous unresolved plot points, including the fates of key characters and the overarching power struggle for the Iron Throne. Audience anticipation is palpable as they navigate these critical storylines in the remaining episodes.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The creators of Game of Thrones met in graduate school and became enamored with George R.R. Martin's book series, sparking their interest in adapting it into a show.

• After a failed pilot, HBO gave the creators another chance, showcasing their determination and the complex storytelling they aimed to achieve.

• The creators emphasized the realism within the fantasy world, highlighting the development of constructed languages like Dothraki and Valyrian for character authenticity.