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HBO Updates

  • Dec. 7th, 2008 at 6:06 PM
Spain
I've been getting a lot of emails since the announcement that HBO has given the green light to film the pilot of A GAME OF THRONES. (Well, I get a lot of emails anyway, but I've been getting a lot MORE since the announcement).

To all those who wrote with congratulations and good wishes... thanks. I have high hopes for the pilot as well. I think we're in good hands with David Benioff, Dan Weiss, HBO, and the BBC all involved, but of course nothing is certain.

Many of you have been sending casting suggestions. Thanks for that as well... but you're sending them to the wrong place. Yes, I will have a voice, but ultimately these decisions will be made by Dan and Dave, the director (still to be named), HBO, the BBC, and our eventual casting director.

If you'd like to throw out some ideas for actors you'd like to see in the show, the place to do that is on the Westeros board, where Elio and Linda have established a new forum for the show. Dave and Dan are checking in there regularly, so they will see your suggestions. They welcome fan input, and the folks at Westeros have already come up with lots of good possibilities. Anyway, the address is:

http://asoiaf.westeros.org/index.php?s=b6d13262e85650248daa79314a29e7cd&showforum=25

In addition to Westeros, there's also a brand-new fan blog called Winter Is Coming that has been started up as "yoursource for news, speculation and discussion on HBO's planned A Song of Ice and Fire television series." No, it's not an "official" site -- should we make it to series, there will likely be one of those on the HBO website -- but it looks like another lively place for discussion. You can find that one at:

http://winter-is-coming.blogspot.com/

Have fun, and keep thinking those good thoughts.
  • Mood: hopeful hopeful

Comments

( 48 comments — Leave a comment )
[info]madbard wrote:
Dec. 8th, 2008 01:23 am (UTC)
How about suggestions for the trailer copy?

"In a time... when the only way to avoid being brutally murdered... was to have already died of natural causes..."
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[info]spitphyre wrote:
Dec. 8th, 2008 01:25 am (UTC)
Or to kill yourself. Or be a bad guy. :P
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[info]madbard wrote:
Dec. 8th, 2008 01:29 am (UTC)
You think bad guys are safe? I take it you haven't read past book one. :)
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[info]spitphyre wrote:
Dec. 8th, 2008 11:23 pm (UTC)
The Mountain was the only one who died a horrible death so far, at least in so far as bad-with-out-any-hint-of-redemption. Theon isn't dead and I guess you could say that his father died a horrible death... but then again falling into the sea seems pretty instantaneous.

I liked the Hound too much near the end to consider him bad. And hanging seems to clean based on how evil some of the people are. :P
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[info]bravenewworld86 wrote:
Dec. 8th, 2008 11:30 pm (UTC)
But isn't the Mountain being turned into some horrible monster? The one Cersei kept hinting about before she lost her marbles?
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[info]skjaere wrote:
Dec. 8th, 2008 01:33 am (UTC)
Who died of natural causes? *thinks* I can't remember anyone.
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[info]twistedsheets10 wrote:
Dec. 8th, 2008 01:35 am (UTC)
You know, you're right. Wait, how about uhm, Maester Aemon? He's the only one I could think of.
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[info]skjaere wrote:
Dec. 8th, 2008 01:37 am (UTC)
Oh, there's also the childbirth option.
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[info]madbard wrote:
Dec. 8th, 2008 01:42 am (UTC)
(Love that icon.)

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[info]madbard wrote:
Dec. 8th, 2008 01:36 am (UTC)
Baelor the Blessed? I assume at least some of the backstory people must have died peacefully in their sleep.
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[info]shark_girl wrote:
Dec. 8th, 2008 10:16 am (UTC)
Please may I be stealing your icon?
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[info]idemandjustice wrote:
Dec. 8th, 2008 06:34 pm (UTC)
Lots of us have that icon. :)
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[info]shark_girl wrote:
Dec. 8th, 2008 08:07 pm (UTC)
This is the first time I've seen it used :)
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[info]skjaere wrote:
Dec. 8th, 2008 07:41 pm (UTC)
Sure. Credit [info]curtana.
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[info]shark_girl wrote:
Dec. 8th, 2008 08:08 pm (UTC)
Awesome, thank you :)
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[info]citizenpsmith wrote:
Dec. 8th, 2008 11:44 am (UTC)
Lord Hoster Tully.
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[info]skjaere wrote:
Dec. 8th, 2008 07:42 pm (UTC)
You are correct, sir.
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[info]spitphyre wrote:
Dec. 8th, 2008 01:25 am (UTC)
*bats eyes cutely*
Any suggestions as to whose ass I should be kissing to get a job on the crew?
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[info]eng_dave wrote:
Dec. 21st, 2008 04:13 am (UTC)
Re: *bats eyes cutely*
BBC production crew so start making anoying phone calls untill you get to someone who can answer your questions
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[info]skjaere wrote:
Dec. 8th, 2008 01:28 am (UTC)
The Beeb is involved? Huzzah! I shall raise my expectations accordingly.
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[info]solice_moon wrote:
Dec. 8th, 2008 02:13 am (UTC)
Don't have any suggestions for actors, but if you could somehow get Peter Jackson to direct that would be fucking awesome.
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[info]tonys_mac wrote:
Dec. 8th, 2008 03:58 am (UTC)
it'd be cool if we could see the script for season 5
oh wait, I'm sorry, I'm picking on GRRM again. Let's see if this comment stays up for more than a couple o' hours.
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[info]coaldustcanary wrote:
Dec. 8th, 2008 05:20 am (UTC)
If anyone wants to follow the Winter Is Coming blog via LJ, I created a syndicated feed for it.

http://syndicated.livejournal.com/wic_blog/

I know, "wic_blog" is a terrible name, but everything else was taken.
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[info]idemandjustice wrote:
Dec. 8th, 2008 06:34 pm (UTC)
WIC sounds like it's referring to the assistance program for low income mothers.
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[info]coaldustcanary wrote:
Dec. 8th, 2008 11:25 pm (UTC)
Yes, well, I tried just about every permutation of "winter is coming" "winter comes" and "game of thrones" you can imagine, and the little icon in my browser for the blog says "WIC", so that's what I went with.
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[info]glreidaz wrote:
Dec. 8th, 2008 05:56 am (UTC)
Storycasting.com - where "fantasy casting" becomes REAL casting!
There are already 13 complete casts posted at Storycasting (www.storycasting.com), and several authors already use the site as their "collaboration point" with optioning organizations. Hey, fans, why try to hunt up pictures and format your post, when we've already got everything you need? Here's the URL for Game of Thrones - http://www.storycasting.com/work.aspx?id=c2ada059-4d8c-4f81-9c63-4782244abf45

Jeff Reid
Storycasting.com
"for the movie in your mind"
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[info]alice_the_raven wrote:
Dec. 8th, 2008 07:49 am (UTC)
This will be a great film! I can't wait.
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[info]laeryken wrote:
Dec. 8th, 2008 08:51 am (UTC)
Thank you!
I appreciate the update, GRRM! My sincere, heartfelt congratulations! No matter how long we wait for more, we wait for more because we love it. Seeing the books brought to life by someone who I believe can do them well (I respect HBO's works, The Sopranos and Oz anyone?).

I am so glad you are collaborating with them and not one of the non-cable studios!

Cheers, and I am so excited! I will be resubscribing to HBO just to watch your series brought to life!
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[info]motodraconis wrote:
Dec. 8th, 2008 09:10 am (UTC)
Whatever they do with this pilot, please don't let the BBC turn it into the travesty that is their Merlin Series.

I am afraid - so very afraid!
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[info]spitphyre wrote:
Dec. 8th, 2008 11:24 pm (UTC)
Yeah... that series makes me cringe in fear...
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[info]faile7 wrote:
Dec. 8th, 2008 09:36 am (UTC)
Hah, good to read this after your football disasters..! :)
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[info]saturnscasualty wrote:
Dec. 8th, 2008 09:39 am (UTC)
<3 thank you for the updates!
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[info]swiftvoyager wrote:
Dec. 8th, 2008 03:25 pm (UTC)
GRRM on film
The only casting suggestion that belongs here, would be to suggest that YOU take some small part in the show. Stephen King always had some extra part in his movies. Have you though about doing that? Would they let you?
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[info]dkountz81 wrote:
Dec. 8th, 2008 05:11 pm (UTC)
All I want for Christmas is Peter Dinklage as Tyrion. . .
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[info]mottled_kitten wrote:
Dec. 8th, 2008 06:25 pm (UTC)
Warwick Davis or Michael J. Anderson would be good choices as well... Mr. Anderson really reminds me on Tyrion sometimes!
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[info]dkountz81 wrote:
Dec. 8th, 2008 10:31 pm (UTC)
I don't know, Davis could probably do it, but he's really to fair complected for the part. And Anderson's voice isn't right (imo) and he doesn't really look like him.

Dinklage looks born to play the part, he's really smart, one of THE best and most underrated actors in the world, and he's hot. ftw
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[info]idemandjustice wrote:
Dec. 8th, 2008 06:36 pm (UTC)
That's who I've been hoping for as well.
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[info]elbamoonraven wrote:
Dec. 8th, 2008 06:06 pm (UTC)
Thanks for the links, George!

And I agree with swiftvoyager-- you need a cameo at some point :)
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[info]greyglass wrote:
Dec. 8th, 2008 06:50 pm (UTC)
Congrats again on HBO picking up your (wonderful, wonderful) series. So exciting!
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(Deleted comment)
[info]dkountz81 wrote:
Dec. 8th, 2008 10:31 pm (UTC)

GTFO

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[info]bravenewworld86 wrote:
Dec. 8th, 2008 09:53 pm (UTC)
Congrats! I've been waiting for good news on this for a while now. I can't wait to see it. :D
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[info]lesbajew wrote:
Dec. 14th, 2008 09:57 pm (UTC)
First of, congratulations! I'm really glad your pleased with it so far.

Out of sheer curiosity, will there be any casting calls, open auditions, etc? Not for me, I'm far to introverted and shy to act, but I know several actors who love your books and would gladly be an extra or bit part of some sort.
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[info]mariesaryna wrote:
Dec. 15th, 2008 07:05 am (UTC)
Sometimes I wonder if random authors follow me around, wait until I have read their books and then think 'OK now we can put it on TV.' Seriously, it'll be quite a treat to see the world that came from your mind, to paper, to my mind become "real" before my very own eyes. I only hope they don't screw it up like they did with Lord of the Rings. Granted they did a fair job, however, I was sorely disappointed by what they left out.


Either way everyday passes slowly as I wait not only for the TV series but for the much anticipated "A Dance with Dragons." All good things in time, with patience, yes?
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[info]glreidaz wrote:
Dec. 18th, 2008 09:29 pm (UTC)
LOTR only a "fair job"?
If you think Peter Jackson's LOTR was only a "fair job", I'm afraid that you're going to be disappointed with the HBO pilot, no matter how it turns out. We can all acknowledge that books make a movie in our mind, but the second point is sometimes missed: everyone's movie is different. I suppose that I enjoy many of the movies made from books because my standards are lower than yours - from my standpoint, you might be much more of a 'purist'. Here's my standard: if it tells the same story, in the same way, using the same characters, in the same settings, doesn't leave huge things out, and doesn't add goofy things in, then it has a chance of being a reasonable adaptation of the book. One way to look at this is to ask yourself: COULD the author (in collaboration with editors) have written the same story that the movie shows? Honest authors will admit that there is just as much left on the book's "cutting room floor", that never made it into the print version, as there is for the movie. So, COULD Tolkein have written and published LOTR without the Tom Bombadill snippet? Certainly, and there were likely many other things that WERE left out before it ever got to print. So I don't think we can fault Jackson and company (or the HBO team) for tightening the vision a little, since it's still the same story in the same way, etc. High expectations can sometimes be killers, in book adaptations and in life.
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[info]mebefatboy wrote:
Jan. 2nd, 2009 08:30 pm (UTC)
Re: LOTR only a "fair job"?
In my opinion, and this is gonna sound blasphemous to the purists and followers of the Tolkien religion, I found the movie to be better than the books, which is rare (Princess Bride being another).

Yes, pieces were left out, timelines were shifted and additions were made but the vision was so much tighter and the story felt more fluid. Where the book seemed to be written for teens the movie just felt more grown-up and mature. I personally don't think it could've been done any better. Tolkien would've been proud of what Jackson did with his story IMO.

With Mr. Martin's books though... I have a hard time imagining the TV series. With all the complexities and inner thoughts of every character, I can't imagine any other medium besides books doing the story and characters justice. Yet even with my misgivings I have expectations that HBO will be faithful to the book and do a good job with their interpretation for the upcoming series. It just won't be as good as the adaptation of the much simpler LOTR story.
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[info]eng_dave wrote:
Dec. 21st, 2008 03:03 am (UTC)
Knowing and understanding the industry because you work in it.
I Work in the TV and film industry mainly Postproduction and have worked in two companies in the UK were HBO have put their work through. You will not see the Pilot unless the series is made. They are hardcore on security. In this world of piracy and the amount it costs to make these shows its no wonder. The Pilot alone will cost more than most of us will make in ten years. But having said that as an absolute fan boy of this series, and living and working in NZ I really hope I have the chance if they film on this side of the world to work on what for me would be a very exciting JOB.
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[info]mebefatboy wrote:
Jan. 2nd, 2009 08:01 pm (UTC)
I'm so glad that HBO picked this up. I have really high expectations since they've made so many great shows, "Sopranos" and "Deadwood" come to mind. I'm also very confident that they will not water down and churn out bland episodic network TV crap; I won't give any examples, legendoftheseeker, 'scuse me, had to clear my throat.

Mr. Martin, you and HBO take all the time necessary to make this into a quality series. Raise the bar with fantasy on television as you did with books. As you know, all your fans are loyal and very, very, veeerrryyyy patient lol.
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[info]daryl_zero wrote:
Jan. 23rd, 2009 11:24 pm (UTC)
hi
Longtime reader and huge fan. Not sure if you read these.. the internet is surreal that way... (I actualy stumbled upon this when I googled your name to make sure I spelled it right in a favorite authors top 10 list)

Anywho.

I am overjoyed at the thought of one of the top two fantasy stories of all time being televisioned but that crazed fan side of me is terrified. It doesn't seem possible for anyone to do the books justice I guess.
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( 48 comments — Leave a comment )

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[info]grrm
George R.R. Martin
George R. R. Martin

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