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Northern Ireland Economy Minister visits set of new Game of Thrones prequel

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Northern Ireland Economy Minister visits set of new Game of Thrones prequel

As a seasoned movie enthusiast who has witnessed the rise and fall of numerous epic series, I must say that the upcoming prequel to Game of Thrones titled “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” has certainly piqued my interest. Having lived through the magical realm of Westeros with its complex characters, political intrigue, and dragons (oh, the dragons!), this new series promises to take us back to a time that is both familiar yet entirely new.

The epic series “Game of Thrones” was filmed in various locations worldwide, yet its primary base remained Northern Ireland, specifically Titanic Studios and the surrounding countryside. In contrast, the prequel series “House of the Dragon” primarily moved production to England. However, the upcoming prequel series titled “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” is returning to Northern Ireland to bring George R.R. Martin’s “Tales of Dunk and Egg” novellas to life on screen. This new series, set between the events of “House of the Dragon” and “Game of Thrones,” is scheduled for release next year.

Filming for the initial season of “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms,” inspired by George R.R. Martin’s short stories “The Hedge Knight,” has wrapped up. Photos have surfaced showing Martin himself on set alongside the cast. He’s expressed his great satisfaction with how the series is unfolding, a sentiment that aligns with the buzz surrounding it.

David Sterling, Chairperson of Northern Ireland Screen, is equally delighted. In a statement, he expressed, “We were overjoyed to have HBO return to Northern Ireland for the filming of A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. This signifies another thrilling phase in our enduring collaboration. The landscapes and skilled workforce of Northern Ireland have consistently been integral in creating Westeros, and this comeback underscores the talent and creativity that our region still nurtures.

Filming a movie or TV show in Los Angeles is routine for Hollywood residents, but it can significantly benefit places like Northern Ireland, attracting attention from government officials. According to Northern Ireland Screen, the production of “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” is projected to contribute approximately £30 million ($38 million) to the local economy. Given the significant impact of such productions, Economy Minister Conor Murphy made a visit to the set.

Murphy was thrilled to have the chance to step foot on the set of ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms,’ as it offered a unique glimpse into the outstanding job opportunities in the film industry. This production not only highlights our breathtaking landscapes but also nurtures local talent, employing approximately 650 locals and offering numerous apprenticeship positions for aspiring professionals. Additionally, the eco-friendly approach on set mirrors my aspirations for a more environmentally friendly and accountable economy.

Regarding sustainability, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms adopts practices such as switching to Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) instead of conventional diesel fuel for its vehicles. This change is said to lower carbon emissions by up to 90% without requiring any extra infrastructure to be built, making transportation to and from the set more eco-friendly.

Essentially, “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” appears to be a more compact production compared to many other genre shows, as evidenced by its brief six-episode first season. Given that it’s adapting relatively short novellas, anything longer might seem like unnecessary stretching. Furthermore, since dragons are extinct in the storyline, there’s no need for substantial budget allocation towards them. The show primarily focuses on the knight Dunk (Peter Claffey) and his young squire Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell), as they traverse Westeros, performing good deeds and having various adventures. After series like “House of the Dragon” and “The Rings of Power”, which have been vying for grandeur and epicness, a smaller-scaled show like this could offer a refreshing change in the genre.

Initially, let me clarify: The series launch is scheduled for the latter part of 2025. We’ll be closely monitoring its progress from before, throughout, and even following its premiere.

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2024-12-09 22:41

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