House of the Dragon was my home for 16/17 months. As Director Mentee.
Our vantage point was unique, we were next to the director’s chair across pre-prod, prod, and post. It was life changing because it was so much more than directing.
Miguel Sapochnik, (director/showrunner) was our mentor. He was a ball of knowledge, craft and entertainment. Miguel isn’t a hack, he’s the real deal. He’s up there because he knows his stuff and can deliver a vision. He changed GoT visually and made HOTD the visual feast it is.
Ryan Condal (Writer/Showrunner) always gave us time. He once gave us a mini masterclass on writing and show running at the side of V Stage (The Volume).
@clarekilner is one of the nicest people. She is precise in executing drama and brilliant with actors. V. inspiring to me personally. She’d casually say to us in the kitchen. “Well, you can do this, you’ll be fine.”
@geetavpatel was a titan. A resilient person who battled on, no matter how covid crazy the schedule got. She was masterful.
We spent a lot of time with
@gregyaitanes , seeing him channel those 200 + hours of TV experience! He dropped so much knowledge to us about the business too. Such a valuable mentor.
They all treated us as equals and didn’t pretend to moonwalk through it. They showed us the other side, the emotional & high-pressure side too. Thank you.
I also found a brother for life in
@marcusanthonythomas . He kept me laughing and motivated, we looked out and cared for each other. Together we made a 500-page journal, a 40 min documentary & directed promos in the Red Keep and Throne Room.
❤️💜 to
@caroline__alderson @berenice_percival @just_so_masso ,
@katlebac @battersbytomas @_oliverhill_ @cgdop
Thanks to
@karenhorne @timikkella @jon.wardle ,
@dapper__dan
Invaluable Production/Producer/Director assistants:
@jherylstewart @georgebenedetti @esmepemburysmith @ellegirling @paigecw94 @abbieclaytonn @battersbytomas @dominiqueparryparker
Our Other teachers - Jocelyn Diaz (EP), Karen Wacker (EP), Ron Schmidt (EP), Tim Porter (Editor), Angus Bickerton (VFX Supervisor),
@totaldave (Writer, EP) and all HODs of HOTD S1.
Arrive prepped and leave with goodness.
