A house divided against itself fans the flames of war. As part of the marketing campaign, I was tasked with taking bluescreen shot short vignettes of each talent and turning them into a compelling trailer that sets up the fiery civil war known as the Dance of Dragons. As a huge GOT fan, I tried to imbue each frame with symbolic meaning and foreshadowing to suggest each character’s story arc and of course, reward GOT devotees.

Creative Director Vadim Turchin

Art Director Roger Hom

Daemon kneels in a jagged pool of light, presenting the castle he has captured. Rhaenyra’s banner hung above the ruined structures, unfurls into the space. We see the the “Blacks” banner framed by another jagged pool of light streaming through the ruined structures beyond, suggesting the cursed and dangerous history of Harrenhal.

Aemond found his path early, daring to wander into the Dragon Pit and encountering an unwelcoming Dreamfyre. This would have frightened anyone from trying to take a dragon alone again. Undeterred, he later acquires the even more fearsome Vhagar. Bathed in rays of light, Aemond swings his sword in deadly arcs, its metal glinting in the light. Aemond stands near where Aegon’s coronation took place, alluding to Aemond’s own ambitions for the throne. The “Greens” banner unfurls from the ceiling. Banners hang along the perimeter of the Dragon Pit.

Caught between his ambitions and his desire to protect his family, Corlys looks warily at the game of thrones in front of him. Light streaming in from the outside, the sea and beyond seem to beckon to him, while the surreal glow of the Painted Table draws him in.

Aegon appears to be the legitimate king, as framed by god rays streaming through the windows. But, in the shadow, is the glittering crown of Aegon the conqueror that he seems to reluctantly hold, perhaps unworthy of his head? Alicent’s banner unfurls from the top of the massive columns of the throne room.

Rhaenyra is deep in thought, perhaps contemplating her father Visery’s words: “The control of dragons is an illusion..it is a power man should never have trifled with… one that brought about Valyria's doom. If we don't mind our own histories, it will do the same to us. Targaryen must understand this to be King… or Queen.” The “Blacks” banners hang from the walls and the space beyond.

This space is more surreal than the others, a nightmarish premonition in its conception. In the foreground is the silhouette of the broken swords of the throne, lit by a lurid light of melted candles or fire. It recalls the scenes of Alicent and Rhaenyra praying at the Sept, Viserys revealing to Rhaenyra her role at the Skull of Balerion, the Painted table at Dragonstone, the Silent Sisters' funeral preparation table for Rhaenyra's stillborn child. Ultimately, it forebodes a dark future, a funeral pyre for both of them? Unaware by the two, a dragon, barely visible in the thick haze emerges ominously. Massive banners frame the scene.