Directing the pilot

With the revelation that Martin Scorsese will be directing the pilot episode of Boardwalk Empire and seeing that Alexander Payne directed the pilot for the HBO series Hung, it is looking more and more like getting a big name director for Game of Thrones may be crucial. But who could they choose?

Over at the Westeros forum someone suggested Peter Jackson. I’m not sure about that choice. Just because the man has done fantasy before doesn’t mean he should be picked to direct the pilot. Besides I am sure he is busy with work on The Hobbit right now.

Another suggestion that has been thrown out as a possibility is Wolfgang Petersen. He has connections to Benioff, having directed Troy, and is somewhat of a big-name. Looking at his IMDb profile though, and his track record shows it has pretty much been downhill since Das Boot.

Exploring other directors with connections to Benioff and we come up with an interesting name, Spike Lee. Lee directed the Benioff novel-turned-film, 25th Hour. He would have almost certainly worked closely with Benioff to get the novel translated to the big screen. It would be bold choice and would help create buzz for the show. Would he even have any interest in doing a series like Thrones though?

I’m not saying any of these directors are perfect fits for the show. I don’t know who would be. They may just go with an experienced director of television series, possibly someone that has worked with HBO or the BBC before. I would be perfectly fine with that as well, but acquiring a big-name to direct the pilot may give them a little extra something when it comes time for HBO to make a decision on the series.

• Published on 12/26/2008 at 10:42 AM CDT
• Last updated on 12/26/2008 at 10:42 AM CDT