GRRM hands in script

George R. R. Martin has a new blog post up and informs us that he has handed in the first draft of his script of episode eight. He notes it is likely too long and too expensive, both problems that will be addressed in rewrites.

It’s May, it’s May, hurray.

What’s more, I actually met a deadline. I turned in the first draft of my script for episode eight of A GAME OF THRONES to David and Dan on the day it was due. Today, as it happens.

It’s too long and too expensive, but that’s true of every first draft teleplay and screenplay that I ever wrote. I’ve titled it “The Pointy End,” though I don’t know if that will endure. Last I heard, it hadn’t been decided whether we’d be using episode titles or not.

One monkey off my back. At least until it’s time for rewrites, and the second draft.

Other monkeys are still frolicking up there, including Kong. He was a king in his world, but we’ll teach him fear…

George goes on to add, in the comments, some news that will be of interest to Esme Bianco fans (and it also gives us an excuse to post an Esme picture).

So far the only character added who was not in the books is Ros, the Red-Headed Whore, who has a scene with Tyrion in the pilot.

I gather she may be back in later episodes as well.

But hey, I liked Ros, the Red-Headed Whore. Especially after I met Esme Bianco, who plays her.

Maybe I’ll add her to the books…

Winter Is Coming: Glad to hear that the script is done. The first draft anyway. Those worried that the whole production would be put on hold while they waited for George to finish his script can breathe easy. Just kidding. Sort of.

Also I’m excited to hear that Esme may be back in later episodes. Undoubtedly this info will provide fuel to those in the “replace Shae with Ros” camp. I still don’t think that would be a good idea. I think there is enough room in this series for two whores. ;)

UPDATE: GRRM continues on in the comment section with this informative comment.

I really don’t think the “almost unrecognizable plot” thing is anything you need fear on this project.

The first season, at least, will hew quite close to the books, from what I have seen.

Admittedly, it will grow harder to remain faithful in later seasons, if the series is renewed. As the books progress and the original characters scatter, more and more secondary and tertiary characters become involved, more and more settings are seen, and the “butterfly effect” comes into play… whereas what seems like a small and innocous change in season one or two turns out to have major consequences in season five, when the minor character who was changed/ cut in season one is supposed to push to the fore and play a significant role.

No one is saying it will be easy. But the intent is there.

But hey, David and Dan knew the job was dangerous when they took it.

• Published on 05/01/2010 at 8:59 PM CDT
• Last updated on 10/20/2016 at 5:14 PM CDT