Home Is Where the Raw Meat Is

INSIDE THE SERIES
by Steve Marzolf

The precise architecural elements of Castle Black have already spawned a lively discussion online but let's not forget about the...ahem..."interior design" skills of the Night's Watch.  Set decorator Richard Roberts gives a snapshot of the castle's vibe: "It had to look greasy and grungy and cold and as disgusting as possible.  And I'm seeing it with all the extras in and the actors look great 'cause their teeth are rotten and they look...unwashed for years, so, it was foul, it was absolutely foul.  And it literally does stink up there.  We've got pigs in there, you've raw meat hanging up...I was there this morning, and it was absolutely disgusting.   It smelled foul and looked foul but that's how it should be, so we're happy."

Dispatches From The Seven Kingdoms: Fresh Recruits

ON THE SET
by Bryan Cogman

MAGHERAMORNE QUARRY, Northern Ireland - "Night gathers and now my watch begins."  At long last, I've reached Castle Black, a once-mighty fortress, now a shadow of its former self due to years of neglect and the ravages of time.  It is home to the Night's Watch, a brotherhood sworn to protect and defend the Seven Kingdoms.  And it sits at the base of the fabled Wall - raised by Brandon the Builder in the Age of Heroes to protect the realm from the dark forces that dwell beyond in the frigid Northern wastelands.

While Brandon the Builder is no longer with us, we are fortunate to have Gemma Jackson and the stalwart GoT crew, who have built a large section of Castle Black here at Magheramorne Quarry, just a few minutes north of Belfast.  It's a composite set, with exteriors and interiors.  The courtyard.  The ravenry. The mess hall. The barracks chamber. Even a working elevator that climbs up the quarry wall.  It's all here.

We've been on this set for a few days filming the Castle Black scenes from Episodes III and IV.  Brian Kirk directing, Marco Pontecorvo shooting.  As I type this dispatch, fight  arranger Buster Reeves is drilling a combat sequence with Night's Watch recruits Jon Snow (Kit Harington), Rast (Luke McEwan), Grenn (Mark Stanley) and Pyp (Josef Altin).  Not sure how I'd fare in the Night's Watch.  I imagine I'd be assigned to the stewards, as I have flat feet.

Until next time, friends,

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