Ep 4. How The Prosthetics In 'Game Of Thrones' Are Made

Movie Magic is a fascinating TV show that takes viewers behind the scenes of blockbuster films and critically-acclaimed TV shows to reveal the magic of movie-making. In the season 2 episode 4, titled "How The Prosthetics In 'Game Of Thrones' Are Made," the show explores the intricate process of creating the iconic prosthetics that make the world of Westeros come alive on the beloved HBO series.

The episode begins with a brief overview of the role of prosthetics in filmmaking. Prosthetics are special effects used to create monsters, aliens, creatures, and characters that don't exist in reality. They involve the use of practical effects, makeup, and CGI to create realistic and believable creatures on-screen. The episode then dives into the fascinating world of prosthetic creation, with a focus on 'Game of Thrones.'

The first segment of the episode introduces the audience to Barrie Gower, the Emmy-winning prosthetic makeup designer for 'Game of Thrones.' He explains that the show uses practical effects as much as possible, and the prosthetics play a huge role in bringing the otherworldly characters to life. He shows off some of his most impressive creations, including the Night King, the White Walkers, and the Children of the Forest.

The majority of the episode is dedicated to showing the painstaking process of actually creating these prosthetics. The show follows the journey of one of the actors who plays a White Walker, as he gets fitted for his prosthetic makeup. The process involves applying a cast of the actor's face, creating a mold, sculpting the design of the prosthetic, and then casting the final product in latex or silicone. The actor then has to sit through hours of makeup application to get into character, with each prosthetic piece being glued onto his face one by one.

The show also interviews several other members of the 'Game of Thrones' prosthetic team, who reveal the sheer amount of work that goes into creating the prosthetics for the show. They explain that each prosthetic piece is hand-crafted, and often takes weeks to complete. The team has to work closely with the show's writers and directors to create prosthetics that fit the specific needs of each character, and that accurately reflect the world of Westeros.

One of the most interesting parts of the episode is when the show explores the use of green screens in prosthetic creation. They interview members of the VFX team, who reveal that in some scenes, the actors are actually wearing only partial prosthetics, with the rest being added in post-production. This allows for more flexibility in the filming process, as the scene can be shot without the full prosthetic, and then the VFX team can add the rest in later.

Overall, "How The Prosthetics In 'Game Of Thrones' Are Made" is a fascinating look at the world of prosthetics in filmmaking. The episode does an excellent job of showing the amount of work that goes into creating these practical effects, and how they contribute to the overall atmosphere and believability of a film or TV show. Fans of 'Game of Thrones' and practical effects in general will surely appreciate this episode of Movie Magic.