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Tag: Game of Thrones

  • ‘Game of Thrones’ becomes the most popular series in the history of HBO

    ‘Game of Thrones’ becomes the most popular series in the history of HBO

    MUMBAI: With two episodes remaining in the fourth season of Game of Thrones, the show has now become the most popular series in HBO’s history, according to a statement released by HBO.

     

    Episodes of the show, which debut Sunday nights in the US, have an average gross audience of 18.4 million viewers, surpassing the previous record set by the 2002 season of ‘The Sopranos’, which had an average gross audience of 18.2 million viewers per episode. Season three of Game of Thrones had an average gross audience of 14.4 million viewers per episode.

     

    The next episode of Game of Thrones debuts in India on Sunday, 8 June, followed by the penultimate episode on Sunday, 15 June and the season finale on 22 June, exclusively on HBO Defined.

     

    Based on the bestselling fantasy book series by George RR Martin, Game of Thrones is an epic story of treachery and nobility set on the continent of Westeros, where summers and winters can last years, and only the lust for power is eternal. The EMMY and Golden Globe-winning series was recently renewed for a fifth and sixth season.

     

    The executive producers of Game of Thrones are David Benioff, DB Weiss, Carolyn Strauss, Frank Doelger and Bernadette Caulfield with co-executive producers Guymon Casady, Vince Gerardis and George RR Martin. Chris Newman and Greg Spence produce the series.

  • Break away from chains this Sunday on Game of Thrones

    Break away from chains this Sunday on Game of Thrones

    MUMBAI: This Sunday’s episode of Game of Thrones, “Breaker of Chains,” has been written by the creative team of David Benioff and D.B. Weiss and directed by Alex Graves. The episode covers a lot of ground and moves the story ahead on a number of fronts: King’s Landing, Castle Black, Dragonstone, and Meereen.

    One of the things that makes Game of Thrones so successful is the consistency of direction – Graves directed the episode that was telecast last Sunday. He has several more coming this season – and the consistency of the writing, with show-runners Benioff and Weiss writing most of the episodes themselves. It’s for these reasons that any inconsistencies also become significant. This Sunday night’s episode will divide viewers in a very different way with an extremely disturbing sensual and explicit scene.

    On the scene that was depicted on screen, which rather varied from the one in the books, author George R. R. Martin said in his blog, “The scene was always intended to be disturbing… but I do regret if it has disturbed people for the wrong reasons.”

    Also in this week’s episode, Tyrion Lannister a.k.a. the imp, ponders his options. While Tywin Lannister extends an olive branch, Samwell Tarley realizes Castle Black isn’t safe, and Jon proposes a bold plan. Also, the Hound teaches Arya the way things are and Dany chooses her champion.

    Last week’s episode of Game of Thrones, “The Lion and the Rose,” was written by creator George R.R. Martin and was directed by Alex Graves. Graves directed two episodes last season and is slated to direct three more episodes this season, including the finale. This is the only episode Martin will write this season. No doubt he is focusing on getting the novels finished before the series catches up!

    The epic aftermath of ‘The Purple Wedding’ will be aired on Sunday at 9 P.M. on HBO Defined.

     

  • Writers of ‘Game of Thrones’ decide on next film project

    Writers of ‘Game of Thrones’ decide on next film project

    MUMBAI: Writers of the HBO Original series Game of Thrones, which yet again surpassed its viewership and garnered record ratings, have taken on their first feature project since becoming the architects of the HBO series adaptation of George R.R. Martin’s bestselling fantasy series, which will open its fourth season this Sunday on HBO Defined.

     

    According to Deadline, David Benioff and D.B. Weiss have made a deal with Fox to write, direct and produce Dirty White Boys, the 1995 novel, written by Stephen Hunter, who also wrote Point Of Impact, the novel that was turned into the Mark Wahlberg film Shooter.

     

    Benioff and Weiss have had to dedicate their entire attention to the series because of the creative demands that came with writing and producing the ambitious signature HBO series Game of Thrones (GoT). This is the first project that they will helm together and the first since they began the GoT journey. They said it all started while they were shooting the breeze with a bunch of writer pals.

     

    Dirty White Boys follows Lamar Pye, who has escaped from Oklahoma State Penitentiary, accompanied by his idiot cousin and a vicious but cowardly artist. To have stayed in prison was certain death, but his chances on the outside are not much greater: his excesses know no bounds – one killing follows another.

     

    Benioff and Weiss are currently in postproduction on the remainder of Season 4 of GoT.

  • HBO GO sets crashing record for US subscribers

    HBO GO sets crashing record for US subscribers

    MUMBAI: HBO GO suffered under weighty demands as viewers desperate to catch up with Khaleesi, Jon Snow and the ravaged Stark clan are greeted with an error message, less than one month after a similar breakdown left True Detective fans staring at a blank screen. Such was the clamor of Game of Thrones fans tuning in to watch the premiere of season four on Sunday evening that HBO GO once again crashed. Less than a month after the channel’s streaming service broke down during the finale of True Detective, subscribers were once more left frustrated by the message “Fatal error” when the hit fantasy show resumed. Twitter embed code:

    I’m outraged about @HBOGO. Someone else’s parents pay good money for HBO and I expect to be able to watch what I want when I want.

    — Ed Casey (@edcasey) April 7, 2014

    Almost two years ago, HBO launched HBO GO, a website which features 1,000 hours of content available for streaming in standard or high definition. Content available on the service includes HBO original programming, movies, comedy specials, documentaries, sports, and late night adult programming. Twitter embed code:

    Having trouble accessing @HBO GO? Send a raven. @GameOfThrones will be available soon on HBO On Demand with some cable providers.

    — HBO GO (@HBOGO) April 7, 2014

    The premiere debuted on Sunday, 7 April and many problems were reportedly fixed just an hour later, but social media was still filled with complaints, as fans yearned to hear the fallout from the infamous “Red Wedding” climax of series three.

  • Game of Thrones actress cast in Hunger Games final films

    Game of Thrones actress cast in Hunger Games final films

    MUMBAI: Gwendoline Christie, best known for her role as the tough warrior Brienne of Tarth on Game of Thrones, has been roped in to play another military leader role.

     

    The actress, best known for her towering height, will play Commander Lyme in the final two installments of The Hunger Games film series; The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Parts 1 & 2. She’s replacing Lily Rabe, who was originally cast in the role.

     

    Rabe had to drop out due to a scheduling conflict with a previous commitment to Much Ado About Nothing at Shakespeare in the Park. The fourth film in the hit teen franchise is currently filming back-to-back with Mockingjay – Part 1.

     

    Lyme is one of the leaders of District 13, the district in the futuristic Panem that is rebelling against the government. She hails from District 2 and is a past victor of an unknown Hunger Games.

     

    Mockingjay – Part 1, the third of four films based on Suzanne Collins’ popular teen novels, will hit US theaters in November this year. Mockingjay – Part 2 will follow one year later again in November.

     

    Along with starring on the fantasy hit series Game of Thrones, Christie’s was last seen in The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus.

  • 24: Live Another Day debuts on AXN starting 9 May

    24: Live Another Day debuts on AXN starting 9 May

    MUMBAI: It was first reported in May last year that American broadcast network, Fox, was considering a 24 limited event television series based on a concept by EMMY Award winning writer, Howard Gordon. Not long after, Gordon had issued a statement saying, “Jack Bauer has always been an exciting, thrilling character, who has evolved through the years, and this new and exciting event series format is perfect to tell the next chapter of his story and continue to reflect how the world is changing. Fans can be rest assured that the Jack they know and love will be back.” 

     

     Indeed, the much-loved lead protagonist of 24 will be back with 24: Live Another Day, scheduled to premiere on AXN on 9 May, within the same week as its US telecast.

     

     AXN India programming head Arpit Mankar, confirmed the development. Having aired all eight seasons of 24 as well as the television film, 24: Redemption in India, the channel had acquired the rights to broadcast 24: Live Another Day and anymore 24 series if produced early on this year.

     

    Coming to the limited series, it is set and shot in London and follows the exploits of agent Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland), four years after the events of season 8, as he once again risks life and limb to thwart a global disaster.  

     

     Tracking the federal fugitive on the run are CIA head Steve Harris played by Benjamin Bratt (Law & Order); resourceful but ruthless CIA agent Kate Morgan played by Yvonne Strahovski (Chuck, Dexter); smart and sophisticated CIA computer techie Jordan Reed played by Giles Matthey (Jobs); and sharp but arrogant field operative Erik Ritter played by Gbenga Akinnagbe (The Wire).

     

    Calling the shots is James Heller played by William Devane (The Dark Knight Rises), now president of the United States. Heller is flanked by his chief of staff, Mark Boudreau, played by Tate Donovan (Damages, Hostages), who is married to Heller’s daughter and Bauer’s former flame, Audrey, played by Kim Raver (Revolution).

     

     Meanwhile, Bauer’s confidante, Chloe O’Brian, played by Mary Lynn Rajskub (Firewall), is now working underground with high-profile hacker Adrian Cross played by Michael Wincott (The Crow). 

     

     The guest stars on 24: Live Another Day include Golden Globe Award winner Judy Davis (Life with Judy Garland), Golden Globe Award nominee Stephen Fry (Alice in Wonderland, Bones) and Michelle Fairley (Game of Thrones). Bauer has just a day to prevent an unthinkable terrorist attack that could change the world forever…

     

    What are AXN India’s expectations from the limited series? “We expect the show to get new viewers. There are two reasons for this: a) 24 now is a more recognised brand in India, thanks to the local version. b) We expect the younger generation of today to tune-in to the show since the 24 franchise launched way back in 2001 when they were too young to consume TV. We are targeting both the 24 loyalists who we believe are in the 25-44 yrs TG as well as the 15-24 yrs TG who would possibly be watching it for the first time. We expect both males and females to tune in. They will surely want to watch this cult show,” said Mankar.

     

    What about advertising? A 30-second advertisement spot for 24: Live Another Day sells for half a million US dollars in the US. So, “This credibility definitely helps from a sponsorship point of view as brands are assured of loyal viewership, in terms of both reach and time spent. Our sales team has had a very encouraging response from key categories and brands. AXN’s marketing campaign will be 360 degree covering TV, online, OOH and print,” shoots Mankar.

     

    Starting 31 March, Monday to Thursday at 9:00 pm, AXN India will air all episodes of season eight of 24 as a catch-up marathon before 24: Live Another Day makes its adrenaline-packed debut on 9 May.

  • HBO’s Game of Thrones Ascent game comes on iPad before Season 4 debut

    HBO’s Game of Thrones Ascent game comes on iPad before Season 4 debut

    MUMBAI: The hugely popular HBO original series Game of Thrones is to premiere its Season 4 on 6 April, but Apple users will get to enjoy the official Game of Thrones Ascent game on their iPads much earlier.

    The game already has around 2.5 million players on Facebook and the web, and now is available as a free download in the App Store with new art, optimised imagery and game center leaderboards.

    “With Game of Thrones Ascent, fans can immerse themselves beyond the books and show and actually live the life of a noble during a time of upheaval within Westeros. Taking part in thousands of story-driven quests, players delve deeply into the lore and develop their own lands and reputation among the Great Houses,” stated a press release. “Players explore an expansive world filled with deep political and social play involving diplomatic agreements, pacts, marriages, and betrothals. Through Alliance challenges, players work with hundreds of others to accomplish great tasks and rise to the top of the Power Rankings.”

    The app will also be continually updated with new story lines and content from the show on each Monday following new episodes airing on TV.

    “Frequent updates with content matching new episodes on HBO; as each episode airs, see new quests each week and explore the show like never before! Create your story through Seasons One, Two, and Three, and create your own history in our unique Volume You!,” added the release.

    Game of Thrones Ascent is currently available on the App Store.

  • Books to read before they hit Indian theatres in 2014

    Books to read before they hit Indian theatres in 2014

    MUMBAI: Here’s the review of the seventh book in the 10-part series that features books being adapted into Hollywood movies in 2014.

    The Maze Runner – James Dashner

    Imagine waking up one day in total darkness, unsure of where you are and unable to remember anything about yourself except your first name. You’re in a bizarre place devoid of adults called the Glade. The Glade is an enclosed structure with a jail, a graveyard, a slaughterhouse, living quarters and gardens with no way out.

    Outside the Glade is the Maze, and every day some of the kids, who call themselves the Maze Runners, venture into the labyrinth, trying to map and figure out the ever-changing pattern of the walls in an attempt to find an exit from The Glade, a place to them that now feels far worse than hell. So far, no one has figured a way out of The Glade. And not all of the Runners return from their daily exertions falling victim to the maniacal Grievers (part animal and part mechanical killing machines).

    Enter Thomas, the newest arrival to The Glade. As soon as he arrives, unusual things begin to happen, and the others grow suspicious of him. Though the Maze seems somehow familiar to Thomas, he’s unable to make sense of the place, despite his extraordinary abilities as a Runner. Heavily influenced by famous sci-fi teen fiction like Ender’s Game and Lord of the Flies, The Maze Runner takes the reader on a roller-coaster ride through The Maze in this tale of survival, friendship and civilization.

    On its arrival on the bookshelves, James Dashner’s The Maze Runner, book retailer Barnes & Noble included the book as part of its showcasing of new writers for the end of 2009 and the beginning of 2010. According to Wikipedia, The Maze Runner spent a year on The New York Times Bestsellers List. The Maze Runner currently stands at 3.98/5 of 151,708 ratings on Goodreads.

    The live action motion picture adaptation of The Maze Runner stars Dylan O’Brien (Teen Wolf) as Thomas, Kaya Scodelario (Skins) as Teresa, Aml Ameen (Kidulthood) as Alby, Thomas Brodie Sangster (Game of Thrones) as Newt, and Will Poulter (We’re The Millers) as Gally and is directed by Wes Ball, who makes his full length feature film directorial debut with The Maze Runner with a screenplay by Noah Oppenheim (The Buried Life).

    The Maze Runner will amaze Indian audiences 19 September 2014.

  • Sky and HBO extend content partnership deal

    Sky and HBO extend content partnership deal

    MUMBAI: The Home of Box Office certainly wants to live up to its name. In a recent development Sky and HBO have extended their original drama commitment and output deal to at least 2020.

     

    Under the new agreement, BSkyB and HBO will work together to develop and produce new drama series for broadcast on their networks in the UK, Ireland and US. Their goal will be to identify projects with the potential to run for multiple seasons and to commission these shows, with production to be jointly funded by the two companies.

     

    The collaboration includes an extended content output deal to ensure that Sky Atlantic remains the exclusive home of first-run HBO programmes in Britain and Ireland through 2020.

     

    The co-production agreement builds on the partnership that Sky and HBO have enjoyed since 2010. With the extended output deal, new HBO programmes – including True Detective and Looking – will continue to premiere exclusively on Sky Atlantic along with the return of award-winning shows such as Game of Thrones, Boardwalk Empire and Girls.

     

    Sky Atlantic has become one of the strongest channel brands in British television in just three years since its launch and is currently rated among one of the top three must-have pay TV networks according to Sky customers.

  • Game of Thrones is the most pirated show of 2013

    Game of Thrones is the most pirated show of 2013

    With 2013 nearing its end TorrentFreak (TF) has released the list for their Top 10 Most Pirated Shows and Game of Thrones takes the crown again this year followed by Breaking Bad and The Walking Dead. Game of Thrones holds the honour of becoming the most downloaded TV-show for the third year in a row.

    With 5.9 million downloads via BitTorrent, the 2013 season finale beat the competition by a landslide. More than half the downloads happened in the first week after the show aired and apparently the total exceeds the number of traditional viewers in the US.

    Breaking Bad and The Walking Dead complete the top three with an estimated 4.2 and 3.6 million downloadsa are est respectively. The datimated by TorrentFreak based on several sources, including download statistics reported by public BitTorrent trackers.

    It doesn’t come as a surprise that Game of Thrones topped the charts as the show has broken two piracy records already this year, with over 170,000 people sharing a copy of an episode simultaneously.

    There are a wide variety of reasons why people download TV-shows, but to a certain degree one could claim that HBO is to blame for the massive piracy of Game of Thrones. The network prefers to keep access to the show exclusive and even Netflix wasn’t able to buy the rights no matter what they offered.
    Interestingly enough, TF also learned this year that the huge number of unauthorised downloads don’t bother the show’s makers much. Game of Thrones director David Petrarca previously  admitted to TorrentFreak that piracy generated much-needed “cultural buzz” around his show.