Chapter 361: Winter is Coming

Television dramas and movies are different, yet in some ways, they are similar, such as their reliance on marketing and promotions to achieve high sales.

As the filming work concluded, the crew was about to transition into the post-production phase. Murphy and Kara Faith had agreed with the Fox cable network that this epic series would officially premiere on Fox Cable TV at the end of April. Subscriptions would be open to viewers, and a preview of the first episode would be held two weeks prior.

Since Murphy primarily used on-location shooting, there were few scenes that required post-production special effects. The main tasks were focused on editing and scoring. The crew didn't need an overly lengthy post-production period.

Unlike movie releases, the Fox cable network adopted the traditional American TV series broadcasting method. Murphy only needed to finish editing the first few episodes ahead of time; there was no rush for the later episodes.

This approach also had another benefit: it allowed for timely adjustments based on viewer feedback.

The crew was now on holiday, and the post-production would start later. However, Murphy and several main actors didn't rest, and under the promotion of 20th Century Fox, they began their efforts in marketing the series.

Especially Murphy, as Stanton Studios had invested a massive amount of money into this series. Success would bring him substantial profits, while failure could severely impact him.

Stanton Studios first announced on the official blog for "Game of Thrones: A Song of Ice and Fire" that all shooting was completed and it was moving into post-production.

Following that, the Fox cable network released news during prime time that "Game of Thrones: A Song of Ice and Fire" would officially air on the last Friday of April at 9:00 PM.

Murphy then released the first poster on his blog, which simply featured a prominent line: April 28, 2006, Winter is Coming!

20th Century Fox also promoted the TV series across many of its media outlets.

"For a decade, or even longer, those fascinated by the 'A Song of Ice and Fire' series seem to have the absolute willpower and confidence of the Northerners when facing various harsh news and blows. Finally, Fox cable network will air the fantasy masterpiece 'Game of Thrones: A Song of Ice and Fire' on April 28th this year at 21:00. The whole world is waiting to be captured, shocked, and influenced by this story from a visual perspective."

Such promotions also appeared on numerous mainstream media outlets.

"From the beginning of this plan, we have been continuously monitoring until it is about to be broadcast. Whether you have read the books or not, you should pay attention to this series because, although it takes place on a fantasy continent, its portrayal and contemplation of human nature and behavior are as vivid, direct, and paradoxically cruel as a microcosm of the modern world."

Behind the final production cost of $50 million for "Game of Thrones: A Song of Ice and Fire" was an additional $15 million marketing budget.

Since the broadcast date was not too far away, Stanton Studios and 20th Century Fox together began a variety of promotional activities.

In addition to releasing stills, posters, and behind-the-scenes productions, they also organized fan events, produced various memorabilia, and even created specialty foods from the series for tasting…

Meanwhile, Murphy released a second poster featuring Sean Bean as Ned Stark holding Ice, his brow furrowed and gaze downturned, as if struggling with internal pain.

The poster prominently featured the words in red, "YOU.WIN.OR.YOU.DIE," a rule of the game that must be followed in any world.

As the project's promoter and director, Murphy also accepted an interview with Fox TV.

"We are very cautious in handling this series," Murphy said in the Fox TV studio, facing the camera, "We have two main screenwriters, including Martin, who are very talented, smart, and this creates a great, irresistible attraction."

The host then asked, "Could this be the television version of the 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy?"

"Absolutely not, it's more realistic and cruel. It's really about the game of power," Murphy knew the audience he would be facing, hence he added, "This theme has resonated throughout human history. I assure you, you will quickly forget where you are and soon find yourself immersed in the entire story."

The original novel's fan base in North America would be helpful for viewership, but it also invisibly increased the pressure on the producers.

"The audience is extremely eager for the series," Murphy said, "so we must be meticulous. Everyone is looking forward to it. The standard and tone of the novel are already set, so if you want to do it, you must do it right."

Since the main plot of the first season was entirely based on the novel, book fans were the most basic viewing group, and Murphy specifically mentioned this aspect.

"From the time the first book of George Martin's '

A Song of Ice and Fire: Game of Thrones' was published to the completion of the TV series filming, it has been ten years, but for the fans of Ice and Fire, it seems like just a moment."

Focusing on original book fans in the first season was very necessary. It wasn't until the TV series began filming that Murphy realized there were more book fans than he had expected. After all, this series of novels hadn't just appeared in recent years; it had been nearly a decade since publication, and while not explosively popular, the sales were not bad either, naturally cultivating a group of fans.

And this globally popular fantasy novel had a large number of devoted readers, which was undoubtedly good news for Murphy and the TV series.

During filming, these people constantly monitored every move of the entire crew, even visiting the Belfast forest area to visit the set, which Murphy and Kara Faith could not ignore.

On this not-so-peaceful fictional continent, court intrigues, battlefield clashes, adventurous journeys, the growth of teenagers, and the maintenance of love and family... whether from the grand settings, the direction of the story, or the minute plot changes, they would all be the focus of attention and discussion by the fans in the future.

Thus, led by Murphy, the entire crew was extremely cautious in this regard, and in countless meetings, they discussed every detail. The crew's language creation department even invented a language for Drogo and his people.

"You have always been involved in movie production," the host asked again, "Why not consider making this series into a movie?"

"After completing the initial draft of the screenplay, I really didn't know how to make it into a movie."

After a moment's thought, Murphy elaborated, "To make the first book into a three-hour movie, I would have to cut about ninety percent of the content. I'm quite experienced in adapting screenplays from novels, and sometimes you have to be ruthlessly efficient, but in this project, I like every story line, every character. Cutting them out would be like dismembering a beauty, so the only way was to make it into a series."

At the end of the interview, Murphy added, "April 28th, on Fox Cable TV, winter is coming."

For the remainder of February, while post-production of "Game of Thrones: A Song of Ice and Fire" continued, Murphy frequently appeared in the media, actively promoting the series.

Compared to Murphy's busyness, Gal Gadot recently had more free time. Besides weekend gatherings, Murphy didn't have much time to spend with her. However, after filming ended, Margot Robbie transferred schools and stayed in Los Angeles. The two often spent weekends together shopping, and their relationship grew stronger.

"I don't think this black one is good..."

In a fashion store on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, Margot Robbie stood behind Gal Gadot, looking at the black evening gown she was wearing, and said, "Gal, with your figure, anything looks good on you, but have you considered?"

Gal Gadot turned around, looked back at the mirror, and asked, "Considered what?"

"You're walking the Oscars red carpet, and Murphy will definitely choose a dark gown," Margot Robbie said expertly, "If you also wear black, it won't be suitable. My suggestion is... white!"

"When did you stop studying horse riding," Gal Gadot curiously asked, "and start studying fashion?"

"You don't know this..." Margot Robbie showed a bit of pride, "When I left my hometown's farm, I initially stayed with a friend of my mom's and received professional model training. Fashion aesthetic was a necessary part of it."

"Hmm, you have good taste." Gal Gadot told the female shop assistant standing by, "Do you have it in white? Okay, bring it for me to try."

While the shop assistant went to fetch the same model in white, Margot Robbie leaned over, "I was right to accompany you, right? I told you I could help you."

"Maggie, I think you forgot." Gal Gadot crossed her arms and said, "I participated in the Miss Universe contest and received professional training in this area..."

Margot Robbie opened her mouth slightly, "Uh..."

The shop assistant brought the dress, and after trying it on, Gal Gadot decided to go with this short type that showed off her legs.

"Having long legs is a blessing."

Looking at Gal Gadot's straight, long legs, Margot Robbie said enviously, "No matter what you wear, it looks beautiful."

Those legs were what Gal Gadot was most satisfied with. She pulled Margot Robbie out of the store and said, "You're still growing, and soon you'll have a pair of long legs too."

"Of course!" Margot Robbie seemed very confident, then asked, "Where are we going next?"

"To the men's clothing store." Gal Gadot led the way, "I want to pick out

 an Oscars outfit for Murphy."

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