Smallscreen Features

HBO transforms WB backlot into Westeros for Game of Thrones premiere party

By April MacIntyre Apr 19, 2011, 23:13 GMT

It was magical and otherworldly finish to the screening of the premiere episode of "Thrones", magnificent on the big screen, showing off lavish locales, costumes, effects and sets where the $50 some-odd million went in production costs.

Saturday night, under a nearly full and glorious moon, HBO kicked off their latest hit series, "Game of Thrones" with a perfectly appointed setting, dressed the part of the fictional Westeros realm.

The after-party was replete with lords, ladies, wenches, lawn bowling, mystics who rolled bones and stones, medieval musicians, wolf cub pups and even a look-alike Daenerys on a white Steed. The food was ample and the grog was to everyone's taste.

photo by April MacIntyre ©M&C

At the exclusive screening of "Game of Thrones," the House Stark salvo, "Winter is coming" played against one of the warmest dry days Los Angeles had seen since last summer. HBO brought in more than 200 guests from the cable channel’s affiliates (including Comcast folks) for the exclusive screening of "Game of Thrones" at the Steven J. Ross Theatre at Warner Bros. Studios.

photo by April MacIntyre ©M&C

The set of "True Blood" - specifically Merlotte's and the forest area around it - were transformed into a Westeros medieval setting, as gorgeously set tables and buffets gleamed in a forest of trees in candlelight and an array of activities surrounded the drained lagoon, set for people to feast.

photo by April MacIntyre ©M&C

Flaming torches and staff offering the drink of the night, the King’s Tonic greeted us all. The stiff drink was a blend of Gin and Amaretto with a splash of Bitters, Soda, and Sweet and Sour. Many guests (myself included) had to slow it down.

photo by April MacIntyre ©M&C

Princess Daenerys sat astride a large white horse to greet the guests, as Celtic musicians and singers set the mood for this fun Renaissance festival. The “Dublin 4” played music that gave a lively energy to the event.

photo by April MacIntyre ©M&C

Gambler’s Corner featured medieval fun such as a dice game called Passage, and some fun Lawn Bowling too. The Wolf Cub photo opportunity saw many in line ready to snuggle with a 6-8 week old pup from a litter of wolf puppies. They were so soft and cuddly; this was my favorite thing at the party.

Mystics wielded "bones and stones" - the ancient art of reading the hues of stones and the directional casting of archaic bones - and read the Tarot cards for those who had questions.

photo by April MacIntyre ©M&C

Each of the buffet stations had art work representing the four houses, such as a direwolf for House Stark and a lion for House Lannister.

The event also boasted a menu of roasted leg of pork, steamed salmon with fresh dill sauces, smoked turkey legs and sausage on a stick, along with medallions of breaded baked goat cheese, herbed wild rice, grilled vegetables and roasted potatoes.

Dessert boasted chocolate bread pudding with a caramelized Whiskey sauce, Berry Trifle, Chocolate Truffles and fresh whipped cream.

For the out-of-towners, HBO arranged moonlight tours of the iconic studio backlots and stages. This is the way to see a cinema backlot, as Universal offers midnight tours sometimes too, and their sets are reportedly haunted.

The happy news is that HBO has given "Game of Thrones" a season two. It will be a long Winter, thankfully.