BTS: Model of Old Valyria | House of the Dragon (HBO)

Prop Modeler, Craig Narramore, Set Decorator, Claire Nia Richards, and more highlight the lengthy and detailed process behind developing the model of Old Valyria. Check out the full behind-the-scenes episode of docuseries The House That Dragons Built on HBO Max to learn more about how the Red Keep evolves as Alicent becomes more influential in the castle, blocking the banquet scene, and more.

[aidanrogers]

The greatest crime of the series is not having an episode where Viserys played with this model with his grandchildren and used the figurines to have mini battles

[katyalupochev]

The Old Valyria model worked so well as a visual representation of Visery’s character. Not just to represent his introspection and mild character, but to show his devotion and obsession to his Valyrian blood and the prophecy it holds. And it was a heartbreaking sight in the later episodes to see his city covered in cobwebs. A city in ruin, just like his best efforts to hold house Targaryen together in peace.

[albaheadtheovertross]

The model is one of my favourite aspects of Viserys; he's a capable project manager, but overwhelmed as king.

[matthewyj]

It's not just a cool set piece, it gives us insight into Viserys as a character as well. Compare this to Robert who enjoyed hunting in solitude away from everyone, Joffrey loved torturing people, Cersei drinking wine and perpetually scheming. Viserys was a builder, and a lover of history, which only plays more into the tragedy that will be The Dance. Another note is when someone came to talk to him while he was working on his model, he never dismissed them, which means in accordance with his hobby he always wanted to be available for his family or for his councilors to speak with him, unlike say Robert who in his hobby of hunting wanted complete solitude in an effort to avoid court.

[rhaenyraitargaryen]

It would've been amazing if Viserys told more lore about Valyria while he was still alive.

[coomesy]

Was a pleasure to work on this model! I was one of the makers and painter for the model and spent about 5 months working on it!

[eduardafranca]

Imagine if he had died like in the books, playing with his grandchildren and telling stories of old Valyria, add the Valyria model in the scene and it would have been perfectly heartbreaking

[LeeJ]

I love that Viserys was a bit of a geek and loved his little models and reading ancient books. Makes a change from all the other volatile rulers we've seen.

[Furrylittleproblem]

The amount of work that goes behind the scenes is astounding. Great job, everyone!

[jeffreytan]

As someone who builds scale models I can totally relate to King Viserys having the same hobby. Its so rewarding and like him I think we would have the same feeling of being a kid again and just being awestruck with our own creation.

[carpediem]

The effort and dedication on even the smallest detail is just insane...that dragon detail on the model was epic

[catabasiis]

kudos to the prop makers and designers, it looks fantastic

[yashweemadhuvarshinee]

It's amazing how you much work and detail oriented these people are. Even the background props tell a story in HOTD/GOT. Absolutely Brilliant!!

[batgurrl]

It’s Amazing that King Viserys did this and thanks for the BTS look at it. Yes, the cobwebs are a sad touch

[ArqAngilberto]

As an architect, I was really impressed the first time I saw that model of Valyria, but a couple of episodes, It went BIG, oh my god, I am only capable of doing a modern model not quite that size by first using Revit and doing a 3D model, and then I can guide myself doing it, I use laser printing, to have more clean cuts, but this is a work worth thousands of dollars.

[Divine_Chareka]

The attention to detail in this show is just amazing!!. This show is amazing 👏

[ziva]

Petition for an Old Valyria spin-off series 👏🏻

[originaozz]

I just have great respect for the showrunner and the set designs. They really thought out every little detail that last for swleconds on screen to create a world that feels live in.

[rayoliver]

The hardwork of these people behind the scene is just amazing! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[celliott]

This is amazing all the work done by everyone to bring life to HOTD, brilliantly and masterfully created! Bravo to you all.