Breaking Down The Breakdown - House of the Dragon - Moondancer & Silverwing

The world of Westeros is one that holds a particular meaning for Rodeo FX, as it was with Game of Thrones that our work on Episodics started. So we couldn't be more excited to work on HBO's second season of House of the Dragon, this time going even beyond breathtaking environments with he creation and animation of three iconic dragons: Vermax, Moondancer, and Silverwing. While Vermax and Moondancer made their first appearances in season 1, Silverwing was introduced as a brand new, awe-inspiring creature, one of the largest dragons in Westeros.

Each dragon was meticulously crafted to reflect distinct personalities that were evident in their respective sequences. Moondancer, for instance, showcased a more aggressive and almost 'punk-like' demeanor, especially in the thrilling chase sequence from episode 3. In contrast, Silverwing exuded a noble and composed presence, yet remained terrifying, particularly during the tense scene where Ulf encounters the dragon in a dark cave.

Given the lack of real-life references for dragons, the Rodeo FX team embarked on extensive research, studying bats, Komodo dragons, and other reptiles to create creatures that felt larger than life. Each dragon was designed with a complete set of characteristics, including mood, personality, size, weight, and even cruising flight speed, ensuring they felt like true inhabitants of Westeros.

The flying sequences were a seamless blend of on-set footage, where actors rode on a buck, and the impeccable CG assets developed by Rodeo FX. A particular challenge was evoking the massive scale of Silverwing, especially during Ulf's first encounter with the dragon deep beneath the Dragon Pit. This was achieved through carefully placed lighting and intricate animation, which highlighted Silverwing's imposing presence as it emerged from the darkness.

In addition to the dragons, Rodeo FX also developed multiple key locations for the season, including the iconic Winterfell, the towering Ice Wall—last seen being destroyed by the team in season 7—and King’s Landing, with its monumental landmarks like the Dragon Pit, the High Sept, and the Red Keep.