#filmmaking resources

[dgspeaks]

Empowering Voices: 2024 Sundance Women to Watch x Adobe Fellows Announced

In an exciting development for the film industry, the Sundance Institute has unveiled the eight talented women selected for the 2024 Sundance Women to Watch x Adobe Fellowship. This prestigious yearlong program is dedicated to nurturing and sustaining the creative practices of women filmmakers, with a strong focus on those from historically underrepresented communities. Launched in 2020, the…

[thewriteblrlibrary]

A Step-by-Step Marketing Guide so we can spite traditional publishers (and make people cry).

~ This is a guide specific for fiction/writeblr. All of this is for free and there is little social media posting/ads involved (unless you want to venture into that). ~

Within the writeblr spheres, there's this underlying hope that our stories will find their audience. Perhaps we'll have a fandom full of fanart and video essays, or maybe we'll be an instant classic and sit on collectors' beloved bookshelves. Our stories could sit within the deepest corners of someone's heart and maybe they never tell a soul about what's so special to them. Maybe our stories become those 'underrated masterpieces'.

Or we just want to see people ugly cry over our writing.

Whatever your hope may be, marketing is an important path to venture on (especially because traditional publishers are rejecting diverse books in favor of ones that are already famous + the whole sub-par machine thing they seem obsessed with.)

And thus, my childhood marketing obsession will hopefully be of use to you. This is all for free (unless you want to spend money) and you don't need to figure out social media platforms (unless you want to, and this guide works if you decide to take that route too.)

Step One: Characters

Marketing spheres will define these fictious people as 'avatars' or 'the target audience'. You could also call them characters. Because that's what they are: fictional people.

For this step, you shall create characters that would love your story.

And here's some great news: You've already done this.

Perhaps you wrote your story to comfort a prior version of yourself. Perhaps each character in your story holds an aspect of your personality. Perhaps you were ridiculously self-indulgent and made the story you would've loved to read. These are all possible characters you can reuse for marketing.

Write down 2-4 quick archetypes for these characters. You'll chose an aspect of your story (characters, themes, or the younger-self that you wrote it for) and write a thumbnail sketch. (Main issue, fears, wants, personality traits if they relate to the main issue.)

I'll do it for my story (the Land of the Fallen Fairies) down below:

Anuli-like (my MC): Overthinking and aloof. Wants a happy ending but thinks their current personality/character isn't good enough for one. The present stales in comparison to the past/the childhood they lost. The 'gifted theater kids'. Kamari-like (side character): Postpones happiness in favor of creating a perfect schedule/getting accomplishments. Heavy masking. Creative but doesn't create anymore. Promises themself they'll enjoy themselves later, when they've earned it. Workaholics. My younger self: Wanting a fantasy escapism to embody the traits they wish they had in real life. Dissatisfied and worried about reality. Perfectionists. Self-indulgent: People who love plants and forests and fantasy worlds far away from reality/humanity.

Great! Now it's time to find these characters.

Step Two: Setting.

(Let's assume you're using the internet for your marketing. But a similar method works for real life too.)

Where do the characters live?

In order to figure that out, we need to discover the characters' interests, what they watch to solve their problems, and who they find #relatable.

(You can do this for each character or for all the characters at once.)

For example:

Anuli-like -

interests: Stories. Analysis videos. Fantasy escapism. Things that remind them of their childhood. (so nature, warmth, comfort, play, imagination and the times they would actually enjoy learning.)

Places to look: Nature quotes, ambience videos, children's shows and fairytales (comfort shows). Fandom culture - fanfic video essays, fan art.

Solving problems (the problem being wanting a 'happy ending' but feeling that their personality/lifestyle/characteristics aren't right for one): Mindfulness things. Self-healing. Quotes and meditations and candles galore. Slow living. Nature vlogs. Self care. All that 'live in the moment' culture.

Places to look: Slow living. Nature vlogs. The 'softer self-help' (spirituality stuff. Magic/ overnight answers). Witchcraft. 'aesthetic nature' places. Guided meditations.

#relatable: Burnt out gifted kids. People who think so much that their life passes them by. Storytellers and creative who create to make sense of the world. People who like dark, gory things in spite of who they want to be. People who don't like reality.

Places to look: Those 'learn better and remember everything' places. (The 'burnt-out gifted kid' recovery places.) Stop overthinking spots. Those quotes on Pinterest from poetic people who think too much /aff. Storyteller places. Dark academia. Classical music. One off quotes/ poetry.

Okie dokie. Once you have this, find channels, social media accounts, blogs, songs, books, etc. that fit with the categories you wrote down. (They should appeal to the characters) You can search up some of the terms you listed into searches and see who pops up. Bonus points if you find people that overlap with multiple sections.

I know I didn't include booktube or booktok in here. You can if you want too. But those can be a bit... 'consume these 500 books'. You also want to find other places where people who would like you story live, even if they don't follow booktube or booktok.

Congrats! Now you know where your characters live!

Step Three: the scary part

Take everyone you found on your search for the settings and write them down a list. Make sure you get an email/contact info. (they usually list them somewhere under 'for business inquires') Also feel free to watch their content and get to know what attributes these settings have.

And now... we talk to them. about our stories. You can do it. I believe in you.

This called 'pitching your product' in marketing spheres. But you can be informal about it.

I know it can be difficult to talk about your work, so here's a tone to have:

'I made this thing I like and I think you'll like it too'.

What you'll do is send an email (or dm) that goes like this (inspired by Creative Hive on youtube):

Hi [name],

[Genuine compliment]

[Quick sentence or two about your story. Include the themes and who it appeals to. If you have a logline/sentence summary, include that. But I find that the underlying themes and 'who's it's for' is more engaging.

For my story, I might say something like.

I've written a story you might enjoy, since you like [interest]. It's called the Land of the Fallen Fairies. It's a nature-themed commentary on the pursuit of happiness and fixing yourself to deserve that happiness, told by an overthinking, unreliable, houseplant narrator. It was supposed to comfort me when I got frustrated with myself and my happiness chasing, and I hope it can comfort others too.

(That's probably a bit long and I can trim it down a bit.)

You can phrase it like a gift if you want too.]

[Call to action.

'If you like it, I'd appreciate a mention on your [platform].

I know this part may be difficult to mention (imposter syndrome is not fun.) But I promise that if they do like it, they'll be happy to mention it.]

If they don't respond within... four-ish days? (A week at most). then you can include a follow up. For this you can include a template with info about your story. This way it's easy for them to talk about your story.

The template:

title

genre

blurb

Author

where to find the book

Bonus points if you have an additional, physical thing to send them.

Congrats! Now do this pitching process a few times until you've covered most of your bases. (Pitch to as many people as you can. It will get more comfortable as you do it. Play your favorite song and don't let yourself think too hard about it.)

----------

The benefits of this process are that you find people that are already interested in the themes and vibes of your story (in comparison to to ads, which get shoved in everyone's faces.). Someone your audience already trusts will talk about it, which means you don't need to do all this trial and error to find your audience and make content for them.

It's basically a bunch of people talking about something they like!

AND you diversify your audience across niches, but with an underlying theme/interests. Booktok/booktube must appeal to everyone, so it's a hit or miss for recommendations. (Unless there is someone that specifically does one genre/type of story.)

From here you can do fun little things to build up hype and make the book launch feel like this fun event. (I love it when that happens so here's my thoughts about trying to create an event with your story... although that may require another post entirely.)

preorder goals

charity goals

Arg's and puzzles

fund with side plushies and trinkets

Book blog tour

book boxes

as many memes as you can make

rewards (like bookmarks or posters or smth) that people can get for supporting

Talk about the process of creating your story. I know this one channel called 'Dead Sound' that creates 'making of' videos for his short films and they are some of the best videos on youtube.

Okay dear storyteller! Now go forth and share your story with the world!

Additional resources:

Creative Hive <-- a youtube channel that goes through the pitching process.

This video is also very good <-- Haven't watched the rest of the channel but I assume it's also good.

One of the best marketing channels on the internet (the videos are actually entertianing to watch.

Seth Goldin <-- I read his book and took the parts I liked and modified for storytelling marketing.

Dead Sound <-- propaganda to watch the short film series he has (he did the whole 2-d 3-d style wayyyy before spiderverse did... and he's one person making these. One person. It's amazing.

Glitch <--- If someone can figure out how The Amazing Digital Circus was marketed then I will pay you money. It seems to be a lot of memes and funny things.

[ophernelia]

can you give any tips for writing scripts? do you do it before or after you film the scenes? i’m having trouble figuring out dialogue and and how to space things out..

Ofc! This might be long though so sorry in advance!

I always write my scripts before I film a scene. If the script isn’t done, then I can’t film. It’s where I map out everything. Sometimes I’ll deviate from the script, because what’s in my head when I write isn’t always easily replicable in game. I still use it as a guideline for filming though. Here’s a rough sketch of what a detailed script looks like for me:

As far as pacing, I usually try to fantasize about how the scenes would go in my head. I try to be mindful of how long it takes everyone to read too. I read pretty fast, but I know the scenes and I know the script so it’s not the same for me as it is for my audience. I like to let the dialogue hang for a bit so people have time to read what’s written, but to also observe the scene visually.

Also, I use the script to show pacing too. Since I have a larger cast it’s a bit easier to do now, but I don’t like for a character to appear in two consecutive scenes. Especially if they’re in different places and a portion of the scene didn’t include them traveling. So, if Lou appears in scene 1 then he probably won’t appear again until scene 3 or later. In my head I see it as giving the character enough time to move from place to place.

When it comes to story pacing, I don’t want too much to happen too soon. It depends on how long your story is, of course, but I try to have a slow lead up to major things. For season 2, it took all season for Lou to meet his dad. Along the way I built it up by sprinkling in a few scenes here and there. Adding in a few crumbs to conversations. With other things you don’t wanna draw it out too long. Like Kaila, Rory, and Sav’s love triangle. Kaila and Rory were meant to get together quickly to show how much pull Rory has. It also shows how much Savannah was unwilling to fight for her because she knew Kaila wasn’t her person. A lot of this stuff is just personal preference though and depends on what fits your characters.

The best thing I can recommend to do is to watch your favorite shows. See how they block out scenes. See how long each scene lasts. See how the characters move through a scene. Think about the whole season and see when major turning points occurred. Take a little inspiration from that and then tailor it to fit your story. I try not to emulate shows too much because I like for Lykaia to stand on its own (and I have certain views about copying v. inspiration), but it is very helpful to at least observe how other shows are filmed. I try to think if my show was on like Netflix or Hulu- how would it look? How would it flow? I did that a lot more this season though and not the first two. Which is why I’m really not fond of season 1 of Lykaia. At least the first half. Twilight is one of those movies that has such a distinct look that whenever the style is emulated it looks like a copy. Which was completely unnecessary, because that sickly green aesthetic isn’t the only way to show solemn and moody weather. If I wanted that vibe, I needed to tailor it to fit Lykaia. I do that now by using a lot of rain, cooler tones, and a dry color palette. So, it’s stuff like that. It’s just been a learning process for me.

[filmcourage]

Don't Hire An Editor Until You Know This - Lucas Harger

Watch the video interview on YouTube here.

[lizardsfromspace]

Dune / His Dark Materials

Compromised, re-edited studio movie with a happy ending: ✅✅

Faithful, complete TV version everyone liked but then kinda forgot about: ✅✅

The Good One: ✅❓

[tealfruit]

it's really a shame I have to sell 40+ of my life hours every week for poverty wages instead of spending all my time and energy on dozens of creative and technical pursuits with unlimited resources

[barkingangelbaby]

please clap i finally closed out of 80+ tabs i had open on my phone.. big moment for a dumb guy like me

[hatsampixie]

I got inspired by the XPS textures from Jorn-K-Nightmane to create this pack.

I hope y'all have fun using the textures, as well as making your own textures if you want.

Here's the link. :3

UPDATE: 8/24/2023 Fixed up the mouth textures.

[linkloka]

Unlocking Creativity with FootageCrate: Your VFX Playground

FootageCrate is a guiding light for creators in the vast cinematic universe, where pixels collide, and imagination runs wild. Let’s explore why your filmmaking toolkit should include this immense collection of visual effects. Why FootageCrate? Affordably Professional-Level Content: Thousands of free filmmaking resources, including explosions and magical spells, are available on FootageCrate.…

[fiza-maryam]

CTSB Compulsory q2 

Restate your artistic vision statement.Select one work of design under the theme of social engagement. Discuss this choice in connection with your own aspirations and the themes of CTS B.

I’m a creative person driven by my passion for design and photography. While photography might be my main interest, I am also interested in various other visual art forms such as printmaking, motion graphics and mixed media. I’m proficient with the various graphic tools and have an artistic approach towards everything I create. I’m also a team player and know how to improve myself when given feedback.

In the future I aspire to become a professional photographer and filmmaker. I also would like to delve more into the world of printmaking and learn more about the process as I would like to work on personal projects in which I can combine my photography with different print making techniques. I also would like to work on projects which are immersive and interactive, as I am really inspired by artists such as Olafur Eliasson. Being a creative means to spend your entire life getting better at your craft while constantly learning, which is what I aim to do in the coming 5 years and for my whole life as a creative. 

Coming from the Middle East and South Asia, I carry a bit of my culture wherever I go, as it is a part of me. This has made me appreciate other cultures and be more curious about how design and art differs and adapts. I want to work with different creatives and media agencies around the world to be able to become more knowledgeable as there is always something to learn. whenever I visit a new place, I want to leave that place with an altered perspective on design and aesthetics. A type of perspective that can only be acquired through experiencing a different culture. 

In order to be able to achieve my aspirations and goals, I have to be able to build a strong portfolio along the way. Also more importantly self reflect and find out the values and ethics which define me as an designer. I am a designer and I am responsible for the work I put out into the world. It will outlive me. And it will speak for me.  

Room to breathe by pixel art works in collaboration with Outernet and Panadol (2022)

An antidote to anxiety, this spectacular, celestial installment was available to all. With the aim of bringing a moment of calm to busy Londoners, the soothing experience guided you through the box-breathing technique, to melt away everyday anxiety.

Located at Outernet, London’s brand-new media and entertainment district on Tottenham Court Road, Room to Breathe provided regular, daily experiences, free of charge, with no booking required.

This installation is not only a spectacular way of addressing a social concern of overworked, stressed and overwhelmed public but also a good example of the kind of work that inspires me to work with immersive technology in my designs.  

(472 words)

[hayaomiyazaki]

would love to turn people on to nz on screen, a free archive of new zealand and māori content with over 4500 titles!

the site is accessible in both english and te reo, and it includes over 500 films, 3000 tv series & specials, 2000 documentaries, as well as history series & specials, chat shows, musicals, lgbtq+ content, standup, children's shows, historic news & sports, and more :)

new zealand and māori filmmaking & content, particularly from before the late 2000s, can be exceptionally hard to track down and haven't been given the archival attention they deserve, so this is an amazing resource!

[maplewoodstreet]

Surround Sound on YouTube

Discrete Surround Sound

YouTube supports uploading surround sound tracks. The basic idea is that you must include two tracks in your video: a stereo track and the surround sound track. You can use either Dolby Digital (AC-3) or Advanced Audio Encoding Low Complexity format (AAC-LC).

While AAC has better audio quality than AC-3, AC-3 is more widely supported, so it is recommended you choose that. Resolve does not support exporting AC-3, so you will have to use a workaround.

Be sure you have stereo output bus and a 5.1 surround sound output bus

Export the video in Resolve (with or without audio)

Export your surround sound track as an audio only WAV file in Resolve

Export your stereo track

Import it to Audacity. Under Edit→Preferences→Import/Export, tick “Use Advanced Mixing Options”. Be sure you’ve added FFmpeg to Audacity

Export audio type as “AC3 File (FFmpeg)” and set bitrate to 640 kbps (max quality)

Use MKVToolNix to mux the video. Import the video and import the stereo and surround sound tracks. Deselect the preexisting audio tracks from the video import if applicable

Name the track in the Properties window if desired

Be sure the stereo track is before the surround sound track

Hit “Start multiplexing”

Upload to test. Give YouTube time to process the video before the surround sound track becomes available. Use 4K Video Downloader to check if “5.1” is visible when downloading. (It will only download the surround sound track, but the stereo track is on YouTube).

There are a few surround sound channel layout standards. First, familiarize yourself with what the letters mean in a 5.1 setting.

Left = L

Right = R

Center = C

Rear left = RL

Rear right = RR

Low frequency effects (subwoofer) = LFE

The two main standards are:

Film layout — L C R RL RR LFE

SMPTE layout — L R C LFE RL RR

YouTube uses the SMPTE layout.

(I think the reason it's L R C and not L C R as you might intuitively think is because L R C allows for incomplete backwards compatibility with stereo. In film format, the left channel would come out the left speaker and the right channel would come out the center speaker. In SMPTE format, it would technically work—L to L, R to R. Could be wrong on this point.)

On stereo systems, the first stereo track will automatically play and for surround sound systems, the second surround sound track will play. The vast majority of people do not have surround sound systems, so this is a rather niche feature.

Links: Davinci Resolve · Audacity · FFmpeg for Audacity · MKVToolNix

Additional Resources: Surround sound format examples

LtRt Matrixed Surround and Upmixing

If you want to go even more niche, you could opt for a matrixed surround sound for the stereo track. Matrixed surround sound is outdated and could introduce phase issues, so new AVRs may not support it. If it does, the AVR will say it supports Dolby Pro Logic II or Dolby Surround. (In 2014, Dolby introduced Dolby Surround as a way to package the original 1982 Dolby Surround, Pro Logic, Pro Logic II into one feature in Atmos.)

Matrixed surround sound was implemented into video games as far back as the Super NES the whole way to Wii with games like Star Fox, Star Ocean, Ocarina of Time, Final Fantasy IX, Super Mario Galaxy, and much more. I found that many non-surround sound games are enhanced with Dolby Pro Logic II, though it's a case-by-case basis. Mr. Driller did not sound right with PLII enabled. Metal Gear Solid and The Legend of Zelda sounded amazing, though!

Games transitioned away from matrixed surround sound in favor of discrete channels with the addition of TOSLINK and especially HDMI to console hardware. Nowadays, games can support Dolby Atmos! Fancy!

Some games and movies will support matrixed surround, but it won't advertise it on the box because licensing for Dolby is very expensive. If you have any VHS tapes or early DVDs, check to see if they “unofficially” support Pro Logic!

It appears that upmixing is when you take a stereo track and perform an algorithm to turn it into a surround track. Of all the matrixed surround options, this seems the most relevant to modern day applications.

I don't have much experience with upmixing or matrixed surround sound in general, so feel free to look into it yourself. The topic of matrixed surround sound was a bit of a rabbit hole for me personally and I don't fully understand it. Honestly, if you want surround sound on YouTube, go for the other approach. This isn't worth the trouble, in my opinion.

Here is a follow-up on PLII mixing.

Links: NUGEN Halo Upmix · Department of Sound UpMix Plugin · SoundCode LtRt Tools · Penteo Pro · Waves UM226

Additional Resources: Mixing With Dolby Pro Logic II Technology by Jim Hilson

Why Surround Sound?

Surround sound is a creative decision that allows more sources of sound to envelop the listener. Done well, surround sound can give the listener a more immersive experience than what stereo can provide.

However...

I can't really think of any truly practical reason to have anything more than stereo for YouTube videos. Most people do not have surround sound setups and I'd wager even less people don't know they could watch YouTube videos with surround sound at all.

It's just a neat feature! (⁠.⁠ ⁠❛⁠ ⁠ᴗ⁠ ⁠❛⁠.⁠)

You would probably use surround sound if you're a filmmaker and want to play your films in theater setting. You could upload gameplay of a game with surround sound. There are 360° VR videos, though I'm pretty sure those types use 3D spatial audio, which is different from a static 5.1 track.

Honestly, there just aren't a lot of situations you'd be in as a YouTuber where surround sound is worth the extra effort. I do it because it is one of my special interests. (⁠◡⁠ ⁠ω⁠ ⁠◡⁠)

Surround Sound Rules of Thumb

Disclaimer: I am not a professional audio engineer; I am a hobbyist. These are just guidelines that I picked up along the way. They could be wrong.

The vast majority of people only use stereo. Make your stereo mix good, too! It's recommended that you do your stereo mix first and then use that mix as a foundation for your 5.1 mix.

People will be listening to your video on many different platforms including smartphone speakers, which are often not even stereo but mono! Be sure your mix functions as intended on a range of devices including smartphones, TV speakers, and headphones.

Keep all the speakers at ear level. Level the tweeters with your ears.

Follow the proper speaker layout for 5.1 surround sound and monitor from the sweet spot.

Ideally, all five speakers would be the same model speaker.

Flat frequency response.

The subwoofer can be placed anywhere within reason.

Use the subwoofer to emphasize booming sounds. Don't overuse it as too much booming bass can be overwhelming.

You don't need the subwoofer, though of course it's very nice to have. It's very possible to have a pleasant surround sound experience with a 5.0 setup.

Dialogue goes in the center channel. Avoid filling this channel with much else, including music.

The rear speakers supplement the front speakers to create ambience; they are not the focus.

Avoid putting percussive instruments in the rear channels.

Delaying sound in the rear channels by more than 10 milliseconds can cause phasing or flanging problems

Misc.

If you're interested in the history of surround sound, I recommend watching these videos!

If you need to convert Dolby Pro Logic II to discrete 5.1 surround, use Handbrake. (Possible downmix error using Handbrake?)

[shootingset]

GM Studio offers shooting sets for filming a music video, a scene for a movie, or a promotional video, our pub nightclub set provides the perfect backdrop with a fully stocked bar, stylish seating areas, and dazzling lighting effects.

[amglorious]

Title: Breaking Through as a Screenwriter: Unleashing Your Creative Potential

Introduction:

Becoming a successful screenwriter in the highly competitive film industry may seem like an elusive dream. However, with determination, perseverance, and a solid understanding of the craft, you can break through and make your mark in the world of screenwriting. In this blog post, we will explore key strategies and tips that will help you unlock your creative potential and increase your chances of success as a screenwriter.

1. Master the Basics:

Before diving into the world of screenwriting, it's crucial to understand the fundamentals. Familiarize yourself with screenplay format, structure, and storytelling techniques. Study successful screenplays across different genres to gain insights into what works on the big screen. Consider enrolling in screenwriting courses or workshops to refine your skills and learn from industry professionals.

2. Find Your Voice:

Developing a unique voice is essential for standing out in a sea of screenwriters. Discover what makes your storytelling perspective distinct and authentic. Explore different genres, themes, and styles to find the ones that resonate with you the most. Finding your voice takes time and experimentation, so be patient with yourself and allow your creativity to flourish.

3. Write Consistently:

Consistency is key in any creative endeavor. Set aside dedicated time each day or week to write, even if it's just for a short period. Treat screenwriting as a disciplined practice, honing your skills through regular exercises and projects. Embrace the rewriting process as an opportunity for growth and refinement. Remember, the more you write, the better you become.

4. Network and Collaborate:

Building a strong network of industry professionals is crucial for breaking through as a screenwriter. Attend film festivals, industry events, and screenwriting conferences to meet like-minded individuals and establish meaningful connections. Join writing groups or online communities where you can share your work, receive feedback, and collaborate with fellow writers. Collaborations can lead to new opportunities and help you expand your creative horizons.

5. Embrace Feedback:

Constructive criticism is invaluable for growth as a screenwriter. Seek feedback from trusted peers, mentors, and professionals in the industry. Listen carefully to their insights and suggestions, and use them to improve your scripts. Remember, not all feedback will align with your vision, but learning to discern valuable feedback from subjective opinions is essential. Embrace the opportunity to refine your work based on constructive criticism.

6. Enter Screenwriting Competitions:

Screenwriting competitions provide a platform for exposure and recognition. Submitting your work to reputable competitions can open doors to industry professionals and potentially lead to production opportunities. Research and select competitions that align with your genre and style, and carefully follow their submission guidelines. Even if you don't win, the process of entering competitions helps you refine your work and gain exposure.

7. Adapt and Evolve:

The film industry is constantly evolving, and as a screenwriter, it's essential to stay adaptable and open to change. Keep up with industry trends, watch films and TV shows, and stay informed about emerging platforms and distribution channels. Embrace new storytelling formats and technologies, such as streaming platforms and virtual reality, to expand your creative possibilities and increase your chances of breaking through.

Conclusion:

Breaking through as a screenwriter requires a combination of talent, hard work, and perseverance. By mastering the basics, finding your unique voice, writing consistently, networking, embracing feedback, entering competitions, and staying adaptable, you can.

[filmcourage]

It's A Mistake To Not Write A Treatment - Anthony DiBlasi

Watch the video interview on Youtube here.

[weirsight]

#this seems like a cop out#yeah there's things that people can't adapt that's what i talked about when discussing the decision to age up dany in GOT#and tone down some of the shit arya and sansa went through#but they were also able to film the tower scene in the pilot with bran and the lannister twins#just by filming the bran actor scenes and then separately filming the sex stuff without him present so that it wouldn't violate#child pornography laws and the like it's very doable#like you can just like use cuts and stuff#blood and cheese don't actually physically or even verbally interact with the kids that much#they attack alicent and then they basically barricade everyone in the room while talking to helaena#it would have been easy to have it be more accurate (again i'm not a book purist but i genuinely think the book had the better story here)#any of the dodgier stuff (like cheese threatening to have blood assault jaehaera) can be filmed without the children on set#and then cut together into the scene because you know you're making a filmed production and you can do that#and you can literally cut away before anyone's head gets lopped off (actually might have been a sick way to end the episode)#honestly i think the only thing from the book version that would *need* to be straight up cut#is cheese telling maelor specifically that his mother picked him to die but that's not entirely necessary#this just feels like a cop out from writers who dropped the ball on something and lessened its impact (tags via @navree)

This kind confirmed for me what I already though. Some things are impossible to adapt.