Filming ‘Game of Thrones’ where winter never comes

by Jon Jensen and Alex Court, for CNN
Published 6:11 AM EST, Thu March 5, 2015
The southern Moroccan town of Ouarzazate and its surrounding areas have been home to several international TV and film productions, including scenes for the global hit "Game of Thrones." In this scene from the 10th episode of the third series of the TV show, the character Daenerys Targaryen is a princess living in exile -- the filming took place near Ouarzazate.
Filming in Morocco —
The southern Moroccan town of Ouarzazate and its surrounding areas have been home to several international TV and film productions, including scenes for the global hit "Game of Thrones." In this scene from the 10th episode of the third series of the TV show, the character Daenerys Targaryen is a princess living in exile -- the filming took place near Ouarzazate.
Courtesy Sky / HBO
Daenerys, the only surviving child of King Aerys II Targaryen, conquers the mythical city of Yunkai which is based around the Moroccan citadel of Ait-Ben-Haddou near Ouarzazate.
Mythical city —
Daenerys, the only surviving child of King Aerys II Targaryen, conquers the mythical city of Yunkai which is based around the Moroccan citadel of Ait-Ben-Haddou near Ouarzazate.
Courtesy Sky / HBO
But Ait-Ben-Haddou has also appeared in numerous other productions including "Kingdom of Heaven" and 2006 Golden Globe winner "Babel."
On location —
But Ait-Ben-Haddou has also appeared in numerous other productions including "Kingdom of Heaven" and 2006 Golden Globe winner "Babel."
FADEL SENNA/AFP/Getty Images
This set in Ouarzazate was used in the filming of "Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time" which starred Jake Gyllenhaal.
Prince of Persia —
This set in Ouarzazate was used in the filming of "Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time" which starred Jake Gyllenhaal.
Christian McWilliams
Studios in Ouarzazate offer filmmakers dozens of set options and props, from Styrofoam Egyptian temples to colorful cars. Some studios even have horses for hire.
Props and sets —
Studios in Ouarzazate offer filmmakers dozens of set options and props, from Styrofoam Egyptian temples to colorful cars. Some studios even have horses for hire.
Courtesy: Martijn Munneke
Atlas Studios was created in 1983 to host the Michael Douglas classic. "The Jewel of the Nile."
Filming starts —
Atlas Studios was created in 1983 to host the Michael Douglas classic. "The Jewel of the Nile."
FADEL SENNA/AFP/Getty Images/FIle
The global financial crisis and the Arab Spring hit Morocco's film studios hard, but there are now signs that a recovery is starting. Foreign film projects spent $120 million in 2014, up from $23 million in 2013.
Industry revival —
The global financial crisis and the Arab Spring hit Morocco's film studios hard, but there are now signs that a recovery is starting. Foreign film projects spent $120 million in 2014, up from $23 million in 2013.
FADEL SENNA/AFP/Getty Images/File
Filmmakers come to Morocco for the good natural light and landscapes, but also for the experienced Moroccan talent who are often cheaper to employ than in other countries.
Dedicated actors —
Filmmakers come to Morocco for the good natural light and landscapes, but also for the experienced Moroccan talent who are often cheaper to employ than in other countries.
FADEL SENNAAFP/Getty Images/File
Costumes like these from Ridley Scott's movie "Gladiator" were worn during the filming in Ouarzazate.
On set —
Costumes like these from Ridley Scott's movie "Gladiator" were worn during the filming in Ouarzazate.
LEE CELANO/AFP/Getty Images/File