With the first episode of House of the Dragon Season 3 arriving today, I’ve found myself thinking back to an incredible opportunity I had last year: spending a day on set with showrunner Ryan Condal at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden.
At the time, Season 3 was deep in production, and it was fascinating to witness the sheer scale and complexity of the show firsthand. While viewers often focus on the dragons, battles, and political intrigue, what struck me most was the enormous collaborative effort required to bring Westeros to life. Watching Ryan move seamlessly between departments offered a rare insight into the challenges of leading one of television’s most ambitious productions.
A New Jersey native, Ryan originally began his professional life in business, but writing was always his true passion. His screenwriting career developed steadily before eventually leading him to the world of Westeros, where he was tasked with co-creating the highly anticipated prequel to Game of Thrones.
As the creator, writer, and showrunner of one of the biggest television productions in the world, Ryan has embraced the challenge with both hands. What impressed me most was not only the scale of his vision, but the enthusiasm he still brings to the role. Even amid the pressures of a global franchise, there was a genuine excitement whenever discussions turned to storytelling, character development, and the world George R. R. Martin created.
The sets of House of the Dragon are absolutely breathtaking. Touring both the exterior and interior locations that bring the fantasy world to life was a genuine thrill. Every stone wall, corridor, and chamber felt as though it belonged in a living, breathing world rather than on a studio lot.
We were fortunate enough to visit during the filming of a major action sequence. Director Loni Peristere was on set and explained his approach to the scene: two full rehearsals followed by five takes to capture every detail. Watching the cast, crew, stunt performers, and technical teams work in unison was a reminder that even a few minutes of screen time can require extraordinary preparation.
We also toured the costume, armour, and weapons departments, each overflowing with craftsmanship and attention to detail that viewers may never fully appreciate on screen. The level of artistry involved was astonishing. Every piece appeared to carry its own history, helping create a world that feels authentic despite its fantastical setting.
The prosthetics lab was another standout, featuring hyper-realistic busts of humans and animals, along with life-like hands and feet so convincing they were almost unsettling. It was one of those behind-the-scenes moments that gives you a new appreciation for the hundreds of specialists whose work quietly shapes what we see on screen.
Despite the immense responsibility of helming a production of this scale, Ryan remained remarkably grounded throughout the day, drawing energy from his love of storytelling and, as he told me, simple movie nights with his family. It was refreshing to see someone responsible for such a vast production remain so passionate about the craft itself.
And yes, I spotted a subtle nod to one of my all-time favourite films. I still can’t say more I signed two NDAs but if you know, you know.
Now, as audiences prepare to watch the first chapter of Season 3, I find myself reflecting on the dedication, creativity, and craftsmanship that goes into every frame. Spending time on set offered a glimpse behind the curtain, but it also reinforced something Ryan and his team clearly understand: great fantasy only works when the people creating it care deeply about every detail.
If the work I witnessed at Leavesden is any indication, fans have every reason to be excited about what lies ahead.