‘Game of Thrones’ Author George R.R. Martin Opening New Film Studio
George R.R. Martin is launching a non-profit movie production studio open to both established Hollywood talent and emerging filmmakers. Stagecoach Foundation, based in the author’s hometown, Santa Fe, New Mexico, is a 30,000 square-foot space housing an office and production facility, The Albuquerque Journal reports.
Santa Fe Mayor Javier Gonzales tweeted about meeting the author, promising the new facility will boost the city’s film economy. He also echoed Albuquerque Journal‘s report that Joel and Ethan Coen will shoot portions of their next project at Stagecoach. (The Oscar-winning duo filmed part of of 2007’s No County for Old Men in New Mexico.)
In an interview with the Journal, Gonzales said Stagecoach will help define the city’s “film infrastructure,” attracting more productions from both filmmakers, film editors and digital media creators. “As a foundation and a non-profit, [Martin’s] vision to make this facility accessible and affordable,” he said.
Meanwhile, Martin recently fueled anticipation of The Winds of Winter, the last installment of the Game of Thrones-inspiring novel series A Song of Ice and Fire. “Not done yet, but I’ve made progress,” he wrote on his Live Journal page in January. “But not as much as I hoped a year ago, when I thought to be done by now. I think it will be out this year. (But hey, I thought the same thing last year).”
Game of Thrones Season Seven will premiere Sunday, July 16th.