BTN News: When Víctor Vera, a 34-year-old from Castro del Río, Córdoba, first learned that his next professional project involved bringing the dragons of House of the Dragon to life, he was overjoyed. As a passionate fan of both Game of Thrones and its prequel, the opportunity to contribute to the second season of HBO’s acclaimed series was a dream come true. Vera’s role in making the terrifying creatures as realistic as possible—within the bounds of mythological fiction—highlights the remarkable craft behind one of television’s most anticipated shows. Fuegosolar, Meleys, Vhagar, and Syrax, four of the Targaryen dragons whose presence dominates the second season, owe much of their awe-inspiring realism to Spanish expertise.
Vera’s journey to becoming an integral part of House of the Dragon is a story of determination and skill. Starting with a middle-level degree in carpentry, Vera gradually pivoted towards digital arts, eventually specializing in 3D character animation through a course at the Animum school in Málaga. From 2019, he honed his focus on simulating muscles and skin for characters, lending his talents to notable productions such as Shadow and Bone, Feria, See, Avatar: The Last Airbender, and the blockbuster film The Marvels. His dedication and growing expertise eventually caught the attention of Pixomondo, the special effects company responsible for some of the most breathtaking visual elements in House of the Dragon. The task ahead was both daunting and exhilarating: Vera was to bring to life the muscle structure, skin texture, and wings of the dragons ridden by the Targaryen royals.
A significant portion of Vera’s contributions can be seen in the epic aerial battles featured in the fourth episode of the current season. The show’s creative team revealed that they drew inspiration from World War II films for the camera angles in these scenes, while the intense dragon duels, referred to as the “Dance of the Dragons,” were modeled after the behavior of birds of prey. Vera’s work, however, lies in the subtleties of movement and texture. In his own words, “When we receive the dragon animation, it’s like a solid lump of clay, lacking the organic feel of real skin. Our job is to inject life into the dragon. Just as a human’s muscles bounce under their skin while running, we need to replicate that effect in the dragons. The wings, too, arrive lifeless, and we must make them realistic, ensuring they flutter and ripple like a fine curtain, much like the wings of a bat.”
Creating a dragon, Vera explains, is a time-consuming process that varies depending on deadlines. While he spent six months on this particular project, his work was part of a larger pipeline that involved multiple teams, each focusing on different aspects of the dragons, such as their saliva and fire effects.
One of the show’s primary goals, from the very beginning, has been to ensure that each dragon possesses a unique identity—its own appearance, size, color, sound, and even personality—elements that are meticulously crafted over weeks of work. George R. R. Martin’s books are rich in descriptive detail about the dragons, and the artists tasked with bringing these creatures to life strive to match that level of intricacy. Vera was part of a diverse team, including several other Spaniards, who worked on these iconic creatures. Specifically, Vera’s expertise is behind the dragons Fuegosolar (the dragon of King Aegon), Meleys (the mount of Rhaenys, the “Queen Who Never Was”), the colossal Vhagar (now ridden by the fearsome Aemond), and he also contributed to the creation of Syrax (the dragon of Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen).
Vera’s fascination with character creation dates back to his childhood. He recalls watching Dragonheart and asking to see a real dragon, only to be told they didn’t exist. This sparked a curiosity about how such creatures were made, a curiosity that grew with films like Jurassic Park, The Lord of the Rings, and Pirates of the Caribbean, solidifying his desire to understand the magic behind these characters. Although he has not been in the 3D character creation industry for long, Vera acknowledges that he has been fortunate with the projects he’s been involved in. However, House of the Dragon holds a special place in his heart. “Being a fan myself and knowing that so many people would be watching added an extra layer of responsibility,” he says.
Vera’s work on House of the Dragon is a testament to the meticulous effort and passion that goes into creating the magical world of Westeros. His story is not just one of professional achievement but also of a deep love for the fantasy genre, a love that has found expression in the awe-inspiring dragons that soar across the skies of the Seven Kingdoms. As the second season of House of the Dragon draws to a close, viewers can appreciate the intricate artistry and dedication of people like Víctor Vera, who help make the fantastical feel real.
