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BEIJING, Sept. 29 (Xinhuanet) -- 'Game of Thrones' was the big winner at this year's Emmys, racking up a record-breaking 12 awards, the most any series has won in a single year. More than 8 million viewers tuned in for the finale of Season Five, and producers HBO are now shooting Season Six. It's all been a huge boon for Northern Ireland, where most of the production takes place.
Anticipation for Season Six of 'Game of Thrones' has reached fever pitch—as the show has finally caught up with the books by author George R.R. Martin. But with the upcoming plot unknown—fans are keen to find out what's in store.
One Northern Irish family heavily involved with filming in Northern Ireland is the Mulhall's, but understandably they are keeping tight lipped about the upcoming season.
William Mulhall and his sons Ross and William have all been extras in the series. And it's not just them that fans will recognize; their two dogs also played big roles as Robb Stark's direwolf, Grey wind, and Bran Stark's direwolf Summer.
Mulhall will be seen as an extra in season six.
"When it first came, no-one knew how big it was going to be. My dogs are in the show, and for years we never told anyone because we didn't think it was a big deal. Then in the last two or three years it's really kicked off and it's a huge thing now, and to be part of that, it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," Mulhall said.
"It was amazing as we watched it for four years and our dad was in it, so it made us watch it even more. Never expected to be on it, and one day because we built this boat the Game of Thrones contacted us and asked us if we would like to put it in the show. And I was a marine stunts man for the Hard-Home Episode - Episode 8 Season 5. It was just amazing seeing all the actors acting and how they make everything. Once you watch TV after filming, you look at it completely different," Ross William said.
It's not only local talent like the Mulhalls that have benefited—the region is drawing in hoards of tourists from around the world who are keen to take part in the show's fantasy.
Government-backed agency Northern Ireland Screen say that the series has already added £110m to the local economy.
With the show finally receiving much deserved Emmy recognition—it's likely that Northern Ireland will see tourist numbers swell.
(Source: CNTV.cn)
