<P> The first and second drafts of the pilot script by Benioff and Weiss were submitted in August 2007 and June 2008 , respectively . Although HBO liked both drafts , a pilot was not ordered until November 2008 ; the 2007 -- 2008 Writers Guild of America strike may have delayed the process . The pilot episode , `` Winter Is Coming '' , was first shot in 2009 ; after a poor reception in a private viewing , HBO demanded an extensive re-shoot ( about 90 percent of the episode , with cast and directorial changes ) . </P>
<P> The first and second drafts of the pilot script by Benioff and Weiss were submitted in August 2007 and June 2008 , respectively . Although HBO liked both drafts , a pilot was not ordered until November 2008 ; the 2007 -- 2008 Writers Guild of America strike may have delayed the process . The pilot episode , `` Winter Is Coming '' , was first shot in 2009 ; after a poor reception in a private viewing , HBO demanded an extensive re-shoot ( about 90 percent of the episode , with cast and directorial changes ) . </P>
when did filming for game of thrones start
when did filming for game of thrones start
2009
2009