September 2018 Twitter Q&A with Rafe Judkins

On September 5th, 2018, Rafe Judkins announced that he would be doing a live Q&A on Twitter the following week. This is a transcript of the questions asked and the answers given.

Jeffan Caliarthan has compiled a list of the immediate takeaways from the interview.

Note: WaFO stands for "Watch and Find Out", a play on Robert Jordan's famous RAFO (Read and Find Out).

Questions & Answers

Rafe Judkins: Here we go! I'll answer one question per person, as long as it is in response to THIS thread with #WoTWednesday and #WheelofTime hashtagged! Also, I can't answer most questions because of NDAs/the desire to surprise in series/dramatic suspense/etc, but I'll do what I can :) Link

@christinibnini: Who do you see in the role of Bela?
Rafe Judkins: I am SO GLAD you asked this. I love Bela, and although we're very far away from this, I already want to make sure that we have a consistent horse(s) to track her through the entire run of the show :)
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@Bambi740977317: Hey @rafejudkins! How would you like to handle the prologue of EOTW, and the prequel scenes from New Spring?
Rafe Judkins: I have plans for both of these, but you'll unfortunately have to wait for the show to see :)
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@malkeirsking: Is there any way for fans to get involved with the show in some fashion?
Rafe Judkins:I think being involved online is a great way to contribute to the show. You'd be shocked by how many showrunners/writers/executives/etc read posts for their show on reddit/twitter/AV Club and more. On past shows, most people would discuss fan reaction the morning after each ep
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@JordanConInc: Dear Rafe. The guest list for #JordanCon 2019 filling up fast! Should we pencil you in for 2019 or 2020?
Rafe Judkins: Pencil me in for both!
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@dragonmount: In your view, what is the heart and soul of this TV show? ie, Why will people (non-fans included) want to watch?
Rafe Judkins: To me, and the way I've pitched it since I first became involved, is that even though the world is incredible, the magic system one of the best in fantasy, and the gender dynamics are so fresh feeling, the thing at the heart of this are the characters.
So, I think those first three things are the things that may bring in first-time viewers, it's the last thing that will keep them there :)
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@top10tam: i think music will be a massive thing for the show, i LOVE elder scrolls oblivion music, but.... listening to Metallica songs/lyrics.... (frayed ends of sanity,blackened etc) i think that suits too, any ideas on that front about what music to use yet?
Rafe Judkins: We're still a ways from music decisions! A lot of that will be director/composer/music supervisor dependent. I like to hire people who are really good at their jobs and take their advice, so it may end up being different than what I think right now :)
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@rileysweeney: Egwene is a divisive character among fandom (although my fav, as a fellow community organizer), what do you think is her defining attributes that you would want to bring out in the show?
Rafe Judkins: I'm obsessed with Egwene. I think, of all the characters, she faces some of the most dramatic/impossible choices in the series. And to me, characters you fall in love with are the ones who have to face these choices and come out stronger on the other side. She is going to rock
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@ThreeIfBySpace: How closely do you anticipate the show to follow the 'true canon' of the books, or are you already planning on creating a parallel canon? Are you considering having any of Team Jordan on-hand as consultants through the process at all?
Rafe Judkins: I am telling the story of the books, but as with any adaptation to a different medium, there will be differences. Otherwise, what will people have to scream about after each episode? #ladystoneheart4ever
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@phiswiz: How do I become an extra on the show?
Rafe Judkins: Extras are always cast on location. So once we have one you'll have to move there, ha. There were tons of people who would do work-visa-vacations to Belfast to be extras on GoT.
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@alishanda1: Will Logain's story line be retained in TV series? And if yes, just interesting how you imagine this character? =)
Rafe Judkins: I really like Logain and plan to not only retain, but expand, his role in series.
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@KMalfet: Will @BillyZane be reprising his role as Ishmael ?
Rafe Judkins: NO.
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@CogworthNeedleb: Can you say what the target audience might be? Game of thrones level? Or teen drama like they did with shanara?
Rafe Judkins: I think, like the books, this show should be aimed at a wide audience.
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@itsmecaterpie: How much badassery do you think we can expect from the Mat vs Gawyn & Galad fight?
Rafe Judkins: I mean this question answers itself, doesn't it?  ;) (ie. badassery, obviously)
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@Kiroshadow: Rafe - What would it take to get you to do a round of Cons (ComicCon, DragonCon, or especially JordanCon)?
Rafe Judkins: If I'm allowed to go and don't need to be somewhere else, I'll go :)
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@DanielBGreene: WoT is controversial regarding how it handles gender/sexuality/mental health. My audience at WoTTalk has expressed concern on how these topics will be handled. Would you mind commenting on these concerns/how you plan to approach these topics?
Rafe Judkins: I think the explorations of these topics is something important and I'll be using a lot of advisors and writers around me to make sure that we tackle them thoughtfully.
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@BrownAjah16: What would be your dream location to shoot the first season of the show? #WheelOfTime
Rafe Judkins: The Lofoten Islands of Norway! But only because I just want to live there. I'm sure we'll end up somewhere with some more diverse landscapes that better capture the breadth of the WoT world ;)
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@Elan_Morin: #WoTWednesday has Amazon actually ordered a Pilot or a season?
Rafe Judkins: Can’t answer
@Elan_Morin: Can I change my question then? Hahahaha
Rafe Judkins: Yes, but only once and now you've done it.
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@Thegreatestjen1: Who is your favorite character, and why is it Egwene?
Rafe Judkins: This is my favorite question so far. I know it's lame, but I honestly have too many favorites -- Egwene, Aviendha, Mat, Nynaeve, Perrin, Rand, Tam -- honestly I believe that when you're writing you have to be in love with all of your characters, and now that I'm writing, I am ha
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@Smitteh7: G'day. Will you consider coming on and do an episode on the "Wheel of Time Spoilers Podcast"?
Rafe Judkins: I'll consider everything, but I don't like to spoil things ;)
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@d3vnulldroid: Will you show us who killed Asmodean when it happens or leave it as a WAFO to torture those that haven't read the books? #WoTWednesday #WheelOfTime
Rafe Judkins: I love to torture people with a WAFO, so... WAFO ;)
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@Theoryland: Considering all the fan questions Jordan, @BrandSanderson, and #TeamJordan have answered about the #WheelofTime over the years, have you studied that mountain of data not found in the books? If not, what’s your strategy to make sure you get all the details right?
Rafe Judkins: I'm in communications with everyone on #TeamJordan, and will be even more so once we are further down the line. They've lived this and will be invaluable to me. I'm also the kind of writer who values all the data I can get, and then let it inform but not direct my decision making
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@HeikkiVesanto: What character will be hardest to translate to TV?
Rafe Judkins: Bela! It's hard to get the same horse to do every scene. So we'll probably be doing some horse make-up on a team of Bela lookalikes.
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@WingsprngBrothr: What written resources besides the published novels are you utilizing (such as Robert Jordan's archived notes, The Wheel of Time Companion, the comic book adaptations)?
Rafe Judkins: Everything I can get my hands on!
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@LycoPsycho: Have you written any Wolf Brother/Wolf Communication yet & how will it be represented (words whispered, images, etc.)?
Rafe Judkins: This'll be decided with the consultation of a director. But I think that using images to convey meaning might be very suited to TV :)
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@Vumbug: How do you plan to write around the fact that the weaving of the power is so in depth but can’t really be visualized well on screen?
Rafe Judkins: I'm hoping it can be visualized well on screen!
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@CONtessa_966: How much are you hoping to shoot on location vs in a Soundstage? Do you have any specific personal goals for locations to represent iconic Randland settings?
Rafe Judkins: I love shooting on location, so we'll try to go out a lot and then use soundstages for the bigger interior sets that'll be used repeatedly.
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@amooresiue13: Are you writing the first season / first book as a standalone, or do you envision this being a series that will span the whole book series?
Rafe Judkins: A series that spans the whole book series!
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@TrollocTalk: Does the idea of SFX impact how you write the series? Do you find yourself hesitating with certain ideas for shots/scenes based on awareness that they'll be really complicated/expensive? As a literal gruesome monster, this concerns me.
Rafe Judkins: Yeah, you have to be considering this at all stages of the process. Making a show is about making the right choices to deliver the best thing to screen, and so I'm already considering props vs sfx vs makeup vs vfx for everything.
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@whtwrkscmndo: In the books, there are occasional references to items/events from our world (Mosk and Merk, the Mercedes logo in Tanchico, etc.). Do you intend to leave some of these in, as a reflection that the Third Age is a future earth?
Rafe Judkins: I prefer the more subtle ones.
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@glindsey212: Morning, @rafejudkins. Is @AmazonStudios planning to give the show the same scope and production value as HBO’s #GameofThrones, or #Westworld, or is this entirely a unique beast? Does Amazon realize the potential of this property? Thank you!
Rafe Judkins: Regardless of budget, I will make sure that we are only executing on screen things that look as good as those shows do. The smaller the budget, the less of those things, but I think it's important that the entire show feel real, grounded, and premium
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@TarValon: Hi @rafejudkins what are your thoughts/plans regarding lgtbq representation in the shows? There is some in the books (pillow friends and such) & we know how much it matters to be represented in media. Thank you!
Rafe Judkins: I think that gender is such a key theme of the books, and discussing gender without a full representation of LGBTQ+ people would be a disservice to that discussion. Rest assured, their will be pillow friends out the wazoo.
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@boweconstrictr: What is the approximate rate of a) dress-smoothing; b) braid-tugging; and c) chin-raising per episode?
Rafe Judkins: Haha, there is ONE braid tug in the pilot. But I think you'll like it ;)
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@damienbyrne2011: As the only Sex Symbol in the books, How will you do Narg?
Rafe Judkins: I have been alerted that you have asked more than one question! SHAME. So I'll answer this one -- Trollocs will only be as sexualized as you make them on viewing.
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@Colonel_ck: Are you approaching the #WoT Series lining up as 1 season per book, combining books into a season, or extending books past a single season? Or adjust on a per book basis?
Rafe Judkins: I think you really have to take it book by book and make decisions that best suit those stories.
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@LesAnecnotes: Will the first season of Wheel of Time contains the first 2 books or only the first one ?
Rafe Judkins: This one gets a WAFO. Apologies :)
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@scottytxag: Thanks for interfacing so well with the fandom! How will you approach portraying the Age of Legends in the flashbacks (Sho-wings, Shocklances, Song of Growing, etc.)?
Rafe Judkins: Thank you, but I feel like I'm terrible at interacting with the fandom. I'm so bad at social media, it makes me feel like a sad old man. I only want to use flashbacks when they help elucidate our characters' stories, so that'll be a WAFO :)
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@AveJoeintheD: How do you visualize the threads and weaving of the One Power on screen?
Rafe Judkins: This, as with most things, I want to stay true to the books. I think this can be done in a really cool way, but will hold on a firm answer until I've discussed more fully with a director
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@brandonq133: How would you ideally want to handle the Shadowspawn? (CGI, practical effects, etc.)
Rafe Judkins: I think trying to do practical as much as you can is always the right choice.
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@Stratusziel: Robert Jordan was massive on foreshadowing and long game setups, are these elements going to be prevalent in your script?
Rafe Judkins: This was a huge gift he gave the show! Being able to set up things seasons in advance is amazing.
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@thakroz1: Rafe- thanks for doing this Q&A. What is the timeframe you foresee this actually hitting our screen? Thanks!
Rafe Judkins: I wish I knew!
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@marb_agar: What's the age range you'll be looking at for Rand, Mat, Perrin and Egwene etc.. and will the casting be done worldwide or does this Irish boy need to get to you in the US for a chance to audition?
Rafe Judkins: Worldwide casting!
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@ilovemoiraine: Which are the 5 scenes from the first two books that you are most excited to adapt for the show? Thank you for doing this!
Rafe Judkins: Tam and Rand in the Westwood, Winternight, Tarwin's Gap, Toman Head, Egwene being leashed
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@JarrettAbrahams: Do you plan on using practical effects on things such as trollocs and ogre's? Or are they going to be CGI ?
Rafe Judkins: Combo. But practical where I can
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@thecookie_maker: With as many characters, settings and plot lines as WOT had which ones do you think / have already decided won't make it onto the screen?
Rafe Judkins: This is a WAFO sadly :)
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@mrb10170: Which characters or plot points do you wish you could have included but had to cut due to time constraints?
Rafe Judkins: I wish I could’ve included Rand. (Just kidding, another WAFO)
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@nickcioffi: to the best of your ability explain what changed in the shows status the last couple of months. You were silent on it for a year and now talking about it weekly! Thanks
Rafe Judkins: Good question! WAFO
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@jsandieg: WoT has a great deal of content, what is the plan for condensing this into a show that is coherent and retains the major themes from the series? Anything you are sad to have to leave out? Thank you!
Rafe Judkins: I think this will come into focus the deeper we get into series. I imagine most of the things I’ll be sad to lose will be actor or budget driven
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@ThorneFireheart: If you were in the #WheelOfTime world, what would you do? You can be anything from a farmer, to royalty. I would be a Green Aes Sedai from the Borderlands, interested in the making of power forged weapons and armor. My Warder would be a blacksmith!
Rafe Judkins: I would be an activist for male inclusion in the Aes Sedai ;)
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@Ipavaiva: How many seasons you think the series would take in tv format? And how many episodes per season?
Rafe Judkins: This one I imagine will be malleable as we go. More than 5 but less than 14 :)
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@TaverenTees: What do you think of the existing officially licensed Wheel of Time merchandise?
Rafe Judkins: My mom has the “Who Killed Asmodean?” bumper sticker on her car!
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@Qrazyzlacker: How are you adressing the worry that many current Wheel of Time fans have, that the series is too big and won't work well adapted as a tv-series because too many essential elements will need to be cut.
Rafe Judkins: I actually think TV is a perfect format for these books. You can tell a hell of a lot of story per season!
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@Miapoochoo: What have you found most challenging about the screenwriting process so far, especially writing The Wheel of Time itself? One thing would be the sheer amount of material/characters: what are your general/specific plans to avoid mental breakdowns?! :)
Rafe Judkins: I think the challenging thing is always off the page actually, and the amount of other logistical concerns that have to be managed without letting it affect the storytelling
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@rjholmes2017: In terms of length and the amount of material to get through, how do you see the story playing out across seasons... Is there a rough figure of episodes and seasons, and do you think they'll roughly match up to a season per book?
Rafe Judkins: Again, this’ll be malleable by season and book
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@Dotted8thNote: What is your approach to all the sword fighting/martial arts we see from Lan, Tam, Rand, the Aiel, and others?

I'm hoping for a realistic & creative approach to this and not what TV usually gives us.
Rafe Judkins: I love action and a great stunt coordinator is key. I want everything to feel as real as possible
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@TSignus: Given that the Wheel of Time is complete and making a 14-season series is almost certainly not viable, can you talk about how you decide which books to combine into which seasons? Realistically what sort of number of seasons do you see it taking?
Rafe Judkins: I mean let's all be honest, I'm gonna be condensing in the latter middle section of books ;)
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@AlanAlbert0880: This series is so important and big parts of life to alot of people. Ex. It helped me get through incredible loss and even Joy.

How did you get into to #wheeloftime and what (if anything) did the character's struggles help with anything in life in general??
Rafe Judkins: Hey this is a great question that I talk about a lot. This book really helped me deal with a difficult time in my life and I so hope the tv show can create a world that will offer the same escape/support that the books did to me
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@SHarshaModukuri: Since the books follow a path of chosen one versus dark entity, and now these days grim dark and ambiguity rule the Tv shows, are you planning to follow the same way?
Rafe Judkins: I think sometimes we need a little light and clarity in the world
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@dragonmount: Hey @rafejudkins, post a selfie of you answering our questions! (Bonus points if you’re wearing Trolloc pajamas)
Rafe Judkins: You already asked a question (two if I remember correctly), and I am basically drowning in piles of coffee and iphones and laptops trying to refresh questions with the help of a fellow WoT lover
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@wolfhawkpk86: Hi Rafe, any comment on when we can expect an announcement or other press release from a studio?
Rafe Judkins: Wish I could comment
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@Shane_McMenamin: How many questions do you anticipate?
Rafe Judkins: I’m guessing there will be a lot. And there are. Ha
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@Zmann966: Have you already put thought into directors for season one's episodes—if you're not planning to direct most of it yourself? Do you have a DP in mind already?
Rafe Judkins: I don’t plan to direct it, but am already thinking about a lot of great men and women for the jobs!
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@SnowmansSky: which storyline are you primarily writing?
Rafe Judkins: Can you clarify? :)
@SnowmansSky: :) ok..... I’ll try.... in EotW(book), you have the Rand/Mat/Thom storyline, Perrin/Egwene, Moiraine/Lan/Nynaeve..... which are you focused on the most? 🤷‍♂️😬 I hope that clarifies it a bit?
@SnowmansSky: Or maybe my thinking is all wrong in how the total story is divided up. Is it all written “per episode”?
Rafe Judkins: We will hopefully follow all of those stories very fully. That's one of the beauties of TV, is following multiple POVs in one episode :)
@SnowmansSky: That is so awesome to hear!!! 👍. But I was wondering if you personally write for specific characters, or does everyone write for all characters??? I love the passion that I’m reading here today!!! ❤️
Rafe Judkins: Everyone writes for all! Especially me :)
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@piboye1: what rating are you aiming for? My wife and I are worried about the nudity.
Rafe Judkins: If there is nudity I’m sure there will be cuts of the show available without it as well :)
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@CaulkStyle: If you had the budget, time, and access to special effects, what is your vision for how the scene at Shadar Logoth in EotW would look like?
Rafe Judkins: That requires like 15 pages of script to answer, but in three words I want it to be eerie, beautiful and tense
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@ButchBaileyRYP: What's THE central/key/core conflict of the series?
Rafe Judkins: I think most people would say light vs. dark, but I'd actually say balance vs. imbalance.
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@vanWaalwink: Is the production process of #WoT comparable to the Production process of #GoT? And could you mark an X on the timeline of GoT where the WoT development is currently at? Or maybe if the projected timeline is shorter or longer

Rafe Judkins: Can’t answer this one sadly. But loving the graphic
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@Bajeebusses: What do you think will be the most challenging aspect of the show’s writing and production?
Rafe Judkins: Maintaining the heart of the books while delivering something that works in the medium of tv
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@kivlehan: Will you be keeping Min, Elayne and Aviendha as separate characters each with a role in the show and their relationship to Rand in tact?
Rafe Judkins: That one you’ll have to WAFO
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@Carl_Zv: Hi ! Aren't you feeling overwhelmed by the work it will take to work on a 14 novel serie ?
Rafe Judkins: Nope. I love it. Can’t wait.
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@Elania21: What will the show be rated? The books have both violence and sexual comments which can be played either up, down, or shown on TV as written. #WoTWednesday #WheelofTime #TarValon
Rafe Judkins: I want it feel simultaneously adult but accessible to all
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@Thegreatestjen1: Nothing in the novels contradicts the assumption that the sea folk don't have a special relationship with aquatic mammals. Will there be any dolphins during a majestic sea voyage montage?
Rafe Judkins: VERY IMPORTANT question. WaFO
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@ryeinn: What difficult to translate part of the series are you most excited for the community to see and why?
Rafe Judkins: The relationships between the characters.
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@EliceASmith: Will the various cultures be based on various countries and will we get corresponding ethnicities and races?
Rafe Judkins: I really want to stay true to the books in creating a world that feels way more diverse than what we're used to seeing in our fantasy tv shows
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@robchristianson: When is the anticipated or projected release time? I'm assuming out near 2020-21? Just ballpark it.
Rafe Judkins: Can’t answer but I wish I could
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@randalthor88: Can I play the role of Rand AlThor?
Rafe Judkins: Sure. Just show up on set
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@kcoleman21372: My question is for casting, specifically for Perrin. I know that casting is a long way off but when it does happen, how do I go about submitting myself without representation? If it helps I am in the Atlanta, Ga metro area. Prime place for filming
Rafe Judkins: Ginger Perrin, eh? Casting is a long way off and handled by our casting director. So I’d suggest stalking him or her when we get there ;)
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@jordanclindsey: What is your favorite moment in Book 1, and why (and do you plan on having characters sniff!) Thank you!
Rafe Judkins: My favorite moment is Rand and Tam in the Westwood. It’s so iconic to me and gives me the “this is happening” feels
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@tomohara: How many times have you listened to @tWoTcast to prepare for writing the show?
Rafe Judkins: Probably not enough? :-0
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@CreatedQ: What do you think about addressing multiple main character PoV's? Do you think you would focus ONE episode/sequence of episodes on ONE branch of the overall story, or switch between PoV's within an episode, even though they are not dependent?
Rafe Judkins: I think both are fair game. I always think mixing things up in a tv show and keeping the audience guessing with HOW you're going to tell the story adds a lot to the experience.
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@kivlehan: What do you think will have to hit the cutting room floor from the Eye of the World in transitioning from book from show? As a follow up could those things re-emerge at a natural point later?
Rafe Judkins: This is a WAFO, but there are already aspects of EoTW that I plan to use in different seasons
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@Dacamase: With the importance of Padan Fain to the series, do you plan to disguise his "true-self" in the show better than his introduction in the book for those who haven't yet read the series?
Rafe Judkins: Yessir!
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@grieving_the: Will you consider coming on the Wheel of Time Spoilers Podcast? Obviously all book but no show spoilers will be on the table.
Rafe Judkins: I consider everything, but truthfully media appearances are usually carefully organized by a marketing person from the studio/network
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@ErickGWalter: As a fan, who were your favorite characters?
Rafe Judkins: Already answered this, but I’ll give you another — Graendal!
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@zbrantley67: Though it is far away, who is your dream casting for al’Lan Mandragoran?
Rafe Judkins: Answering this would only make our future LAN sad
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@AliciaS20: Hi Rafe- do you think there will be a visual way to see the use of the One Power? Or will it be the cause/effect making us aware of the use?
Rafe Judkins: I think we will see it visually.
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@HarperRobin: Would you be a guest on the @WoTSpoilers podcast?
Rafe Judkins: Answered this one!
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@mickey_lessa: Other than online, fans may want to be a part of the cast, is that possible when casting comes up?
Rafe Judkins: All casting will be handled by the casting director when we get there! Hopefully we will have some fans on the show
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@chrisoubre: When building the broad arch of story for the series, are you starting with the mindset of “all plot threads included” or “start with the core plot threads and expand where possible”? Some threads, like The Bowl of the Winds do not move the story very far
Rafe Judkins: The latter, certainly. Always looking for story that serves character. That said, there are iconic moments in the book that simply need to exist and I will find ways to include them
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@LeoSOAD2011: have you ever considered making WoT into a animated series?
Rafe Judkins: Nope, only live action for me :)
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@SICZxkJkB12LHid: Hi Rafe. How will the magic in the series be shown? If you know of course.
Rafe Judkins: Again, this will be director dependent
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@MaxeyEli: How can I increase my chances of working in this show ? It’s literally why I became an actor
Rafe Judkins: It seems like being a Disney Star is a key way to get cast in anything now. Ha. But again, pursue casting director when we get there
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@raffa_depalo: Who is your favourite Forsaken?
Rafe Judkins: Graendal
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@joshuahisle1: In reference to casting, will you be looking for "unknowns", already established actors, or both?
Rafe Judkins: Both!
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@house_of_hiatus: During season 1 will we see flashbacks of defining father son moments between Rand and Tam that influence Rand's decisions later on?
Rafe Judkins: You’ll have to WAFO
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@EarlofMangwich: Thank you Rafe! Presumably, you can’t say much, but it will be interesting to see how you visually discern between The True Power and The One Power in use, and of OP, how to discern between saidar and saidin (corrupted and cleansed). Thoughts?
Rafe Judkins: I think there are actually descriptions in the book for all of this that can translate well to screen (slick oil taint etc)
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@RSQuackenbush: Hey, Rafe! SO pumped to see this happening- do you plan on matching any specific accent to a region? Ex: English accent to Andor
Rafe Judkins: Yes and no. It’ll be somewhat actor dependent but I’d like to find at least as much consistency as GoT has
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@ibarkhou: Can you provide any insight on how you plan to tackle Jordan's style of providing important details as part of character's internal dialog?
Rafe Judkins: That’s always the crux of screen adaptation. It makes it fun!
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@yallitsadragon: Do you have a clear vision of what Avendesora will look like? If so, can you spare some details?
Rafe Judkins: WaFO! :)
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@psixouli13: Will the show be full of fantasy, meaning using the one power, dragon's prophecies, world of dreams, snakes&foxes, props, special effects, etc? Will it feel like a fantasy world but with realistic characters? Hope so 😁 Thank you!
Rafe Judkins: I want it to feel like a realistic fantasy world
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@sirk_the: ave you considered using Emoji subtitles for Wolfspeak, Min, Dreaming, etc? It might save some budget for important things like ornate stones boards, dresses, elephants, etc. 👩🏿=🌖x9 #TryingToHelp
Rafe Judkins: 🤐
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@randomrpgdude: Hi Rafe, the narration itself is more lighthearted than sad with comical scenes and much humor - are you planning on running with that for the adaptation?
Rafe Judkins: Of course. Humor is key to making any world feel realAnswer Text
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@karthick_Aero: Are there any major characters that are going to be axed while the transition from Book to TV adaptation? If yes can you name them?
Rafe Judkins: I don’t have big axing plans. I imagine that’ll only happen once there’s an actor who can’t pull off what they’ve been given
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@ryamano1: Rafe, will Rand's romance plot remain close to the books? I mean, liking one girl at first but ending up with three in the end?
Rafe Judkins: No
Rafe Judkins: Let’s just say I’m much more interested in polyamory than polygamy. And maybe give me a little more credit than assuming I’m gonna gut that entire story and ruin everything off a one word answer?  ;)
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@Captain_Kebab: Hi Rafe good luck with this huge job. My question is generally what is the age rating your writing for? Or the show pitched as. PG, 12A, 15 or 18 for example.
Rafe Judkins: I want it to feel adult but accessible
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@kivlehan: Aside from the books themselves, what other TV shows or movies come to mind when you think about how you want the show to feel when viewers experience it?
Rafe Judkins: LoTR of course and GoT, but also not Shanarra
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@Christo52661783: Are there any minor character/plot point/locations you are in love with but know you’ll have to cut for time? Non spoiler because I said minor right?
Rafe Judkins: We lose a lot of Cenn Buie, and I like his grumpy old manness.
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@garterandpurl: Are there any plans yet on how the One Power will be portrayed when users are channeling?
Rafe Judkins: I want to do it as close to possible as the books do
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@Jandurin: Will each "season," assuming there are multiple seasons, cover 1 book or will they be split up based on storyline?
Rafe Judkins: It’ll be dependent on book/season and not the same throughout
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@ericajok: Hi. Will we ever see something of New Spring? I propose a Christmas Special. ☺️
Rafe Judkins: I hope so! A Christmas special is a much beloved thing missing in this world now
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@BenDerekton: Will your scripts include scenes that occurred "off camera" in the books but could be used "on screen" for the show to progress the story in a fresh way?
Rafe Judkins: Ding ding ding. This is a big part of things I want to add.
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@DarrenLove202: What is one tv show or movie that has influenced you with regards to overall visual aesthetic or plot development?
Rafe Judkins: I love the visuals of Hero and Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon.
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@Hris239: Please tell me that you will use the Blind Guardian WoT song for the intro!😀
Rafe Judkins: I don’t know it actually!
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@JordanShipley23: Where will you be filming the various settings in the Wheel of Time?
Rafe Judkins: Yet to be seen!
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@osendrelle: What is your all time favourite moment of the series?
Rafe Judkins: Egwene’s final scene
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@caroline_naomi_: When does casting begin?
Rafe Judkins: 🤐
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@ThomasH62351327: How does WoT's wide cast of characters, impact script writing for the TV-show. With characters like Tam, Elaida and more being vital, shown early but not seen for a long time again later?
Rafe Judkins: It’ll be a puzzle of casting and contracts but it’s a puzzle I think is worth figuring out
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@EvilOne359: Hi Mr. Judkins, thanks for taking these questions. For the direction of the series are you going to stick close to the books or more of a reimagining/your own spin?
Rafe Judkins: Close to the books! I love them for a reason
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@VelvetTomahawk: How do you plan to display exactly what a ta’veren is?
Rafe Judkins: Through conversation/action
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@jenfuckingglenny: Fuck, marry or kill? (any 3 characters)
Rafe Judkins: Which 3?
@jenfuckinglenny: SIUAN, ELAIDA, AND GRAENDAL
Rafe Judkins: Easy. F - Graendal, M - Siuan, K - Elaida. Is there another option?
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@MaldracoD: Who is your favorite character?
Rafe Judkins: Answered this already but here’s another — Moghedien!
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@BobbyBouc: which character are you the most eager to be seen played on screen? #WoTWednesday
Rafe Judkins: Moiriane. Obviously.
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@disgeisler: Is there any kind of a timeline yet for starting production?
Rafe Judkins: 🤐
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@Falron13: Are there any plot lines that you already know are going to be cut from the show, and if so, any hints as to which? Also, thank you for allowing us to bombard you with our questions!
Rafe Judkins: Not looking to cut major plot lines, more reshuffle/repurpose/etc
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@zegkljan: AFAIK, the series is very much in the writing stage right now and there is a very long way for it to show up on screens. What do you think are the chances it actually will show up? Do you think the whole #WheelofTime is going to end up on screens?
Rafe Judkins: Wish I could answer this!
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@darthsheppy: If you had to cast Mat, Rand, and Perrin right now who would you cast?
Rafe Judkins: Again, won’t make our future cast members sad by naming people who aren’t them now ;)
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@onemdw: How can I be sure to tape for Rand? I just left an agency and don’t want to miss the opportunity.
Rafe Judkins: Follow up with the casting director when we have one!
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@Masato_LoL: Will you picture less charecters and storylines than the original material to reduce screetime and cut on budget ? If so, any idea of the characters and parts of the book that may not appear in the show ?
Rafe Judkins: Again, will try to include as much as I can, but will always cut things that don’t tell us more about character
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@TomRhysBryne: Could you describe how you picture the main ta'veren characters looking as you write them, not naming names if you picture actors but what do they look like to you. If you cant do all three for possibly semi-obvious reasons i'm most interested in Perrin
Rafe Judkins: I've found that the pictures you create in your head of characters always end up being different than the actors you actually cast, and then once you do have those actors, it becomes impossible to picture them any other way!
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@Cheesy: How many episodes will the first series feature and which books will it cover? Additinally when will you do an episode of the WOTSpoilers Podcast with the guys over at @WoTSpoilers ;) ?
Rafe Judkins: Team @WoTSpoilers is on it this morning!! Ha. That’s a WaFO though :)
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@BraidTug: Who are your dream teams for Costume Design and Special Effects?
Rafe Judkins: Applause for the name, but again won’t name favorites
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@SoriannaAlmourn: Do you have a plan for either highlighting/emphasizing or condensing/cutting (some of) the Forsaken? Or is it too early to plan for that still?
Rafe Judkins: I do have a plan for this!
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@tajonamir: How are you predicting the break between seasons/episodes to look with the story from the book? Like I know book 1 doesn’t need to be one whole season, are you guys chopping it somehow?
Rafe Judkins: There will be lots of chopping and rejiggering to make the story as fluid as possible on TV.
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@MalisFeldor: Assuming the series moves forward, what kind of timelines (rough or specific, whatever you can say) can we expect? (i.e. casting begins, filming begins, or target release)
Rafe Judkins: 🤐
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@topaosfan: So what is your favourite scene in the series that you can't wait to see on screen ..or feel horrified you have to pull it off
Rafe Judkins: Most I’m just excited about, terror comes in for things like Rands journey through Rhuidean. I hope I can do it justice.
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@cursor_mortis: Which characters are you most and least looking forwards to casting?
Rafe Judkins: Most — Moiraine. Least — Moiraine.
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@tomp115: What kind of intro do u look at? 1. Doing it like the books prologue - start chapter 1- 2. Do u think of alt intro Example Wordless montage on DM of a 30 years old bloody warrior finding a child in the mountain snow with battle raging in the background
Rafe Judkins: WaFO :)
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@CarnivoreMan: Thoughts on details that go unnoticed/unexplained for several books? Things that seem extraneous until rereading the books. IE cats liking female channelers, such as Basil Gill's cat leaving his ankles for Moiraine's. Especially excited for the cats.
Rafe Judkins: I personally love details like this and think they add so much
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@jake_tha_steak': What is the character/scene which you're most looking forward to penning?
Rafe Judkins: That's a good/hard question. I think when we go to the Waste and spend time with the Aiel, I just see that so clearly in my head and can't WAIT to see a whole bunch of warrior gingers :)
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@powerful_muskox: Do you have any dream casting choices you're willing to share, even if it's actors you know won't be able to be in the show? Or can you share people who you've always pictured for certain characters as you read the books?
Rafe Judkins: I can’t! Don’t want to make any future people feel like second choice :)
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@ARNewland: Will efforts be made to cast Rand TALL and ginger?
Rafe Judkins: Efforts will be made
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@TimothyMosco: As an actor, I have to ask this: do you have any idea of when casting for the show would happen, either by date or by the nebulous idea of "whenever this is done"? I really want to be part of this show. Anyway this goes, good luck to you!
Rafe Judkins: I’ll give you a “whenever this is done” ha
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@themythmaster: If you could have any of the talents In the books what would you have
Rafe Judkins: Foretelling! My life would be so much less stressful
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@Devolark: what would be your dream casting for Rand, Perrin, and Mat? What about the Supergirls? We need an actor who can portray Rand's inner turmoil as the seasons progress.
Rafe Judkins: Same as previous answers!
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@FMetokur: If I were to say that the Two Rivers is to Andor as Wales is to England, would you agree? (Hoping that you'll give a good nod to the Arthurian influence in that regard, maybe take some notes from #Excalibur for the filming location)
Rafe Judkins: I would like the show to feel very different than other fantasy things we’ve seen before
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@JamieRowson: Hi Rafe, in regards to special effects, what are you envisioning for weaving the one power on screen.
Rafe Judkins: Again, director dependent but I think it’ll be great. I loved how it looked in Doc Strange.
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@sgreensparrow: how do you plan to handle all the dream sequences? (I hope you are not planning to cut most of them)
Rafe Judkins: No! I love tel’aran’rhiod and want it to be on the show in a big way
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@OakleySedai: Are there any characters that will be left out, or any two characters combined into a single character? #WoTWednesday
Rafe Judkins: I will try to avoid this if I can. I think the bigness of the world adds so much.
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@_PrinceofRavens: When will the casting begin? When will the production start? What is the planned release date? I know you might not be at liberty to answer, but I don't want the exact dates or months, I'd like just an estimated rough timeline.
Rafe Judkins: 🤐
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@Raj66721390: Many female villains getting raped or ending up in permanent bondage while males justdie, rigid Mars-Venus gender division etc- troubling aspects of books. Plans to update/improve these? WoT’s gr8 to discuss gender but it isn’t without problems.
Rafe Judkins: I’m a feminist and it’s very important to me that the show is feminist in today’s context. So a lot of those things will be changing
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@lamguin: Can you please hire Patrick Huyler and Seth Jacobson from the #wotspoilers podcast as expert consultants? Barring that, would you please be a guest on their podcast?
Rafe Judkins: Already got one!
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@JTHolderman: Will “Season One” cover book one only?
Rafe Judkins: WaFO!
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@tylinstoy: who has been the hardest character for you to write for so far? And after Elayne, why is Mat is awesome?
Rafe Judkins: The hardest so far is Nynaeve.
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@PacoE_G: Given free rein, how many seasons would you make in order to tell the story properly?
Rafe Judkins: 36. But that seems untenable.
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@QuintelaStphan1: hi Rafe! In approximatively how many year/month could we watch s01e01 on tv (according to your experience)?
Rafe Judkins: I’ll let you know when I know!
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@randalthor88: did you ever tweet that much within 2 hours? 😂
Rafe Judkins: I think I have doubled my tweets of ALL HISTORY today ha
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@DanNoBaka: Ok what do you think about Saldaean farmgirls?
Rafe Judkins: I think they most embody my spirit
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@Blenderz: Which storyline is the most difficult to bring to the screen?
Rafe Judkins: Tel’aran’rhiod is an exciting but difficult challenge
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@downtown_dowlin: how do y’all plan on showing Min’s viewings? Will we be able to see the aura’s as if through her eyes, or will it be more along the lines of her stating what she sees and we take her at her word?
Rafe Judkins: Hey! I’ll answer only because this is till a WaFO. Good question though and something I’m thinking about :)
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@Mincangetit: How many different pairs of pants will Min wear on the show throughout the entire run of the series?
Rafe Judkins: 2
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@Ireland917: I'm the Director of The Source, JordanCon's newsletter. Would you be willing to do a short interview sometime? (I'm also super excited you said to pencil you in!!)
Rafe Judkins: This’ll be at studio network discretion but I’m always willing!
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@damrias_jariac: Will there be braid tugging and dress smoothing?
Rafe Judkins: Less than the books
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@theWLChase: Hello Rafe, Do you anticipate Season 1 taking up eye of the world and season 2 being The Great Hunt?
Rafe Judkins: Yes and no
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@VictoroftheWay: Who are your favorite and least favorite characters from the series?
Rafe Judkins: Faile. But I promise she’ll be awesome on the show
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@DavidPrice37: Anything we can do to help Amazons decision on whether to green light the show.
Rafe Judkins: Tell them how much you love it ALL DAY EVERY DAY :)
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@jamminfez: Hi Rafe! Thanks for doing this! My question is: Are there any characters who you are writing with an actor in mind? Favourites? Dream Casting? Answer if you can! Otherwise keep up the good work!
Rafe Judkins: I try not to write with cast in mind!
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@dwest3fold: What scene/chapter are you most looking forward to bringing to the screen and why?
Rafe Judkins: I can’t wait to write Dumai’s Wells
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@dominikwoj1: Do you (and your team) have freedom to make significant changes to the story or do you have to keep by the books?
Rafe Judkins: We have freedom to do what we want, but what I want is to stay true to the books
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@KolanWright: how do you pull the historical lore of #WheelOfTime Into such a visual story?
Rafe Judkins: Lots of storytellers and cool visuals in the lore
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@MFaulkner_: I'm curious about the timeline of pre-production... Should everything go to plan with the writing of the first season - do you have a rough estimate of when we might see casting begin to take place? (I'm an actor and this my favourite series!)
Rafe Judkins: 🤐
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@Caz_Willows: do you have an image in your head for how many of the main cast look?
Rafe Judkins: I try not to
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@highmonk12: you'll answer one question about the show? My favorite character is Mat, how do you tend to show his flash backs. I. E. TFoH he goes to Rands tent to tell him he's leaving. While studying the map he see's images of past battles. He discovers the best plan for attack
Rafe Judkins: I think that flashbacks are a great way to learn more about a character
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@michandersontv: How will you show channeling/embracing the source
Rafe Judkins: That’ll be director dependent but hopefully using imagery as described in the books, weaving, etc
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@MJ5223: Good morning and thank you. Who is your favorite female character in #WoT, and please explain why. With a cast of so many tremendous and powerful female characters, why does she especially resonate, or connect with you?
Rafe Judkins: I think Moiraine redefined the “guide” character in fantasy and will probably forever go down as one of the most important characters in the genre, regardless of gender
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@brothertaddeus: before and after each book, there are snippets of prophecy or song or poetry or the like. would those be integrated into the show in some way, or left out?
Rafe Judkins: Some will be integrated!
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@jffdougan: Do you have access to RJ’s/BS’s notes, or are you working mainly from the published novels/short stories?
Rafe Judkins: I’m using everything I have access to!
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@Eirin_9: Are there any thoughts or plans around how long the episodes are going to be? Or is it too far away for those kind of decisions?
Rafe Judkins: Hour!
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@Obsqur: @rafejudkins which plot lines are you most looking forward to developing? P.S. thanks for doing this #appreciativefan 👍👍
Rafe Judkins: I love seeing more of the inner workings of the AES Sedai and awardees
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@TheSHilton: Hi Rafe, which part of transferring the #WheelofTime world to screen has lost you most sleep? Conversely, what are you dying for people to see? Good luck!
Rafe Judkins: Getting the heart of the books across while telling a story that works in the medium of tv. That’s always my biggest concern
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@Thats_Obsqur: @rafejudkins when you come & do a guest spot on the @wotspoilers podcast which chapters would you like to unpack? (the boys have a few more chapters left to go on tDR, so you can pick any book after that😉)
Rafe Judkins: I’ll hold out until A Memory of Light ;)
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@CalRicWal: Hi Rafe! Are you planning on having any input from Harriet McDougal or even Brandon Sanderson on the series?
Rafe Judkins: Yes of course!
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@RajivMote: Are there any characters you wanted to keep, but had to drop for flow, even if it means pruning future plotlines? Have you conflated any characters for efficiency?
Rafe Judkins: WaFO!
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@EarlofMangwich: there were modern references in Age of Legends and before (globulbs, jo-car, Materese, Lenn, Mosk/Merk, etc.). Will these be only subtle allusion, or will past ages (our age and your vision of our future) be more overtly referenced and used on screen?
Rafe Judkins: I’ll try to keep it subtle
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@MathewGledhill: with as many characters and locations and the nature of the magic system how hard do you foresee it being to balance keeping a visually interesting show and one that keeps a reasonable budget?
Rafe Judkins: I think focusing on character is the way to make any budget work. Then doing the battles and magic when we have the budget to make it look amazing
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@redrocker05: what is something you have been told as the screenwriter that you think the fandom may not know?
Rafe Judkins: I think the fandom knows more than even Robert Jordan knew ha :)
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@TravisGSmith333: Which Characters do you most look forward to bringing to the Screen. I don't mean Casting. Just which characters from the series you are most excited to Translate to film.
Rafe Judkins: So many! Moiraine mostly though for what I think she can mean to young women
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@KitaraKara: are egwenes dreamers dreams going to be shown or just talked about?
Rafe Judkins: Shown hopefully
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@13thShard: Are you gonna have some help from Sanderson or Rober Jordan's wife?
Rafe Judkins: Of course! As much as they’re willing to give
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@Emily30Red: Wait, WHAT!!! WOT filming? Filming what?

Will you fix the ending please!!!
Rafe Judkins: 🤐
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@fikkie77: How will channelling be visualized? Colourful lines? Verbal description? WAFO?
Rafe Judkins: WaFO! ;)
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@Apocahacks: Doesn’t @malkiersking look like Lan?

Rafe Judkins: Yes
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@brianwhisenant: Thank you so much for doing this!! Any chance you will be able to incorporate more LGBTQ characters than in the books?
Rafe Judkins: Yes!
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@jenniferskelly: Are you fully staffed? And would you consider bringing a well-established animation/hybrid writer in for one or more episodes who has a minor MLP twitter following and has been re-reading this series since the early 90s? Asking for a friend (not really)
Rafe Judkins: Have your agent submit you! :)
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@ReneMontague: When it comes to casting has a cd become attached yet and are you all going to be pushing for fresh faces or actors of more recognition❓
Rafe Judkins: No CD yet!
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@tajonamir: Without giving away too much, which scenes are you most excited to write/see come to life from any of the books? Also when is casting/when should we get our earliest casting news?
Rafe Judkins: Can’t wait to write Rand trapped in the box!!
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@sheenagwyn32: Do you plan on keeping Moiraine in the script after she vanishes with Lanfear or will we possibly get to see her occasionally before her rescue?
Rafe Judkins: WaFO! :)
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@Whodat1001: How do you envision the voices/memories in Matt’s and Rand’s head playing out onscreen?
Rafe Judkins: This'll be very director-dependent, but I think there's a few different ways it could be handled that would all be interesting
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@rafejudkins: Ahhhh I’m dead. Exhausted and broken. But I think I answered them all! If I missed yours, reply to it with #rafeyoumissedthis and I’ll look at it later today. Thanks for the amazing questions! Wish I could’ve given real answers for more, but then you’d know too much :)
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