Showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss are taking a turn behind the camera directing an episode. Also directing episodes next season: Alex Graves, Michelle MacLaren, Dan Minahan, David Nutter and Alik Sakharov. Alan Taylor is not directing any episodes next season (he’s shooting Thor 2).

Writers returning for season 3 in addition to Benioff and Weiss: Bryan Cogman, George R.R. Martin and Vanessa Taylor. Production begins early next month in Belfast. The production is returning to Croatia and Iceland, which were added as shooting locations in season 2. Plus, the production is adding a fourth country, Morocco (mainly for Daenerys’ storyline, which is particularly strong next season).