Behind the Scenes: Director Takes on Wheel of Time & Rings of Power - Unveiling the Epic Dual Journey
Sanaa Hamri, the skilled director behind Wheel of Time and Rings of Power, sheds light on her experience working on both shows, emphasizing their distinct worlds and showcasing her perfect fit for fantasy storytelling
Summary
Sanaa Hamri, the director of The Wheel of Time and Rings of Power season 2, describes the two shows as "two different worlds" with distinct writers and fantasy settings.
Hamri relishes the thrill of taking on shows set in contrasting realms and featuring diverse characters, which she perceives as a natural evolution from her previous stint in music-related content. Her directorial prowess in the realm of elevated fantasy has already been showcased in the second season of The Wheel of Time.
Sanaa Hamri, the director of The Wheel of Time and Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, discusses her experience working on both shows. Hamri directed four episodes of the current season of The Wheel of Time on Prime Video. For the second season of Rings of Power, she has been assigned to direct the premiere episode. Hamri has also worked on other TV shows such as Elementary, Glee, and Empire.
In an interview with Inverse, Hamri describes the challenges of working on both The Wheel of Time and Rings of Power season 2. She highlights the stark differences between the two shows, from the writing teams to the fantastical universes they inhabit. Despite these contrasts, Hamri embraces the opportunity and finds joy in tackling these unique worlds. See her full statement below.
The Wheel of Time and Rings of Power are distinct worlds created by different writers. Jordan draws inspiration from various Eastern philosophies across the globe, while Tolkien's work is heavily influenced by linguistics, Anglo-Saxon literature, and European myths. Despite their differences, both stories fall within the fantasy genre.
The beauty of this is that within this space, just like in the realm of dramas on television, we can have two shows that offer completely unique worlds and characters facing their own distinct challenges. I find great joy in exploring these imaginative realms. It's a natural progression from my previous career, where I worked with musical artists and experienced all the excitement that came with it. Now, I can delve into grounded and authentic storytelling within visually stunning and immersive settings, which is an absolute blast.
Why Sanaa Hamri Is A Good Fit For Fantasy Shows
Hamri has an impressive resume directing music videos for renowned artists such as Prince, Mariah Carey, and Nicki Minaj. Prior to her involvement in the television series Wheel of Time and Rings of Power, she made a notable impact in the music industry with her role in Empire, a show that portrayed the life of a hip-hop mogul. Hamri seamlessly transitioned from music-related content to captivating drama in Empire. Now, she is taking her talents even further as she dives into the world of TV drama with Wheel of Time and Rings of Power.
Both shows have established themselves as leading forces in the TV industry, attracting a significant viewership since their initial seasons. Wheel of Time has already been approved for a third season, and its second season is currently available for streaming. Similarly, Rings of Power achieved success in its debut season, and work is underway for its highly anticipated second season.
Hamri's success with both series is a positive development for her TV career. Her directing skills were evident in The Wheel of Time season 2, episodes 3 and 4, showcasing her ability to handle high-level fantasy. This will undoubtedly heighten anticipation among viewers for what Hamri has planned for season 2 of Rings of Power.
