About Black Sails

'Black Sails' is a prequel to Robert Louis Stevenson's 'Treasure Island' and is set 20 years before the events of his literary classic. It tells the story of Captain Flint, the most feared pirate of his day who takes in a young crew member named John Silver. Together they fight for the survival of New Providence island, battling against enemies, the British Navy, and even each other.

Making / Production

'Black Sails' was a production by Starz and was filmed in Cape Town, South Africa. The series took full advantage of its gorgeous filming location, with real ocean vistas and stunning set pieces. Though it was a historical series, it blended a modern sensibility with its period details, creating a unique aesthetic.

Actors

• Toby Stephens played 'Captain Flint'. His performance was captivating, going from toughened pirate to a vulnerable man haunted by his past.
• Luke Arnold portrayed 'John Silver'. He gave an excellent performance, evolving Silver from a self-serving manipulator to an integral part of the pirate community.
• Hannah New enlivened the role of 'Eleanor Guthrie'. She was the shrewd, independent owner of a pirate-friendly saloon.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The series was filmed in Cape Town because it offers both Caribbean-like weather and South Atlantic-like weather.
• The ship, Walrus, used in the series was a full-size functional ship that was built just for the series.

Awards

'Black Sails' has won a number of awards, including the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Special Visual Effects, among others.

Quotes

• "I'm not just a captain. I'm your bloody king." - Captain Flint
• "Change isn't easy. Changing the world is even harder." - John Silver

Music / Soundtrack

• The show's eerie yet compelling theme music titled 'Theme from Black Sails' was composed by Bear McCreary.
• The rest of the soundtrack blends modern sounds and historic notes to further draw the viewer into the world of the series.