'Game of Thrones' cinematographer describes shooting that battle of roasting Lannisters, including trouble with an HBO safety officer

Remember when Daenerys rode Drogon and fried the Lannister army? That battle sequence was inspired by "Apocalypse Now."

Business Insider recently talked to Robert McLachlan, a "Game of Thrones" cinematographer who worked on season seven episodes "The Spoils of War" and "Eastwatch."

McLachlan talked about why he loves working with smoke, what inspired the look and feel of the Loot Train Attack, and why a health and safety officer had to interfere with production. He also told us about a simply lit scene from "Eastwatch" that he is obsessed with.

McLachlan has also worked on other big "Game of Thrones" episodes including season three's "The Rains of Castamere" and "Mhysa," as well as season five's "The Dance of Dragons" and "Mother's Mercy."

McLachlan talked about what it was like to shoot such an epic battle sequence for one of the biggest shows on television: