They were filming today in Bampton -- it will be the Christmas day episode of season 5 of Downton Abbey (that would be the last episode in the U.S.). It was one of those days where we had brilliant sunshine, rain, wind, and grey skies -- all several times an hour, so it seemed. That made filming challenging. And because it is school holidays and tourist season, there were many more on-lookers than in past shoots. Security kept us further away than usual.
Here they are setting up the scene: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCzrjtkzbmo
It was a fun scene to watch since most of the cast was there. However, it wasn't so easy to see everyone -- security used umbrellas to block shots of important cast members. I don't blame them. A bus load of tourists showed up in the middle of a take and totally interrupted the filming. Even so, it was fun to see the creative process of this beloved series and to see Bampton turned back into Downton.
The cast moving into place. They hang out in Mrs. Crawley's home in between scenes and takes.
Here is Mr. Molesley (Kevin Doyle) and behind him the lovely Cora Crawley, the Countess of Grantham (Elizabeth McGovern)
Dear Mrs. Hughes (Phyllis Logan)
Finishing touches on Lord Grantham
Making Mr. Carson perfect (I think he is already!)
Thomas (Rob James-Collier) -- How did he get those medals of honor?
The townspeople of Downton
Cora, Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery) and Mrs. Crawley
Such style and grace!
Sneaky Mr. Bates (Brendan Coyle)
Mr. Carson (Jim Carter) and Lord Grantham (Hugh Bonneville)
More takes of the same scene:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8iEdzNTC44&feature=youtu.be
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kicuiBIW8_s
Great pics and videos! Thank you so much for sharing! I do have to ask though, did you catch sight of Anna (Joanne Froggatt) filming there? Or do you think she was being shielded by the security umbrellas?
ReplyDeleteI didn't see the character "Anna". She might have been there but we were kept to one side slightly behind the group gathering. When the group mingled it was tight and there were so many "extras" that is was hard to see anyone familiar. Also, all the women where wearing hats which made it harder to identify them. I did see Bates but I couldn't see who he was standing next to (which presumably would be "Anna"). I do know that Maggie Smith was not there. When she is on set, the big golfing-size umbrellas come out and you can only see her when she is actually filming a scene. Most of the other actors don't mind being seen and having their picture taken so they don't have security next to them at all times with big umbrellas.
DeleteThanks for answering! :)
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