That's a Wrap -- Last day of filming Downton Abbey in Bampton

The Bampton church square that has served as the location for the fictional town of Downton was all wrapped up yesterday for the last filming of town scenes for season six of Downton Abbey.  The production company screened off the church yard, Mrs. Crawley's home, and the square so they could film unimpeded by onlookers, dog walkers, and paparazzi .   

There was a big scene going on in the church yard that seemed to contain most of the cast plus a large number of extras.   Spoiler alert: it looked like a happy occasion.   Could it be another wedding?  Mrs. Crawley's?  Edith's? Mary's?  It was kept well under wraps. And I'm glad for it. Part of the fun of following  a story is enjoying the surprises. 

I'll miss seeing Bampton turn into Downton each summer.  It's been a fun run. Watching these film shoots has given me a much greater appreciation for all that goes into the making of what might be just a few seconds of a scene.   What we see on the screen is just the tiniest tip of the iceberg.  There are thousands and thousands of hours that went into the making of the final product.  I've now become a fan of the credits at the end of a production.  All the production teams like costuming; sound; lighting; makeup; set design; logistics; editing; props; catering; etc.  -- that is the rest of the iceberg and what made the tip all possible.