Watched a section on the DVD that I hadn't seen before -special features, which showed how the series had been made. Upstairs and outside locations are all genuine -didn't realise that the "downstairs" and servants quarters were all done in a studio -the ones in the house having been modernised. Two very distinct filming schedules then, but you'd never guess. Explained also the different filming tecniques -"Upstairs" - slow filming and much panning out to give a gracious, luxurious feel. "Downstairs" hand held cameras - much more fast action to give a sense of urgency and show how hard they were all working.
Much of the authenticity is due to Alastair Bruce, the expert on state and court ritual who can be seen on SKY news when they cover state events. He is a brilliant historical adviser and knows all about etiquette of the day.
Julian Fellowes comes across as being very pompous but we must forgive him for having given us Downton, I suppose! I looked him up on Google -did'n't realise he was a Lord in his own right. Knew he'd written Gosford Park but I can't say i remember seeing it -may look into getting the DVD, also Young Victoria with Emily Blunt (great actress) is written by him -will look into that too, in order to keep myself going till Feb when series II comes out!
