About
"I don't think the job of producing entails anything beyond taste and judgment. I was told when I was originally trying to put 'Downton Abbey' together, 'Nobody in the United States will ever be interested in this project,' and it's one of the highest rating shows in America, despite the incredibly competitive landscape. If I'd been wobbled by that, maybe it would never have happened."
In his one-hour interview, Gareth Neame talks about his early years and being part of a show business family. He describes his first years at the BBC as a floor manager, where he received invaluable training on such series as EastEnders. Neame recalls working his way up to head of independent drama at the BBC, which led to taking over Carnival Films (which was later bought by NBC/Universal). He discusses getting Julian Fellowes involved in what later became Downton Abbey, and speaks of his working relationship with Fellowes. He talks about the casting and production of the show, the global phenomenon it has become, and the challenges of losing actors and keeping storylines secret until the show airs. He concludes with advice for aspiring producers. Nancy Harrington conducted the interview on May 4, 2014 in Beverly Hills, CA.
Highlights
Gareth Neame on bringing Julian Fellowes to Downton Abbey and developing the show
Gareth Neame on the casting for Downton Abbey
Gareth Neame on Highclere Castle, the location for Downton Abbey
Gareth Neame on keeping Downton Abbey storylines secret
Gareth Neame on the difference between contracts with British actors and American actors
Full Interview
Chapter 1
On his early life and influences; on his early interest in becoming a producer; on his early years at the BBC, including a short stint on EastEnders
On working his way up at the BBC; on becoming Head of Independent Drama at the BBC; on taking over Carnival Films and selling it to NBC/Universal
On what he learned during his time at the BBC as an executive; on co-producing Rome with HBO and Dracula with NBC
On the premise of Downton Abbey; on bringing Downton Abbey to Julian Fellowes and developing the show; on the American and global appeal of Downton Abbey
On the location of Downton Abbey; on his working relationship with Julian Fellowes on Downton Abbey; on casting for the show
On his favorite Downton Abbey storyline and keeping the storylines secret; on the popularity of Downton Abbey; on advice to aspiring producers
Shows
Downton Abbey
Gareth Neame on the premise of Downton Abbey
Gareth Neame on bringing Julian Fellowes to Downton Abbey and developing the show
Gareth Neame on the American and global appeal of Downton Abbey
Gareth Neame on Highclere Castle, the location for Downton Abbey
Gareth Neame on his working relationship with Jullian Fellowes on Downton Abbey
Gareth Neame on the casting for Downton Abbey
Gareth Neame on the difference between contracts with British actors and American actors
Gareth Neame on his favorite Downton Abbey storyline
Gareth Neame on keeping Downton Abbey storylines secret
Gareth Neame on the popularity of Downton Abbey
Topics
Advice
Gareth Neame on advice to aspiring producers
Television Industry
Gareth Neame on advice to aspiring producers
Professions
Executives
Gareth Neame on what he learned at the BBC as an executive
Producers
Gareth Neame on advice to aspiring producers
Genres
Daytime/Primetime Serials
Gareth Neame on producing Downton Abbey
People
Julian Fellowes
Gareth Neame on bringing Julian Fellowes to Downton Abbey and developing the show
Gareth Neame on his working relationship with Julian Fellowes on Downton Abbey