The Earl of Grantham has recently become one of Eton’s most famous fictional alumni, but earlier in November, it was the turn of Downton Abbey’s creator – Lord Julian Fellowes – to address the Broadcasting Society. Lord Fellowes spoke about his early career as an actor, and his spell across the pond in an attempt to break into Hollywood, before deciding to write. Lord Fellowes acknowledged the break Robert Altman gave him in asking him to write Gosford Park, and his delight at winning an Oscar for his debut screenplay. He had much advice for those wishing to enter the media, notably that persistence and energy are paramount in making it in the arts, and spoke about his most successful show to date – Downton Abbey – which had more than a few fans in the packed audience that heard Lord Fellowes speak in Election Hall.
Will Hall SAL
