The daytime Emmy party circuit hit full swing on Saturday afternoon. At BAFTA’s TV Tea, Brit crossover Stephen Merchant upholding the integrity of the event’s title, teacup in hand.
Gervais’ co-conspirator on the pioneering British version of “The Office” and “Extras” said he will weigh in on Gervais’ feature on David Brent, “Life on the Road.”
Also read: Ricky Gervais Creating Big-Screen Sequel for His ‘Office’ Character
“I don’t know if I’ll give (formal) notes, but I’ll offer what I can,” the “Hello Ladies” he told TheWrap at BAFTA LA’s TV Tea at the SLS in Beverly Hills on Saturday afternoon. ”
Also read: Ricky Gervais’ ‘Office’ Character Is ‘Absolutely F-cking Tragic’ in Movie ‘Life on the Road
Merchant was one of several nominees (and a few winners) in the room picking at finger food over champagne in the outdoor garden.
Also read: Free Katsuya! Iggy Azalea, Lenny Kravitz, Aaron Paul Christen SLS Las Vegas Opening
“Good luck, we’re rooting for you. We salute you,” British Consul General Chris O’Connor told the Brit nominees.
That group included co-star nominees Michelle Dockery and Joanne Froggatt planted feet in front of him at the center couches under (thankfully) a canopy of umbrellas. That pair just wrapped shooting “Downton” Season 5 a few days ago, executive producer Gareth Neame said.
You should start curbing your Daily Mail reading at the risk of spoilers, because “Downton” premieres over there next month, months before we get to hear Laura Linney‘s soothing voice or see a Viking Cruise line bumper.
“Earlier today I was working on edit for one of the episodes,” Gareth Neame told TheWrap. Still, Emmys weekend is worth the trip.
“If we hadn’t had so many (Emmy) nominations and a number of wins in the first season, then a mainstream audience might not have heard about the show.”
See photos: Emmy Parties 2014: Zoe Saldana, Michelle Dockery, Aaron Paul Break the Seal (Photos)
It was a lot less hot than other BAFTA events despite the 86 temp registering on the Jaguars modeling out front. Yet, the indoor lounge where the chocolate lollipops, cookies, and the Freixenet flowed proved more popular for fair skinned faces like Minnie Driver, RJ Mitte, and Kiernan Shipka.
Also read: Emmys 2014 Behind the Scenes: Zipping Up Glamour Girls With Fashion Captain Tara Swennen
Lizzy Caplan drew the biggest scrum on the carpet. Already-a-winner Joe Morton (“Scandal”) went casual in flip flops, and boyishly young in person “Fargo” writer/producer/showrunner was already looking towards Monday’s marathon day of show.
Also read: Emmys 2014 Behind the Scenes: The Stylemaker Behind Emmys’ Golden Boys
It’s his first time at the Primetime Emmys, but learned a thing or two from last week’s foray in to the Creative Arts show.
“That took a long time,” Hawley said. “I’m bringing more food this time. I’m going to have to carry a satchel or something.”