I'd like to thank The Academy...

​Well, the International Emmys weekend is over and what a time it was. I’ve probably bored you half to death in previous blogs talking about how grateful and excited I am, so by now I’ll assume that’s a given.
     Yesterday started with a lunch at the Hilton, followed by a Q&A with Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes. A lot of this flew over my head as I don’t watch the show, but luckily it was such a charming and engaging talk that that didn’t really matter much. Plus, I got to meet some more interesting and exciting people and exchange a bunch of business cards.
     But of course, the big event was the Emmys Gala itself, also at the Hilton. I turned up early and basically hung around awkwardly in the lobby for a while as people started to arrive before learning that there was a red carpet and I was supposed to be on it. Obviously this was an opportunity I wasn’t about to miss, so I hurried downstairs and next thing I was whisked on to the carpet, trying to smile in the face of endless flashing lights and people yelling at me to look their way, before I was pushed off it again, buzzing with electric excitement. Obviously I was far from the most important person there, but damned if all those cameras didn’t make me feel a little bit chuffed with myself.
     The free booze and food kept coming as the event itself kicked off. With presenters such as Michael Douglas, George Takei and Holly Taylor from The Americans, it was a brisk, entertaining and dauntingly fancy night. The ballroom the gala took place in looked unbelievable decked out in full awards show garb, and it was another moment where I had to pinch myself to make sure I was really there.
     Of course, any fanciness quickly devolved once the afterparty kicked off; plenty of nominees wanted to drown their sorrows while others wanted to celebrate. I got a brief chance to talk to Holly Taylor and embarrassed myself in front of Julian Fellowes by nervously stumbling over my words and basically looking a right fool. Probably didn’t help that I told him I didn’t watch his show, but whatever.
     Once we moved on to the afterparty venue there was drinking, dancing and all sorts of revelry, plus, some people stopped me and asked for autographs on the way which was weird but rather lovely all the same. In all, it was a great way to wrap up a great weekend, and at this point all I can do is thank the people who helped get me through it and were so accommodating, in particular Nathaniel Brendel, Fred Cohen and Alan Beyer. You guys did so much to make me feel at home and never like I was a weight on anyone. I probably was, but like perfect gentlemen you never let me know!
     Today was a bit of a sore one due to a few too many cocktails last night, but I had a couple of really, really exciting meetings that I hope I can talk more about in weeks to come and am now safe and settled at my new accommodation in Brooklyn. Getting here was a bit of a nightmare but now I’m well and truly relaxed and spent my night catching up on Doctor Who. It’s such a change of pace from the weekend, and I’m really sad the Emmys are done but honestly, it’s good to be able to just breathe after so much excitement. I’m looking forward to taking it easy for the rest of my time in New York.  

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