In ‘Skyfall,’ James Bond fights irrelevance

In ‘Skyfall,’ James Bond fights irrelevance

Even the best 007s are not safe, Mr Bond - Diary - News - Evening Standard

Even the best 007s are not safe, Mr Bond - Diary - News - Evening Standard

Special thanks to The Saint 007 & BJ ;

"Michael G Wilson, the James Bond producer, was speaking at a culture industry seminar during the Games and said Eon Productions will have no qualms about replacing the franchise’s latest star should Skyfall, the next film in the series, prove to be the rugged actor’s peak.

Recalling the decision to axe Craig’s predecessor, Wilson said: “Pierce [Brosnan] was well-liked and the grosses were going up. But we knew we had to change things before they started to taper off. Bond is the star. He is bigger than any actor that portrays him.” "

George Lazenby | George Lazenby: 'Bond Producers Treated Me Badly' | Contactmusic

George Lazenby | George Lazenby: 'Bond Producers Treated Me Badly' | Contactmusic


Actor George Lazenby has accused Bond producers of wrecking his career when he quit the superspy franchise after just one film, insisting movie bosses made up tales about his demanding behaviour.
The Australian star played 007 in On Her Majesty's Secret Service but decided not to sign on for another Bond adventure because he felt sure the film series was over.
He tells Entertainment Weekly magazine, "They offered me millions under the table to do another one, but I thought James Bond was over. Easy Rider was the number one movie. Everyone was smoking marijuana, and that was the furthest thing from a James Bond movie. So I didn't sign the contract.
"I was badly treated after that. They (producers) told the press that I was difficult to handle, so it was hard to find work."
And Lazenby insists his portrayal of 007 in 1969 was the most believable, adding, "It's the only film that treats him like a human being. He's not a robot killer like the latest Bond... When I did it, it had more heart. There's no heart to the new Bond."

MGM sets plans for IPO - Entertainment News, Film News, Media - Variety

MGM sets plans for IPO - Entertainment News, Film News, Media - Variety

MGM, the fabled studio that's made some folks piles of money and cost others their shirts, is heading back to the stock market -- news that left potential investors seeking clarity on MGM strategy beyond several big films and a TV library that may be mostly spoken for.
"If they really want to get back into the ranks of the major studios, they're going to need a huge infusion of capital and a rather ambitious production and distribution plan," said Larry Ulman, a partner at Gibson Dunn who specializes in entertainment finance. Gibson Dunn worked on MGM's last IPO, which raised more than $300 million in 1997. IPO proceeds, he said, could help MGM ramp up its slate, churning out the quality and perhaps quantity of pics that could put the Lion back on top. "If you were just going to continue to release a 'Bond' film and maybe a 'Hobbit,' it wouldn't make sense to go through all of that," he said.
There are likely to be more questions than answers for a while as MGM is the first entertainment company to pursue an IPO under new legislation effective in April that allows companies with under $1 billion in revenue to keep the process confidential until 21 days before a roadshow. Part of the JOBS Act (Jumpstart Our Business Startups), the legislation reduces public scrutiny and keeps key operating stats out of the hands of competitors for much of the IPO process.
The company is said to have hired Goldman Sachs as lead underwriter.

James Bond and Skyfall - Movie Looks As Expected, Trailer Sucks | Movies With Butter

James Bond and Skyfall - Movie Looks As Expected, Trailer Sucks | Movies With Butter

 The Skyfall teaser trailer to the next installment of a long movie franchise – Bond, James Bond is unimpressively annoying. It flashes couple second scenes played to annoying double gunshot “dun-dun” sounds, and ended with only 15 seconds of good Bond action. Though these couple second bits neither build plot anticipation nor excitement for the movie, it does show a high gadgetry, high tech/CGI and beautifully shot Bond movie with its core intact -- a movie full of action, explosions, gun shots and of course, beautiful seductive women. What’s a James Bond movie without the pussycats?

James Bond and Skyfall - Movie Looks As Expected, Trailer Sucks | Movies With Butter

James Bond and Skyfall - Movie Looks As Expected, Trailer Sucks | Movies With Butter

 The Skyfall teaser trailer to the next installment of a long movie franchise – Bond, James Bond is unimpressively annoying. It flashes couple second scenes played to annoying double gunshot “dun-dun” sounds, and ended with only 15 seconds of good Bond action. Though these couple second bits neither build plot anticipation nor excitement for the movie, it does show a high gadgetry, high tech/CGI and beautifully shot Bond movie with its core intact -- a movie full of action, explosions, gun shots and of course, beautiful seductive women. What’s a James Bond movie without the pussycats?

Craig on a motorbike

Another picture which sums up perfectly why Daniel Craig can't be Bond. Ian Fleming would be puzzled why someone with this look is playing his fantasy figure and Craig is dressed like a game show host from the 1980's in a really bad grey suit and tie.

Skyfall teaser trailer released

The Skyfall teaser trailer has been released and again it looks unBondian and like a generic action movie, and the dark tone of the Craig era continues. Craig's modern Bond is far removed from the glamour, fantasy and fun of the likes of Connery and Moore...

Skyfall Teaser Poster Released

The Skyfall teaser poster has been released and is yet another uninspired piece of art. In it Daniel Craig seems to have a Hitler haircut and is walking through a drainpipe or a sewer.

AARP up in arms over Skyfall Seniorcide

It seems like a scene right out of the South Park episode: Gray Dawn. AARP is livid over plans to kill off Judi Dench's "M" character for the 50th anniversary James Bond film Skyall (in theaters November 16th). AARP Spokesman Roger Dinkins blasted the decision suggesting ageism.

"Sure she [Dench] has a few health concerns, like millions of other retried persons, but never once has she stopped being productive. In fact seniors are the hardest working members of any acting troupe."

Controversy centers around Bond producers desire to replace Dench with a balding middle aged actor who works for scale.

"Look we've nothing against this young actor, he seems talented enough. And I've certainly enjoyed his other movies. But in our view nothing replaces experience. There is no reason to force the most experienced members of our society on to the sidelines. Not when they are willing and able to give more."

What appears to upset AAPR the most is a five minute lecture from a unidentified government health official appearing in the Skyfall script.

"The is a particularly disturbing scene where a health mister is counseling Judi's character on the virtues of euthanasia. My god can you imagine it! This health minister goes on to talk about lessening the burden on the healthcare system making the government better able to put those limited resources towards the more productive portion of the population. I believe the term used was investing resources to where the greatest returns are. Pure poppycock!"

Mr Dinkins said what concerns AARP member the most is the apparent shift in tone of many recent Hollywood movies.

"There is a budding populist movement to make ageism mainstream. No doubt in our minds this a new round of the War On Seniors. Clint Eastwood has them running scared, but he is only one man. Which is why AARP is so important."

When asked if the AARP will urge a boycott of the new Bond movie, Dinkins said no decisions were made, leaving the possibility open however they hoped the studio would see the folly of this long before Skyfall production comes to a halt.

"The sad part is this plot element is completely unnecessary and it goes against the studio's best interest.The overwhelming majority of the Bond audience is age fifty five or older. It is a stupid decision to alienate the largest portion of your audience."

We tired throughout the week to reach studio and production company for comment. As of  publication no statement was issued from the studios or production companies involved.

Craig skinhead Bond

The classical image image of Bond as a tall, handsome man has gone forever with the brave new world of the Craig Bond reboot. Bond is now a charmless short psychopath with a skinhead haircut. And Daniel Craig has annouced that he would "keep on going" with his bizarre interpretation of Bond.

Spoiler: Skyfall lodge is destroyed in a huge explosion.

Oops! Our mistake. That  picture is from Harry Potter. And here I was about to say at least EON is being original. Essentially imagine the same picture except substitute Skyfall Lodge.
You can follow this link for more spoilers and pictures
Special Thanks to “Kristatos”
Discuss this in our forum


The film's crew and designers spent months building the replica building in the middle of the English countryside to create the perfect mansion worthy of a secret agent.
But in true action film style, nothing ever stays standing or intact for too long.
And last night, James Bond's countryside lodge was destroyed in a huge explosion as more scenes were filmed for the upcoming 007 film.

Bond is burning: 007's Skyfall Lodge is hit by a huge explosion in scenes filmed this weekend on the Surrey set for the upcoming film

Flames soaring hundreds of feet in the air were seen right across Surrey as the purpose-built mansion was set on fire.
It made for an impressive sight as the plywood and plaster stone building was engulfed in flames.
Surprisingly, considering how quickly the flames spread, the scene was actually shot over a couple of nights.

The Sky is Fall-ing: The flames shot hundreds of feet in the air and could be seen for miles around

According to onlookers, the fire is started in the scenes by Javier Bardem who was seen by the lodge surrounded by a camera crew.
His malevolent character - called Silva - and his gang are filmed throwing an incendiary device into the lodge.
Ironically, the Spanish star was banned from smoking on set last week because of the fire risk.

Call the fire brigade! The flames started off small as they began to lick the house...

... and was believed to have started at the main entrance to Bond's family home

Even though the house and the set were razed to the ground last night, Bardem, 43, was asked not to light up in case he accidentally started a fire too early.
A source told the Sun: 'Javier loves his cigarettes and is always smoking on set to pass the time. The Skyfall lodge has been built in a field with some pretty dry grass, though. It wouldn't take much for one of his butts to catch alight.
'They've had word with him and he keeps well away now when on a smoke break.'

Take that, James! Javier Bardem's character and his gang are surrounded by film crew as they shoot the fire scene

Bond's ancestry up in flames: The fire soon began to take hold as the film crew captured every flame

The Oscar winner was first seen on set as the crew shot scenes in London's Whitehall earlier this month, dressed as a Metropolitan police officer.
In a blonde wig, he was almost unrecognisable as he stood there in full uniform about to wreak havoc for Bond and the British government.
At the press conference to promote the film a few months ago, Javier was asked about playing a Bond villian, to which he replied: 'Who told you a villain is a bad person?

Masterpiece: The purpose-built mansion, made from plywood and plaster, was seen in all its glory as filming started on the Surrey set earlier this month

'For me, it's an honour to be at this table for many reasons. It will be fun to do.'
The lodge in Surrey was first seen earlier this month when Daniel Craig, who plays the Secret Service agent, was snapped on the set.
He was seen walking into and around the artificial house in Surrey, which for the shoot doubled up as Scotland.

Alone in thought: Daniel Craig, as Bond, was snapped near and around the house during filming

And local photographer Lucy Browne was allowed near and on the set to document the filming.

She posted a selection of photos of everything from gravestones bearing the names of Bond's ancestors to a fleet of identical Land Rovers and wrote: 'I think what I saw will settle the question of whether this set is Bond’s family home or some sort of monastery.'

James Bond movie set infiltrated by Turkish teens!

After all the trouble with a certain wildlife photographer you’d think EON would be a little more cautious in Turkey. As it turns out a group of Turkish High Schoolers easily bypassed security and got close enough to film part of the fight scene. The teens were apparently caught when one of them tried to get  to close the actors. After a pat down the teen was released, the search fails to find the cell phone the teen said was hidden in his underwear. Humm maybe EON should consider hiring a few American TSA agents. Might have stopped the video of the fight from making it to YouTube.
 Discuss this in our forum
Special thanks to “Jack Wade CIA”

James Bond movie ‘Skyfall’s set had been infiltrated by three Turkish high school students in the southern province of Adana, Turkey. The nimble Turkish teens even managed to record footage of a fight scene from filming Skyfall.

Adana, Turkey / NationalTurk – İbrahim Ali Özden, 17, and two friends wanted to witness shooting for latest James Bond movie ‘Skyfall’ at Adana’s train station but could not gain access due to tight security frome filming crew.
The tree chums avoided then security guards by sneaking through alleys and climbed their way nimbly over a wire fence into the train station. There, they crawled under train cars and reached the repair depot, where they grabbed off-duty workers’ overalls and helmets.

Teens sneak onto James Bond Skyfall set, film train-top fight scene

The teens disguised as repairmen, entered a passenger car and saw actors playing a fighting scene on top of another train car. Özden started recording the scene with his cellular phone but was noticed by security personnel once he got out the car to get a closer look at the actors.
‘The security personnel searched me once I was caught,’ Özden says. ‘But they did’nt do it thouroughly and could not find my cell phone because I hid it in my underwear. They made us take off the repairmen suits and sent us off the site. Anyhow it was an unforgettable adventure for me’

James Bond Skyfall is shot in Adana, Turkey

For the latest James Bond movie ‘Skyfall’, Adana Municipality has granted the filmmakers permission to use large areas to shoot the film in order to raise the popularity and reputation of this lovely city on the shores of Mediterranean.

Wildlife Photographer in trouble for Skyfall Pics

March 17, 2012

The only real news coming off the Skyfall set has come from photographs and video taken by bystanders. When filming moved to Hankley Common, near Elstead, Lucy Browne a naturalist photographer began following the developments in her blog, The Foraging Photographer . She got some astonishing photographs of the Skyfall set being constructed along with a few interesting tidbits of information from the film crew constructing the set.
Some of the photos created quite a stir among the Bond fan sites, as we have been following the various developments in our Forum,  when The Daily Mail recognised her contributions it apparently got the attention of EON who then sent the Military Police to warn her off. It is not clear what if any law she violated, and as far as we are aware she is not a participant to a None Disclosure Agreement.
From the outside looking at this it appears the Bond bosses got upset at the spoilers coming from Lucy’s well written site. It is understandable that they would like to stem the flow of possible spoilers, however it is not realistic on a production this size, as the Call Sheet troubles have shown us.
This all may be a big misunderstanding, it may be the MPs were not acting on orders from the film producers, as unlikely as this may seem. What is clear is private citizen was harassed for causing no real trouble and doing no real harm, if anything the pictures would help to promote the movie. And it is not like there are not hundreds of pictures taken on set already out there.
We think that if the film bosses had a problem with The Foraging Photographer they should have contacted them to either buy the photos (maybe for a making of the movie book?) or politely asked her to not publish or to delay publishing any spoilers. It would be understandable sicking the MPs on her if she were…oh… say…us. But that is not the case, this is a honest to goodness naturalist blog the Bond production stumbled across not the other way around.
Lucy’s blog is a wonderful collection of photographs and thoughts. She had me at Fantastic Fungi, no seriously she did.
If you are Bond fan who has appreciated these photographs please take the time to let her know.

Special ThanksTo “the Sweeney“
Discuss this in our forum; Wildlife Photographer in trouble for Skyfall Pics

You may have seen the many photographs published online over the past few days of Hankley Common, near Elstead, which have been transformed by the arrival of film crews, trailers and marquees involved in the blockbuster movie Skyfall, the latest in the Bond franchise.
These photographs were taken by nature blogger The Foraging Photographer, who had taken many stunning pics of the set while the Bond crew were filming. Well today she has been firmly warned not to take any more photographs of the set.

Blog interrupted

Weeeeeeell… I don’t know where to start, really. Or indeed where to finish. I arrived at Hankley this morning, with dog and child, friend and dog, expecting our normal walk around the common only to be enlivened by the film shooting. I greeted, in naive innocence, the (lovely) lady on the main security gate, only to have her call after me “…are you [my name]…?”, and tell me that I was in (and had created) a lot of trouble. They kept me there while they radioed the location manager to come and discuss things with me.
As it turns out, I’ve been a wanted woman on Hankley Common since yesterday, when it became apparent that I had breached military byelaw 4(13). On reading and re-reading this byelaw, I can’t say I’m yet entirely clear about how I’ve breached this, but I’m taking them at their word, and certainly the military police were perfectly serious about finding me and arresting me – the policeman I talked to later told me that if they’d found me first I would have been arrested, cuffed and charged. I do wish to extend my apologies to the lady with a cocker spaniel who matched my description, who had some tricky questions to answer this morning!
What did distress me is that I seem to have dropped some of the site crew right in it. This really does upset me, because everyone I’ve spoken to on-site has been absolutely lovely, and I’ve greatly enjoyed having chats with them. I certainly wasn’t trying to get anyone into trouble, nor was I doing anything deliberately surreptitious (except maybe sneaking a bit close to the chapel on Weds, by which time the headstones were already long gone). I have been genuinely enthralled by the development of the set, and the incredible skill displayed therein. I love taking photographs of beautiful things, and, to me, the creation of this fake reality was an amazing thing to witness.
I think I got a bit carried away with the excitement of it all and the enthusiasm of the Bond fans wanting more detail. I didn’t properly consider the fact that the people who were telling me these fascinating titbits were not expecting them to reach such a wide audience. I didn’t expect such a wide audience either! I am genuinely very sorry if I got anyone into trouble. In my opinion, no-one behaved remotely improperly and I’d be most upset if they suffered repercussions due to me sharing stuff on here that was common gossip amongst the Elstead locals and dog walkers.
The upshot of this morning’s events is that I certainly will not be taking any more photographs of the set, nor will I be divulging any more information about the filming or what that indicates about the plot. I have to say that this resulted in me almost chewing my fingers off with frustration over what I saw them filming at the lodge today. Oh my, I can’t tell you how much I want to share the details of what we were all watching through our binoculars!!
Anyhowdyhoo, you poor deprived Bond fans will just have to be content with some older pictures that I took of the set, and some pictures of SHOCK HORROR… NATURE! which was, after all, what my blog was supposed to be in the first place. I must say I’ve had enormous fun doing this blog and riding the unexpected wave of enthusiasm that resulted from the Skyfall stuff. I’d like to say a fond goodbye to y’all, and I hope that just a wee handful of you might continue to visit for pictures and explanations of the stunning beauty we find all around us.
I will include some pictures with this post, and edit it a bit, but mainly I just wanted to get this up there as an apology to anyone I dropped in it with my over enthusiasm

Edited to add:
I just want to make very clear that I did not at any point go anywhere that the public were not free to go, nor was I at any point asked not to take photographs. I did not at any point go inside any fences around the structures which were up during construction. Once the fences were removed, I assumed the boundary to be the ‘flooring’ around the sites (the plastic roadway stuff that protects the ground underneath). Only once did I set foot on that flooring, and that was with permission. There was full public access to the site throughout construction (it’s MoD land), and lots of members of the public taking photos and videos. It was only during filming that the security guys were present. I do feel that if the chapel site was such hot property, then the production team should have made the construction team very aware of this, and put security on the site. It’s not like I was skulking around – I was there with two loud children and a dog!
I was told by the military policeman that I had breached a military byelaw, copies of which are displayed onsite. This is the byelaw in question;
It is prohibited to…  4(13) deposit or distribute, or cause to be deposited or distributed any handbills, leaflets or other literature or printed matter of any description.

All this seems to revolve around the fact that the mailonline bought 8 of my pictures to go into the artice that had already gone up on their site. At the gate I was told  that it’s to do with ‘commercial gain’ and that if I hadn’t received money for the pictures then they wouldn’t have been able to stop me blogging. I don’t know how that relates to the byelaw though. It’s all a bit mystifying really and not at all worth the £200 the mail paid me.

MOD Hankley Byelaws

The Book Bond: OFFICIAL: NO 'SKYFALL' NOVELIZATION (DANG IT)

The Book Bond: OFFICIAL: NO 'SKYFALL' NOVELIZATION (DANG IT): Well, I have a disappointing "exclusive" today. Ian Fleming Publications has confirmed for me that there will NOT be a novelization of Sky...

James Bond and Batman help rescue London developers

James Bond and Batman help rescue London developers

Dapper Dan?

Remember the first official Skyfail photo of Dan in his trunks at local the Y pool.

Well it was not met with as much enthusiasm as the Bond producers had desired so after a long thoughtful deliberation it is no longer the first official SpyFail photo.
A homeless man with a gun replaces the faceless man's ass cleavage. Surely this Cave-Bond meets Blade Runner captures the essence Ian Fleming intended when he penned Commander James Bond. A fine first choice for the official Photo if there ever was one.
 
For some strange reason this proto-Bond picture has not impressed a great many fans. Adding to the criticism of Craig looks by fans usually in his corner, many complaints center around him looking too old, his buzz cut hairdo, and his graying beard.

Hard to say if this is by intent or if the camera is just not a kind to the haggard Craig this time around.

Pics of Craig filming Skyfall

Here are some pics of Daniel Craig looking even less like James Bond as usual filming scenes in Trafalgar Square.

http://www.007.com

Official Bond site has been launched.

Craig to be longest serving Bond?

Skyfall has not been completed yet but Bond producer Michael. G Wilson is so confident of it's success and the popularity of rebooted Bond Daniel Craig that he is suggesting Craig will play Bond 8 times"



"JAMES BOND actor Daniel Craig has been offered a multi-million pound deal to become the longest serving 007 of all time.

It would see Craig, 43, star in EIGHT of the spy flicks – one more than Roger Moore, whose seven appearances spanned 12 years.

Legendary Bond producer Michael G Wilson said: “Daniel’s been a terrific Bond, a superb actor and a terrific man. The fans love him and I don’t think there’s a better actor to play the part.”

Chester-born Craig, below, is currently shooting Skyfall, his third Bond film. And in an exclusive interview with The People, Wilson told how he would love him to do five more.

He said: “It’s certainly something we’ll be discussing with him once we finish shooting Skyfall.

“Filming has gone very well so far and I’d love Daniel to surpass Roger’s record and do eight pictures. Daniel’s been an absolute pleasure to be around because he takes the role so seriously. There’s really no one more passionate about making these films work than him – he’s a film maker’s dream.

“A lot of people have said Daniel’s been their favourite Bond since Sean Connery and I can’t argue with them. He’s doing a great job.”

Although Wilson did not reveal financial details, it is thought that any future appearances would each earn Craig more than the £8million he is reportedly being paid for Skyfall.

Casino Royale, his Bond debut movie, took over £300million at the box office to become the most profitable 007 film in history. Wilson, whose stepfather Cubby Broccoli started the film franchise in 1962, said fans were in for a treat with Craig’s appearance in Skyfall – comparing it to the finest work of iconic Bond Connery who made six official Bond films.
Roger Moore and Sean Connery James Bond

The 69-year-old New Yorker said: “The director Sam Mendes and Daniel are taking it back to a 60s feel – more Sean. I think that’s what the fans wanted. There’s a magical Goldfinger feel surrounding it all. It’s all very exciting. I can’t wait for people to see the movie because I think we’re making a very special Bond.”

Wilson has been producer or executive producer on 13 Bond flicks and is now co-producer with his step- sister Barbara Broccoli. Speaking at last Monday’s premiere of The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, which stars Craig as journalist Mikael Blomkvist, he said there are big plans to mark the Bond films’ 50th anniversary in 2012.

Several events are set to coincide with Skyfall’s release next winter, including an extravaganza featuring all the actors to have officially played the spy. They are Connery, 81, George Lazenby, 72, Moore, 84, Timothy Dalton, 65, Pierce Brosnan, 58, and Craig.

Wilson said: “We’d really like to get all six together. We’re trying to find a way for fans to celebrate with us because they’ve been the reason the Bond films have been the success they have.”

One plan is to open up Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire. Wilson said: “We’re looking at ways to show off sets from the latest film, as well as props and perhaps give movie master classes for film fans.

“At the moment these are just ideas so you’ll have to wait and see. Whatever happens it will be a special year for Bond fans.”

Ralph Fiennes to be new M?

Until now, though, all we really knew about the plot is that it heavily involves M, James Bond's boss, who has been played by Judi Dench since 1995's "Goldeneye." Or should we say, had been played?

Yes, it's a shocker: According to MovieWeb, "Skyfall" will be the last film for Dench as the movie will detail M's retirement as well as the training for her replacement -- and the new M will be none other than Ralph Fiennes.

"Ralph Fiennes plays a government agent, which we never get a name on, because he is set to play the new M," the bombshell from MovieWeb reads. Dench's "past forces her to leave as head of MI6, and find a new M. The board of MI6 then turns to a government agent (Ralph Fiennes) to take over. M (Dame Judi) is now forced to train the new head of MI6."

Thomas Newman to compose music for Skyfall

Oscar nominated Australian composer Thomas Newman (of The Help, The Adjustment Bureau and The Debt recently) will be scoring Skyfall for director Sam Mendes and EON Productions. Mendes & Newman are regular collaborators, with a history including scoring Mendes' films American Beauty, Road to Perdition, Jarhead and Revolutionary Road previously. be back!

Thomas Newman is an experienced composer who's been around for a while, working with Mendes back in 1999 on American Beauty. He even scored The Shawshank Redemption and Meet Joe Black, but really rose to prominence in recent years with Finding Nemo, Wall-E, Little Children, The Good German and Brothers. In addition to working on Skyfall, he recently finished The Iron Lady and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel scores as well. The last two Bond films with Daniel Craig featured scores by David Arnold (both Quantum of Solace and Casino Royale); Arnold has worked on five Bond films since Tomorrow Never Dies. But it is obviously the director's choice in regards to who he wants to use to create the sound of his story this time.