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MI6 guest writer Ben Williams was on duty at the
Skyfall press conference in London last week and
files his report...
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Press Conference Report
8th November 2011
Last Thursday saw the official announcement
of the 23rd James Bond production and
MI6-HQ was fortunate enough to have a ringside seat at the press
conference.
The details of the conference itself were shrouded
in a veil of secrecy and the security was tight enough to give
Bond himself
a run for his money. Attendees had to undergo a rigorous security
vetting from Sony and were required to bring photo ID, as well
as promise to keep tight-lipped about the secret location until
after the event.
The location was the Corinthia Hotel in London’s Whitehall,
a building that was requisitioned for use by the department of
defense throughout both World Wars. Indeed, the Corinthia was
the first home to the SOE, the organization that was the forerunner
of MI6. The hotel has since been fully refurbished and restored
to its original purpose - a luxury five star hotel, fit
for the most discerning clientele. So, it was hardly surprising
that the Corinthia was chosen as the place to launch the latest
James Bond adventure.
The security was obviously successful as, upon
arrival, there was little to suggest that this was one of the
most eagerly anticipated
press announcements of the year. Other than a couple of white
television vans and a cameraman whistling the theme to “Goldfinger” there
was little indication that the producers, director and cast of
Bond 23 would soon be gracing the hotel with their presence.
After checking in and affixing the all important
press pass, we passed through the heavy, double doors and the
heavy, double
security guards, into the ballroom. The softly lit elegant room
with high ceilings and ornate chandeliers could have been a set
from one of the Bond films itself. The James Bond Theme played
over the PA system, adding to the atmosphere, whilst at the far
end of the room the dais and the large monitor behind it were
adorned with the OO7 logo.
Perhaps because of the rumours that had circulated
about the title and the cast, the level of anticipation in the
room was
lower than expected. Still, there was no doubt that this was
more than the usual press call. This was, after all, a James
Bond press conference, and an element of excitement and glamour
will always accompany the announcement of a new adventure of
the world’s most famous super spy.
However, despite all this secrecy and all their
attempts to keep the title under wraps, when Michael
G. Wilson officially announced
the title with the words “the worst kept secret in London” as
Skyfall, there was no electric current of excitement passing
through the crowd, only the faintly guilty recognition at its
confirmation. Indeed, this early revelation seems to have annoyed
a few members of the production, with both Daniel
Craig and Sam
Mendes making a slyly comic reference to a Daily Mail journalist
knowing all the answers to his questions already.
In spite of the leaking of the title, the claims
of a reduced budget and cutting back on the action, the producers,
director,
cast and crew were in good spirits. They seemed content with
the fact that, even if we might have seen a glimpse of their
cards, they still were in possession of a winning hand. Indeed,
this is arguably one of the best casts and crew that have been
assembled for a Bond film, with several Academy Award wins
and a host of nominations between them.
Above all else, the feeling of enthusiasm and dedication to
the project were evident from all those at the table. There
has been
in the past a tendency to take on the Bond films with perhaps
the same approach one might take to doing pantomime; fun
to do, but not serious theatre. That attitude was certainly
not
evident
amongst the cast and crew of Skyfall. Whilst they appeared
to be jovial and light-hearted, we were left in no doubt
that each
one of them was dedicated to creating the best possible film
that they could, each of them taking their roles and responsibilities
extremely seriously.
With Barbara
Broccoli confirming
that Daniel Craig would be in the role for the foreseeable future,
the conference
was finally over
and the panel
left for the photo call, and from there to start filming
on the 23rd Bond film, Skyfall.
Briefing
The 23rd James Bond
film, "Skyfall", commenced principal studio photography on 7th November
2011 for a UK
release on October 26th, 2012 and the USA on November
9, 2012. MGM will produce, finance and distribute 007's
23rd adventure in
partnership with Sony Pictures Entertainment.
Daniel Craig will
be returning as the legendary British secret agent, alongside Judi
Dench as "M", with Sam Mendes directing a screenplay written by Neal
Purvis, Robert Wade and John Logan. The cast will also include Bérénice Marlohe,
Javier Bardem, Naomie Harris, Ralph Fiennes, Albert Finney and Ben Wishaw.
The film will shoot at Pinewood Studios and on location in London, England;
Scotland; Shanghai, China and Istanbul, Turkey.
It will be the longest gap between Bond movies without
a change in the lead role. In addition, 2012 marks the 50th anniversary of
the EON Productions series of James
Bond films.
