Bond 23: Skyfall Press Conference

Thanks to www.DarkHorizons.com for the image

I've just come away from watching the fairly short Press Conference, on Sky News, announcing and confirming the title of the new James Bond movie. The 23^rd Bond movie is called "Skyfall". According to Barbara Broccoli, the title has an "emotional context" that will be clearer once the movie is completed and up on the big screen. The story will not involve the Quantum organization this time.

Everyone was excited and honoured to be part of this franchise. Sam Mendes said that he would be open to filming another, if his current enthusiasm still existed in 6 months time. When asked if the series was going to be higher brow, given the cast and director, the press were told that the emphasis was on making a great Bond film. With regard to the pedigree and Oscar winners making the movie, a member of the press asked if Mendes was looking to achieve Oscars for this film. Mendes said "That's not the reason you do a Bond movie, it's for the audience".

The producers promised that the budget would be reflected on the screen and that nothing was being cut back on, despite the current economic crisis.

Daniel Craig's intention is to make "the best Bond movie" and "is incredibly proud to be part of it". When asked about worries of typecasting, Craig stated that he was happy to be working and didn’t take that into account. He also said he would be happy to continue for a few years, if the producers allowed. Broccoli spoke up confirming that they’d be happy for him to continue.

Overall, during the press conference, all made clear that they couldn't talk much about the plot and three characters names are even secret at the moment. When asked if the names were being kept secret because Bond fans might recognise them, Same Mendes replied: "Maybe, maybe not" We've been promised "lots of surprises" in this movie.

Bérénice Marlohe is to play a glamourous character named 'Severin' and Naomie Harris a field agent called 'Eve'. That could, of course be a code name for Miss Moneypenny. Both actresses had to undertake the requisite stunt training along with weapons training.

The producers were asked what was going to be done to celebrate the 50^th anniversary, next year. It was confirmed that a special documentary was being made and anything else would be announced later. 

Despite internet rumours, various artists were being looked at, to provide music for the movie but none chosen so far, it seems. It is assumed that David Arnold will be providing the score.

Skyfall starts shooting today using Pinewood Studios in the UK along with large amounts of filming around the London Whitehall area. Other locations to be used will include Shanghai, Istanbul and Scotland.

Well done to London Tonight for identifying a scene from Tomorow Never Dies but saying it was from The World Is Not Enough. Get your research done by better staff next time eh? Muppets!

Update: The Skyfall Facebook page has added this information:

Release date	October 26, 2012

Plot outline	In SKYFALL, Bond’s loyalty to M is tested as her past comes back to haunt her. As MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost.
Starring	Daniel Craig, Javier Bardem, Dame Judi Dench, Ralph Fiennes, Albert Finney, Naomie Harris, Bérénice Marlohe, Ben Whishaw

Directed by	Sam Mendes

Screenplay by	Neal Purvis & Robert Wade and John Logan

Produced by	Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli