No Time To Die: Production Diary

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Comments

  • Posts: 19,339
    I still think they need to give him a final one-off standalone mission.
    By all means refer to Madeleine and Blofeld but that's it.

    Give Daniel the freedom to just go out there after a new villain,with no baggage.

    Wishful thinking I know.
  • JeffreyJeffrey The Netherlands
    Posts: 308
    barryt007 wrote: »
    I still think they need to give him a final one-off standalone mission.
    By all means refer to Madeleine and Blofeld but that's it.

    Give Daniel the freedom to just go out there after a new villain,with no baggage.

    Wishful thinking I know.

    I very much agree. Probably isn't going to happen indeed.

    My ideal outline for B25 would be: standalone mission, small roles for the Scooby gang, globe trotting (and use the locations), no extensive colour grading like in SP, return of Felix (Wright), humour done like in CR, not another 'serious' relationship for Bond and a soundtrack that's a bit more melodic in comparison to recent entries and interpret the Bond theme a bit more.
    Needless to say: gunbarrel at the start, but I doubt that will be a problem this time.

  • Mendes4LyfeMendes4Lyfe The long road ahead
    Posts: 8,395
    The pre-Skyfall EON and post-Skyfall EON are very different. This EON is too proud to abandon the continuity they have set up. They will see SPECTRE as a slight bump in the road, and happily drive off the cliff with B25. B25 makes around 750 million, then they start to panic and pull their socks up for the reboot. Same pattern we've followed since the beginning.
  • edited October 2017 Posts: 4,619
    @Mendes4Lyfe Bond 25 will make less than 750 million, but not because the movie will be awful. It will make less than 750 million because it will be the smallest-scale Bond movie in a very long time. As for the reboot: it will happen with Bond 26 even if Bond 25 ended up making 2 billion USD worldwide.
  • Posts: 19,339
    Unless Crag is tempted to do just one more to equal Connery.
    Stranger things have happened !!
    But it would have to be filmed quickly after B25,which I cant see happening.
  • peterpeter Toronto
    Posts: 9,509
    Craig’s done after this. IF he even makes it to B25– indeed stranger things have happened
  • SirHilaryBraySirHilaryBray Scotland
    Posts: 2,138
    007Blofeld wrote: »
    Craig's a fan of Shatterhand. Was a Radio One interview while promoting Spectre. They went through all levels the Fleming shorts and chapters not yet used and his reaction to it was "Now that's not bad, I like that one".

    Yeah, but Craig also is on record for saying that making Blofeld Bonds foster brother was a too good idea to not to make it. So I'd rather would prefer if they didn't ask him about his opinions at all.
    Instead I would suggest the method of Howard Hawks when Bogart refrained from playing a scene in the big sleep the way Hawks imagined. He told Bogart to go in front of the camera and do exactly what he was told otherwise he would beat the shit out of him. And so Bogart did and over decades of watching no one has ever found something to complain about the movie.
    After all they are actors not writers so there opinions should be treated second or third rate priority.

    Craig's a Producer as well now though.

    And we see how greatly the serious has evolved.

    Globally Bond has never been so popular or made so much. Measure of success is at the cash register. May not sit well with guys like yourself hoping the clocks rolled back.

    Including inflation 2 in the top for 4 and 3 in the top 8.

    Highest Grossing Bond Films
    Position Film Year Actor Gross (with inflation)
    1. Skyfall 2012 Daniel Craig $1,108,561,008
    2. Thunderball 1965 Sean Connery $1,014,941,117
    3. Goldfinger 1964 Sean Connery $912,257,512
    4. Spectre 2015 Daniel Craig $880,669,186
    5. Live and Let Die 1973 Roger Moore $825,110,761
    6. You Only Live Twice 1967 Sean Connery $756,544,419
    7. The Spy Who Loved Me 1977 Roger Moore $692,713,752
    8. Casino Royale 2006 Daniel Craig $669,789,482
    9. Moonraker 1979 Roger Moore $655,872,400
    10. Diamonds Are Forever 1971 Sean Connery $648,514,469
    11. Quantum of Solace 2008 Daniel Craig $622,246,378
    12. From Russia with Love 1963 Sean Connery $576,277,964
    13. Die Another Day 2002 Pierce Brosnan $543,639,638
    14. Goldeneye 1995 Pierce Brosnan $529,548,711
    15. On Her Majesty's Secret Service 1969 George Lazenby $505,899,782
    16. The World is Not Enough 1999 Pierce Brosnan $491,617,153
    17. For Your Eyes Only 1981 Roger Moore $486,468,881
    18. Tomorrow Never Dies 1997 Pierce Brosnan $478,946,402
    19. The Man with the Golden Gun 1974 Roger Moore $448,249,281
    20. Dr. No 1962 Sean Connery $440,759,072
    21. Octopussy 1983 Roger Moore $426,244,352
    22. The Living Daylights 1987 Timothy Dalton $381,088,866
    23. A View to a Kill 1985 Roger Moore $321,172,633
    24. Licence to Kill 1989 Timothy Dalton $285,157,191


    @SirHilaryBray how much they make just in u.s. and how much was attendance in u.s. ?

    Hello my dear boy, you can find that here https://www.thejamesbonddossier.com/james-bond-films/box-office-figures-for-the-james-bond-series.htm under domestic US
  • barryt007 wrote: »
    I still think they need to give him a final one-off standalone mission.
    By all means refer to Madeleine and Blofeld but that's it.

    Give Daniel the freedom to just go out there after a new villain,with no baggage.

    Wishful thinking I know.

    I just don't see the point. If they wanted to go stand alone why not go for a proper fresh start instead of bringing back the guy who so far has only done four continuity heavy movies. Would a stand alone film at the end not feel tacked on after SP tried to convince us that his era was one epic saga leading to him facing Blofeld?

    Craig is back, Blofeld is alive, he's just gone off into the sunset after quitting MI6. There's only one route they can take imo and while I agree it's a bit boring and played out, if they do it well and go the YOLT route with it I won't be complaining.
  • bondjamesbondjames You were expecting someone else?
    edited October 2017 Posts: 23,883
    The pre-Skyfall EON and post-Skyfall EON are very different. This EON is too proud to abandon the continuity they have set up. They will see SPECTRE as a slight bump in the road, and happily drive off the cliff with B25. B25 makes around 750 million, then they start to panic and pull their socks up for the reboot. Same pattern we've followed since the beginning.
    @Mendes4Lyfe Bond 25 will make less than 750 million, but not because the movie will be awful. It will make less than 750 million because it will be the smallest-scale Bond movie in a very long time. As for the reboot: it will happen with Bond 26 even if Bond 25 ended up making 2 billion USD worldwide.
    I agree with both of you, based on what we know at the present time. Box office will be lower than the last two entries (inflation adjusted), and it's likely to be a lower budget affair as well (it can't not be, after the lack of profit to the distributor last time out).
    ---
    peter wrote: »
    Craig’s done after this. IF he even makes it to B25– indeed stranger things have happened
    Wise words @peter. I agree with everything in your statement.
    ---
    I just don't see the point. If they wanted to go stand alone why not go for a proper fresh start instead of bringing back the guy who so far has only done four continuity heavy movies. Would a stand alone film at the end not feel tacked on after SP tried to convince us that his era was one epic saga leading to him facing Blofeld?

    Craig is back, Blofeld is alive, he's just gone off into the sunset after quitting MI6. There's only one route they can take imo and while I agree it's a bit boring and played out, if they do it well and go the YOLT route with it I won't be complaining.
    Agreed. As you've noted before, they've acknowledged his aging during his timeline, unlike with prior Bonds (excluding NSNA). It's most likely going to be a follow on story, even if they push the timeline forward somewhat to allow them to dispense with some worthless characters.
  • Mendes4LyfeMendes4Lyfe The long road ahead
    Posts: 8,395
    peter wrote: »
    Craig’s done after this. IF he even makes it to B25– indeed stranger things have happened

    Do you think there's trouble behind the scenes? It happened before with Dalton I suppose.
  • bondjamesbondjames You were expecting someone else?
    Posts: 23,883
    peter wrote: »
    Craig’s done after this. IF he even makes it to B25– indeed stranger things have happened

    Do you think there's trouble behind the scenes? It happened before with Dalton I suppose.
    I think he's suggesting that anything can happen between now and late 2018 given all that's going on, including changes to concept, release date etc. etc. Any of these factors could lead Craig to reconsider. After all, he's back for specific personal reasons which suggests to me that he has something in mind for the character he has shaped over the past 11 years.

    At the present time, he is James Bond.
  • edited October 2017 Posts: 11,425
    I wouldnt be that surprised if Craigs 5th film never happens.

    I think he was forced to do that talk show appearance because of all the rumours. It was almost that if he left it any longer to say something he was de facto gone any way, so his hand was forced.

    Nothing is certain until they start filming.

    The way news has been handled doesn't suggest EON has a strong grasp of this film.
  • peterpeter Toronto
    edited October 2017 Posts: 9,509
    Yes, @bondjames and @Mendes4Lyfe, there are just too many variables. And the film industry is never predictable. After all, John Gavin was signed to be James Bond in DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER. Once they convinced Connery to come back, Gavin was still paid in full (and supposedly was promised the role if Connery bailed again);

    Nothing is a sure thing until the distributor gets on board and these guys get into pre-production.

    I do think, @Getafix, that DC DOES genuinely want to come back, and, as bondjames suspects: he wants to come back for a reason (personally I think he knows that SP did not turn out the way he wanted, and wants to solidify his legacy/interpretation; and yes, I suspect it will be Loganesque).

    More than likely, DC will do a fifth and final film. I just wouldn't be surprised if plans were suddenly de-railed...
  • Posts: 1,490
    Getafix wrote: »
    I wouldnt be that surprised if Craigs 5th film never happens.

    I think he was forced to do that talk show appearance because of all the rumours. It was almost that if he left it any longer to say something he was de facto gone any way, so his hand was forced.

    Nothing is certain until they start filming.

    The way news has been handled doesn't suggest EON has a strong grasp of this film.

    I highly doubt Craig was forced to do anything - he doesn't strike me as a man who gets pushed into anything. He showed huge enthusiasm when he announced his return to Bond on the Talk Show. A deal has obviously been locked down (or as good as) with him or else he would not have made such a public and definite statement.

    Bond 25 is moving towards pre-production next year. Several associates and friends of mine who have a long history of working on Bond since TND are already preparing, if they are asked and their schedule is free, to join Bond again. Gassner has already revealed he is back for Production Design duties. Bond 25 is steadily advancing.
  • bondjamesbondjames You were expecting someone else?
    edited October 2017 Posts: 23,883
    peter wrote: »
    Yes, @bondjames and @Mendes4Lyfe, there are just too many variables. And the film industry is never predictable. After all, John Gavin was signed to be James Bond in DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER. Once they convinced Connery to come back, Gavin was still paid in full (and supposedly was promised the role if Connery bailed again);
    I was not aware of this regarding Gavin @peter. Interesting. I suppose if there are conceptual changes and Craig is signed, then they just buy out his contract and he moves on, the richer for it. As long as he himself doesn't do anything to jeopardize it.
    peter wrote: »
    More than likely, DC will do a fifth and final film. I just wouldn't be surprised if plans were suddenly de-railed...
    Agreed. Most likely it's him again. We'll be able to tell if he starts getting in shape.
  • Posts: 1,490
    bondjames wrote: »
    peter wrote: »
    Yes, @bondjames and @Mendes4Lyfe, there are just too many variables. And the film industry is never predictable. After all, John Gavin was signed to be James Bond in DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER. Once they convinced Connery to come back, Gavin was still paid in full (and supposedly was promised the role if Connery bailed again);
    I was not aware of this regarding Gavin @peter. Interesting. I suppose if there are conceptual changes and Craig is signed, then they just buy out his contract and he moves on, the richer for it. As long as he himself doesn't do anything to jeopardize it.
    peter wrote: »
    More than likely, DC will do a fifth and final film. I just wouldn't be surprised if plans were suddenly de-railed...
    Agreed. Most likely it's him again. We'll be able to tell if he starts getting in shape.

    Why would plans suddenly be derailed? Eon have announced the release date. Announced Craig is back. Scripting is happening and has been for months. HOD's like Dennis Gassner are being lined up. Eon are seriously talking to directors - and possibly in the process of locking a deal with a director. A distribution deal is very likely being signed off, if it hasn't been secured already.
  • bondjamesbondjames You were expecting someone else?
    Posts: 23,883
    ColonelSun wrote: »
    bondjames wrote: »
    peter wrote: »
    Yes, @bondjames and @Mendes4Lyfe, there are just too many variables. And the film industry is never predictable. After all, John Gavin was signed to be James Bond in DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER. Once they convinced Connery to come back, Gavin was still paid in full (and supposedly was promised the role if Connery bailed again);
    I was not aware of this regarding Gavin @peter. Interesting. I suppose if there are conceptual changes and Craig is signed, then they just buy out his contract and he moves on, the richer for it. As long as he himself doesn't do anything to jeopardize it.
    peter wrote: »
    More than likely, DC will do a fifth and final film. I just wouldn't be surprised if plans were suddenly de-railed...
    Agreed. Most likely it's him again. We'll be able to tell if he starts getting in shape.

    Why would plans suddenly be derailed? Eon have announced the release date. Announced Craig is back. Scripting is happening and has been for months. HOD's like Dennis Gassner are being lined up. Eon are seriously talking to directors - and possibly in the process of locking a deal with a director. A distribution deal is very likely being signed off, if it hasn't been secured already.
    Like I said, what we have been told very openly two years in advance is likely what is fact. Nobody is suggesting things will be derailed. Just that we don't know all facts yet, including the most important element. Namely who is funding this picture.
  • Mendes4LyfeMendes4Lyfe The long road ahead
    Posts: 8,395
    bondjames wrote: »
    ColonelSun wrote: »
    bondjames wrote: »
    peter wrote: »
    Yes, @bondjames and @Mendes4Lyfe, there are just too many variables. And the film industry is never predictable. After all, John Gavin was signed to be James Bond in DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER. Once they convinced Connery to come back, Gavin was still paid in full (and supposedly was promised the role if Connery bailed again);
    I was not aware of this regarding Gavin @peter. Interesting. I suppose if there are conceptual changes and Craig is signed, then they just buy out his contract and he moves on, the richer for it. As long as he himself doesn't do anything to jeopardize it.
    peter wrote: »
    More than likely, DC will do a fifth and final film. I just wouldn't be surprised if plans were suddenly de-railed...
    Agreed. Most likely it's him again. We'll be able to tell if he starts getting in shape.

    Why would plans suddenly be derailed? Eon have announced the release date. Announced Craig is back. Scripting is happening and has been for months. HOD's like Dennis Gassner are being lined up. Eon are seriously talking to directors - and possibly in the process of locking a deal with a director. A distribution deal is very likely being signed off, if it hasn't been secured already.
    Like I said, what we have been told very openly two years in advance is likely what is fact. Nobody is suggesting things will be derailed. Just that we don't know all facts yet, including the most important element. Namely who is funding this picture.

    You're right, there are a lot of moving pieces in play. Anything that goes awry and causes a delay beyond 2019 immediately chucks Craig's participation into doubt, and he isn't one to quietly acquiesce. Interesting theory you have there.
  • peterpeter Toronto
    Posts: 9,509
    I agree @ColonelSun; 99/1 DC will be doing Bond 25. It just feels like there's an element of something missing (distribution), and, if it's an out-of-left-field candidate, could they force change in direction of this franchise?

    Of course Babs and Co would have to sign off on any changes in direction.

    But, and this is all highly improbable, and stupidly speculative on my part, BUT, if a candidate has a strong vision for change, one that would benefit this franchise; changes that were much larger than Craig-as-Bond-for-one-more-go-around, would/could Babs pull the trigger?

    Although DC made the announcement (I was happy he did, by the way), and I'm convinced he is signed (he wouldn't have announced otherwise), there is still a weird feeling of nothing is set in stone...

  • bondjamesbondjames You were expecting someone else?
    edited October 2017 Posts: 23,883
    @peter. Fully agreed. In addition, my sixth sense tells me to be prepared for some interesting announcements, including on distribution. They've been very open on some things and extremely tight lipped on other things, which is quite curious.
  • Mendes4LyfeMendes4Lyfe The long road ahead
    Posts: 8,395
    There's always something with Bond films. Always some spanner in the works. The Remington Steele saga, the bankruptcy, the writers strike, injuries on set. The fact that seemingly nothing like this has happened, and everyone is still so quiet, makes you think their is something brewing. It's too early to be sure exactly what it is.
  • Posts: 1,490
    bondjames wrote: »
    ColonelSun wrote: »
    bondjames wrote: »
    peter wrote: »
    Yes, @bondjames and @Mendes4Lyfe, there are just too many variables. And the film industry is never predictable. After all, John Gavin was signed to be James Bond in DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER. Once they convinced Connery to come back, Gavin was still paid in full (and supposedly was promised the role if Connery bailed again);
    I was not aware of this regarding Gavin @peter. Interesting. I suppose if there are conceptual changes and Craig is signed, then they just buy out his contract and he moves on, the richer for it. As long as he himself doesn't do anything to jeopardize it.
    peter wrote: »
    More than likely, DC will do a fifth and final film. I just wouldn't be surprised if plans were suddenly de-railed...
    Agreed. Most likely it's him again. We'll be able to tell if he starts getting in shape.

    Why would plans suddenly be derailed? Eon have announced the release date. Announced Craig is back. Scripting is happening and has been for months. HOD's like Dennis Gassner are being lined up. Eon are seriously talking to directors - and possibly in the process of locking a deal with a director. A distribution deal is very likely being signed off, if it hasn't been secured already.
    Like I said, what we have been told very openly two years in advance is likely what is fact. Nobody is suggesting things will be derailed. Just that we don't know all facts yet, including the most important element. Namely who is funding this picture.

    Funding for studio pics (and even low budget independent films) is, broadly speaking, a combination of production company investment (R&D, script, budgeting etc. to get things up on their feet), studio (like MGM/Sony), distribution (like Sony and whoever does Bond 25) and international pre-sales ( MGs - minium guarantees of a payments from territory to territory including pre-sales to TV, digital, Pay-Per-View, BluRay/DVD distribution etc. ) guaranteed sales which can be borrowed against and entice other investors along with UK and international tax credits (depending on the locations determines the level of the tax credits) and commercial or private investments plus product placement which can be worth many millions for a film like Bond. So the money / budget comes together over time as each deal is secured. That's a very basic model. Eon obviously have very good and long established relationships with financiers etc.
  • peterpeter Toronto
    Posts: 9,509
    I don't think finance will ever be a problem for this franchise in the foreseeable future; just who those dance partners are, and what their visions may be will be telling.
  • Posts: 1,490
    peter wrote: »
    I don't think finance will ever be a problem for this franchise in the foreseeable future; just who those dance partners are, and what their visions may be will be telling.

    Yes, if, for example, Warners get Bond, then we can imagine they'll want their say, but Eon are bloody strong willed and don't take crap from anyone.
  • bondjamesbondjames You were expecting someone else?
    Posts: 23,883
    ColonelSun wrote: »
    bondjames wrote: »
    ColonelSun wrote: »
    bondjames wrote: »
    peter wrote: »
    Yes, @bondjames and @Mendes4Lyfe, there are just too many variables. And the film industry is never predictable. After all, John Gavin was signed to be James Bond in DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER. Once they convinced Connery to come back, Gavin was still paid in full (and supposedly was promised the role if Connery bailed again);
    I was not aware of this regarding Gavin @peter. Interesting. I suppose if there are conceptual changes and Craig is signed, then they just buy out his contract and he moves on, the richer for it. As long as he himself doesn't do anything to jeopardize it.
    peter wrote: »
    More than likely, DC will do a fifth and final film. I just wouldn't be surprised if plans were suddenly de-railed...
    Agreed. Most likely it's him again. We'll be able to tell if he starts getting in shape.

    Why would plans suddenly be derailed? Eon have announced the release date. Announced Craig is back. Scripting is happening and has been for months. HOD's like Dennis Gassner are being lined up. Eon are seriously talking to directors - and possibly in the process of locking a deal with a director. A distribution deal is very likely being signed off, if it hasn't been secured already.
    Like I said, what we have been told very openly two years in advance is likely what is fact. Nobody is suggesting things will be derailed. Just that we don't know all facts yet, including the most important element. Namely who is funding this picture.

    Funding for studio pics (and even low budget independent films) is, broadly speaking, a combination of production company investment (R&D, script, budgeting etc. to get things up on their feet), studio (like MGM/Sony), distribution (like Sony and whoever does Bond 25) and international pre-sales ( MGs - minium guarantees of a payments from territory to territory including pre-sales to TV, digital, Pay-Per-View, BluRay/DVD distribution etc. ) guaranteed sales which can be borrowed against and entice other investors along with UK and international tax credits (depending on the locations determines the level of the tax credits) and commercial or private investments plus product placement which can be worth many millions for a film like Bond. So the money / budget comes together over time as each deal is secured. That's a very basic model. Eon obviously have very good and long established relationships with financiers etc.
    I'm referring to the distributor. The R&D, script and budgeting component is taken care of.

    The distributor deal has taken far longer than any of us thought it would. There's a reason for that I would think.
  • Posts: 1,490
    bondjames wrote: »
    ColonelSun wrote: »
    bondjames wrote: »
    ColonelSun wrote: »
    bondjames wrote: »
    peter wrote: »
    Yes, @bondjames and @Mendes4Lyfe, there are just too many variables. And the film industry is never predictable. After all, John Gavin was signed to be James Bond in DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER. Once they convinced Connery to come back, Gavin was still paid in full (and supposedly was promised the role if Connery bailed again);
    I was not aware of this regarding Gavin @peter. Interesting. I suppose if there are conceptual changes and Craig is signed, then they just buy out his contract and he moves on, the richer for it. As long as he himself doesn't do anything to jeopardize it.
    peter wrote: »
    More than likely, DC will do a fifth and final film. I just wouldn't be surprised if plans were suddenly de-railed...
    Agreed. Most likely it's him again. We'll be able to tell if he starts getting in shape.

    Why would plans suddenly be derailed? Eon have announced the release date. Announced Craig is back. Scripting is happening and has been for months. HOD's like Dennis Gassner are being lined up. Eon are seriously talking to directors - and possibly in the process of locking a deal with a director. A distribution deal is very likely being signed off, if it hasn't been secured already.
    Like I said, what we have been told very openly two years in advance is likely what is fact. Nobody is suggesting things will be derailed. Just that we don't know all facts yet, including the most important element. Namely who is funding this picture.

    Funding for studio pics (and even low budget independent films) is, broadly speaking, a combination of production company investment (R&D, script, budgeting etc. to get things up on their feet), studio (like MGM/Sony), distribution (like Sony and whoever does Bond 25) and international pre-sales ( MGs - minium guarantees of a payments from territory to territory including pre-sales to TV, digital, Pay-Per-View, BluRay/DVD distribution etc. ) guaranteed sales which can be borrowed against and entice other investors along with UK and international tax credits (depending on the locations determines the level of the tax credits) and commercial or private investments plus product placement which can be worth many millions for a film like Bond. So the money / budget comes together over time as each deal is secured. That's a very basic model. Eon obviously have very good and long established relationships with financiers etc.
    I'm referring to the distributor. The R&D, script and budgeting component is taken care of.

    The distributor deal has taken far longer than any of us thought it would. There's a reason for that I would think.

    Distribution deals are very complex and do take time, even an independent film which I'm currently involved with - budgeted at $4 million - is taking time - about 7 months now - to close the deal with a very good and established LA based Sales Company who will handle international distribution and selling to most territories except the UK which will be a separate deal thru the UK sales company. So I suspect Eon are deep into a deal now, but these deals take time.
  • Posts: 9,846
    Well I was bored and made a Bond 25 teaser trailer. I found a lot of footage that's normally not used. Also some great DB5 shots with engine noises. Check it out!


    I believe your the first person to use the title For Queen and Country.
  • bondjamesbondjames You were expecting someone else?
    edited October 2017 Posts: 23,883
    ColonelSun wrote: »
    bondjames wrote: »
    ColonelSun wrote: »
    bondjames wrote: »
    ColonelSun wrote: »
    bondjames wrote: »
    peter wrote: »
    Yes, @bondjames and @Mendes4Lyfe, there are just too many variables. And the film industry is never predictable. After all, John Gavin was signed to be James Bond in DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER. Once they convinced Connery to come back, Gavin was still paid in full (and supposedly was promised the role if Connery bailed again);
    I was not aware of this regarding Gavin @peter. Interesting. I suppose if there are conceptual changes and Craig is signed, then they just buy out his contract and he moves on, the richer for it. As long as he himself doesn't do anything to jeopardize it.
    peter wrote: »
    More than likely, DC will do a fifth and final film. I just wouldn't be surprised if plans were suddenly de-railed...
    Agreed. Most likely it's him again. We'll be able to tell if he starts getting in shape.

    Why would plans suddenly be derailed? Eon have announced the release date. Announced Craig is back. Scripting is happening and has been for months. HOD's like Dennis Gassner are being lined up. Eon are seriously talking to directors - and possibly in the process of locking a deal with a director. A distribution deal is very likely being signed off, if it hasn't been secured already.
    Like I said, what we have been told very openly two years in advance is likely what is fact. Nobody is suggesting things will be derailed. Just that we don't know all facts yet, including the most important element. Namely who is funding this picture.

    Funding for studio pics (and even low budget independent films) is, broadly speaking, a combination of production company investment (R&D, script, budgeting etc. to get things up on their feet), studio (like MGM/Sony), distribution (like Sony and whoever does Bond 25) and international pre-sales ( MGs - minium guarantees of a payments from territory to territory including pre-sales to TV, digital, Pay-Per-View, BluRay/DVD distribution etc. ) guaranteed sales which can be borrowed against and entice other investors along with UK and international tax credits (depending on the locations determines the level of the tax credits) and commercial or private investments plus product placement which can be worth many millions for a film like Bond. So the money / budget comes together over time as each deal is secured. That's a very basic model. Eon obviously have very good and long established relationships with financiers etc.
    I'm referring to the distributor. The R&D, script and budgeting component is taken care of.

    The distributor deal has taken far longer than any of us thought it would. There's a reason for that I would think.

    Distribution deals are very complex and do take time, even an independent film which I'm currently involved with - budgeted at $4 million - is taking time - about 7 months now - to close the deal with a very good and established LA based Sales Company who will handle international distribution and selling to most territories except the UK which will be a separate deal thru the UK sales company. So I suspect Eon are deep into a deal now, but these deals take time.
    Ok, thanks. Yes, I'm sure it's quite complex for this size of production, with global reach etc. I'd imagine there are quite a few details to work out with the distributor having a say in things, given the majority of the spend is coming from them.
  • Posts: 1,031
    There's always something with Bond films. Always some spanner in the works. The Remington Steele saga, the bankruptcy, the writers strike, injuries on set. The fact that seemingly nothing like this has happened, and everyone is still so quiet, makes you think their is something brewing. It's too early to be sure exactly what it is.

    Sounds like a lot of productions in the film industry! There are often spanners in the works, nature of the business.
  • Posts: 11,425
    ColonelSun wrote: »
    Getafix wrote: »
    I wouldnt be that surprised if Craigs 5th film never happens.

    I think he was forced to do that talk show appearance because of all the rumours. It was almost that if he left it any longer to say something he was de facto gone any way, so his hand was forced.

    Nothing is certain until they start filming.

    The way news has been handled doesn't suggest EON has a strong grasp of this film.

    I highly doubt Craig was forced to do anything - he doesn't strike me as a man who gets pushed into anything. He showed huge enthusiasm when he announced his return to Bond on the Talk Show. A deal has obviously been locked down (or as good as) with him or else he would not have made such a public and definite statement.

    Bond 25 is moving towards pre-production next year. Several associates and friends of mine who have a long history of working on Bond since TND are already preparing, if they are asked and their schedule is free, to join Bond again. Gassner has already revealed he is back for Production Design duties. Bond 25 is steadily advancing.

    I didn't mean forced at gun point, just that he was probably advised (and sensed himself) that anticipation and interest was turning to malignant rumour and boredom. 'Will he, won't he' speculation can only be sustained so long before it takes on a negative vibe.

    I think he said on that show that the decision he would return had been taken a while back, and perhaps he and EON would have preferred to announce this along with the director etc at a later date. But the length of time that had elapsed since SP and the time still to go before production starts meant they had to act sooner.

    As others have remarked, announcing this on a late night US chat show is not probably what most would have expected, suggesting there was a bit of last minute improvisation and pressure to act.
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