35 replies to this topic

[Kashif]

It seems as if the energy within EON is flowing in a totally non Bond direction since the release of QOS. First, Wilson made a comment that he was exhausted by the production and would take 3 years to make the next Bond film. Subsequently, both he and Barbara only gave vague and unsure answers regarding Bond 23 and it has now culminated in the announcement that they are taking over a non Bond project (where is his exhaustion now?). I have a few major concerns in this regard. First of all, it will delay Bond 23 and I know there are several fans (myself included) who were still hoping to see Bond 23 in 2010. Secondly, it may also affect the quality of the production. Producing Bond movies is more than a full time job, and this new project will mean diversion of focus and energy within EON productions. EON has not taken over a non Bond project for the last 41 years and it may be a financially lucrative deal which is why EON is running after it but the Bond fans (EON's real support base) are not going to be happy if it interferes with the frequency and quality of Bond films. I just wanted to start this thread to see what other fans are thinking about this new announcement.

[tdalton]

It doesn't really matter to me one way or another what they do with their time this year. We already had an idea that Wilson wanted to take a year off from Bond, and with this project, it looks as though that could very well be what he intends to do. I seriously doubt that we were ever going to see BOND 23 in 2010 anyway. November 2011 is probably when we're going to see Craig's third outing as Bond, especially now given that Wilson and Broccoli will probably spend a good amount of time in the next year or so focused on their non-Bond film.

If doing a non-Bond film is what Broccoli and Wilson need to re-energize themselves, then I think that they should go for it. I think that they've more than earned the opportunity to try their hand at making something outside of the Bond franchise, and I wish them all the best in this endeavor.

[Germanlady]

Is it confirmed, they do that? If so, I agree with TDalton. Taking a break and get your juices flowing again for Bond doesn´t necessarely mean, you have to do nothing at all. Just taking your mind off Bond can be enough.
I don´t like the idea one bit, though. 2011 sounds like an endless dry Bond spell.

[Zorin Industries]

It seems as if the energy within EON is flowing in a totally non Bond direction since the release of QOS. First, Wilson made a comment that he was exhausted by the production and would take 3 years to make the next Bond film. Subsequently, both he and Barbara only gave vague and unsure answers regarding Bond 23 and it has now culminated in the announcement that they are taking over a non Bond project (where is his exhaustion now?). I have a few major concerns in this regard. First of all, it will delay Bond 23 and I know there are several fans (myself included) who were still hoping to see Bond 23 in 2010. Secondly, it may also affect the quality of the production. Producing Bond movies is more than a full time job, and this new project will mean diversion of focus and energy within EON productions. EON has not taken over a non Bond project for the last 41 years and it may be a financially lucrative deal which is why EON is running after it but the Bond fans (EON's real support base) are not going to be happy if it interferes with the frequency and quality of Bond films. I just wanted to start this thread to see what other fans are thinking about this new announcement.

With all respect, how many Bond films have you produced? The "frequency and quality" of Bond films is not a concern of anyone other than the two main producers who have notched up (between them) over 80 years of experience of what it takes to make a successful James Bond which sort of - in my book anyway - cites them in the camp marked "produce whatever you want".

And since when did we have to see a new Bond film every two years? Bond films are not solely made for the "fans". They are made for the public. And Michael Wilson and Barbara Broccoli are creatives who do not want to churn out Bond film after Bond film for their sanity as much as the audience's.

Eon Productions has looked beyond Bond for quite a while now. It runs a new screenwriters workshop with a first look deal at one of the studios to produce popular stories for larger audiences - and projects that have nothing to do with James Bond 007.

I sense a larger concern here - and that is one that boils down to a certain degree of disgruntledness about not hearing one tangible detail about a proposed BOND 23.

BOND 23 will be released when it is released. And REMOTE CONTROL will have very little bearing or hindrance on that. Why would it?

[dee-bee-five]

It seems as if the energy within EON is flowing in a totally non Bond direction since the release of QOS. First, Wilson made a comment that he was exhausted by the production and would take 3 years to make the next Bond film. Subsequently, both he and Barbara only gave vague and unsure answers regarding Bond 23 and it has now culminated in the announcement that they are taking over a non Bond project (where is his exhaustion now?). I have a few major concerns in this regard. First of all, it will delay Bond 23 and I know there are several fans (myself included) who were still hoping to see Bond 23 in 2010. Secondly, it may also affect the quality of the production. Producing Bond movies is more than a full time job, and this new project will mean diversion of focus and energy within EON productions. EON has not taken over a non Bond project for the last 41 years and it may be a financially lucrative deal which is why EON is running after it but the Bond fans (EON's real support base) are not going to be happy if it interferes with the frequency and quality of Bond films. I just wanted to start this thread to see what other fans are thinking about this new announcement.

With all respect, how many Bond films have you produced? The "frequency and quality" of Bond films is not a concern of anyone other than the two main producers who have notched up (between them) over 80 years of experience of what it takes to make a successful James Bond which sort of - in my book anyway - cites them in the camp marked "produce whatever you want".

And since when did we have to see a new Bond film every two years? Bond films are not solely made for the "fans". They are made for the public. And Michael Wilson and Barbara Broccoli are creatives who do not want to churn out Bond film after Bond film for their sanity as much as the audience's.

Eon Productions has looked beyond Bond for quite a while now. It runs a new screenwriters workshop with a first look deal at one of the studios to produce popular stories for larger audiences - and projects that have nothing to do with James Bond 007.

I sense a larger concern here - and that is one that boils down to a certain degree of disgruntledness about not hearing one tangible detail about a proposed BOND 23.

BOND 23 will be released when it is released. And REMOTE CONTROL will have very little bearing or hindrance on that. Why would it?

As usual, your experience cuts through the fanboy nonsense and puts it all into perspective. Might I also add I've always found in my own creative experience (albeit TV not film) that working on separate, unrelated, projects enhances my creative juices.

[Captain Tightpants]

I've always found in my own creative experience (albeit TV not film) that working on separate, unrelated, projects enhances my creative juices.

That's the exact argument I used over at the other forum, almost verbatim. It was pretty much ignored; instead, people started decrying the premature death of the franchise simply because EON wanted to take a break from filming Bond for a bit.

[DLibrasnow]

First of all, it will delay Bond 23 and I know there are several fans (myself included) who were still hoping to see Bond 23 in 2010.

EON Prodictions Harry Saltzman made a number of non-Bond projects while he was producing the 007 series. He also produced a whole other franchise in the shape of the Harry Palmer movies as well as managing a major World War II epic ("The Battle of Britain").

[dee-bee-five]

First of all, it will delay Bond 23 and I know there are several fans (myself included) who were still hoping to see Bond 23 in 2010.

EON Prodictions Harry Saltzman made a number of non-Bond projects while he was producing the 007 series. He also produced a whole other franchise in the shape of the Harry Palmer movies as well as managing a major World War II epic ("The Battle of Britain").

Excellent points. In fact, didn't Cubby work on Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Harry on The Battle of Britain between YOLT and OHMSS? Sure as hell didn't hurt OHMSS...

[Zorin Industries]

And people are clearly unaware that Eon Productions 'houses' more than just two producers...

[Quantumofsolace007]

to be perfectly honest Iloved Casino Royale and Quantum Of Solace I thought both were amazing films and if i have to wait an extra year in order to get a film at that level (with hopefully a fleming title and rock theme song) then sure i'll wait a year.


Fear not

JAMES BOND WILL RETURN

IN

THE HILDEBRAND RARITY (i hope)

[Craig is 007]

2010 or 2011, James Bond will return. That's for sure. Though I have to say that I really am hoping for a 2010 release.

[Joe Bond]

I think that we are lucky to get Bond movies every 2-3 years since they could have just stopped making them if they really wanted to and make other movies but they have not and I am thankful for that. I feel Zorin, tdalton, and Dlibrasnow made points that I feel are very valid and is exactly how I feel. For some reason the idea of them making a film thats not a Bond film actually interests me and I would love to see them make a film that was not a Bond film to see how good it would turn out.

[sthgilyadgnivileht]

I've always found in my own creative experience (albeit TV not film) that working on separate, unrelated, projects enhances my creative juices.

That's the exact argument I used over at the other forum, almost verbatim. It was pretty much ignored; instead, people started decrying the premature death of the franchise simply because EON wanted to take a break from filming Bond for a bit.

Not by me, I agree. I think its a positive move for Eon, and for the British film industry for that matter.

And people are clearly unaware that Eon Productions 'houses' more than just two producers...

Quite. Plus, there is no evidence that I know of (unless someone can tell me otherwise) of any causal connection between this non-bond project and any protracted delay in getting 23 off the ground.

[Mr. Somerset]

I think Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was in 68, and had no effect on the schedule for OHMSS- if I'm correct. If Remote Control is produced this year, we still might have B23 next year- though I have my doubts. There never was a set date for B23 anyway. If it is in fact 2011, then most likely, the milestone 50th anniversary date will be skipped.........unless B23 is delayed till 2012. Not too thrilled about that myself.

[Tybre]

Quite frankly as long as it doesn't seriously muck up the quality of Bond 23, they can take all the time they need. I sometimes find when I'm working on a novel, it helps to go and work on other novels at the same time. Gives me extra time to process ideas for the original project and settle on things instead of constantly throwing out the pages and starting over. And yes, I mean throwing out the pages and starting over. I do all of my novel writing on a typewriter. 1957 Sears Achievement I, to be precise. It's a pain in the backside when you have to revise things. But I digress.

[Righty007]

First of all, it will delay Bond 23 and I know there are several fans (myself included) who were still hoping to see Bond 23 in 2010.

EON Prodictions Harry Saltzman made a number of non-Bond projects while he was producing the 007 series. He also produced a whole other franchise in the shape of the Harry Palmer movies as well as managing a major World War II epic ("The Battle of Britain").

Then he left because he wanted to focus on the non-Bond projects. His plate was too full. Doing more than just the Bond films is a hard task and Cubby Broccoli certainly knew that.

[Napoleon Solo]

BOND 23 will be released when it is released. And REMOTE CONTROL will have very little bearing or hindrance on that. Why would it?

Because Eon has yet to show the ability to juggle non-Bond projects while keeping Bond movies on something approaching a regular schedule. Or put another way, Eon seems to have limited creative bandwidth.

Excellent points. In fact, didn't Cubby work on Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Harry on The Battle of Britain between YOLT and OHMSS? Sure as hell didn't hurt OHMSS...

Although both Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and The Battle of Britain were financially unsuccessful.

[Zorin Industries]

BOND 23 will be released when it is released. And REMOTE CONTROL will have very little bearing or hindrance on that. Why would it?

Because Eon has yet to show the ability to juggle non-Bond projects while keeping Bond movies on something approaching a regular schedule. Or put another way, Eon seems to have limited creative bandwidth.

Excellent points. In fact, didn't Cubby work on Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Harry on The Battle of Britain between YOLT and OHMSS? Sure as hell didn't hurt OHMSS...

Although both Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and The Battle of Britain were financially unsuccessful.

But that's got nothing to do with the films. That was the time they emerged. They were (perhaps) out of synch with the cinematic going public. But they still made a cultural impact - especially CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG - which has seeped into people's consciousness and spawned a VERY successful musical and a remake film.

You say "Eon has yet to show the ability to juggle non-Bond projects while keeping Bond movies on something approaching a regular schedule".

Can I refer you to the stage musical that continues to break house records called CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG - a project which now has a remake in the planning? Can I also mention that Eon have "juggled" projects for years. It's what production companies do. And it is what successful producers do too. Eon Productions has been working on quite a few non-Bond films for the last couple or so years. Did anyone question the quality of CASINO ROYALE at the time?

And isn't all of this a bit of fanboy petulance about a potential delay to BOND 23 as if EON Productions have been anointed by Moses himself to come down from the mountain every two years and chuck out another 007 film?

"Limited creative bandwith"...? Well when you have produced over 20 VERY successful films over 50 years we can compare track records.

[sthgilyadgnivileht]

And isn't all of this a bit of fanboy petulance about a potential delay to BOND 23 as if EON Productions have been anointed by Moses himself to come down from the mountain every two years and chuck out another 007 film?

Yes probably

[stamper]

They need to secure the future of Bond. Mr Flopster and his crap movie almost sank the franchise. 97% of the moviegoing public came out disapointed out of QOS. It's time to take the next step with more care.

[sharpshooter]

97% of the moviegoing public came out disapointed out of QOS.

Where do these statistics come from?

[Zorin Industries]

They need to secure the future of Bond. Mr Flopster and his crap movie almost sank the franchise. 97% of the moviegoing public came out disapointed out of QOS. It's time to take the next step with more care.

So you interviewed and questioned 97% of the world's theatrical audience for QUANTUM OF SOLACE, did you Stamper? Or are we getting our information from such airtight databases such as RottenTomatoes.com?

Did no-one notice? The "future of Bond" is as secure as it has been since 1962. SOLACE did not "sink the franchise" - only some fans blinkered perception of what a Bond film must be (which is usually based on childish nostalgia rather than any understanding of how and why the films work).

[Tybre]

Did no-one notice? The "future of Bond" is as secure as it has been since 1962. SOLACE did not "sink the franchise" - only some fans blinkered perception of what a Bond film must be (which is usually based on childish nostalgia rather than any understanding of how and why the films work).

I think another part of the problem is it came after Casino Royale, which was a fairly large difference in quality, first off, and secondly, many reviewers had regarded as being the best Bond film in quite some time, which it was. (Personally I find Solace grows on me the more I watch it, and it's also better if you watch the two films back to back, just as a slightly random side note)

And even if in the eyes of critics Solace was a flop, it was the second highest grossing Bond film in the history of the franchise. EON more than made back the money they spent making it. Generally production companies cancel a film series if it fails to meet the capital spend producing the film. If the critics don't like it, the next logical step is to think about what the people disliked and see if you can't improve on or do away with those things in the next installment. EON is probably doing something similar right now.

[Napoleon Solo]

<<You say "Eon has yet to show the ability to juggle non-Bond projects while keeping Bond movies on something approaching a regular schedule".

Can I refer you to the stage musical that continues to break house records called CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG - a project which now has a remake in the planning?<<<

A stage play based on an old movie, which will now be remade. Remakes are not a huge step in creativity.


<<Can I also mention that Eon have "juggled" projects for years.>>

Really? Beyond a Jinx movie Eon developed and Call Me Bwana, can you name one? Chitty Chitty Bang Bang wasn't produced under the Eon banner, but I'll let you have that. That's three non-Bond projects since Eon was formed in 1961.

<<Did anyone question the quality of CASINO ROYALE at the time?>>

No. It was also the first relatively faithful adaptation of a Bond novel since 1969.


<<And isn't all of this a bit of fanboy petulance about a potential delay to BOND 23 as if EON Productions have been anointed by Moses himself to come down from the mountain every two years and chuck out another 007 film?>>

Or, in other words, resort to insults when you hear arguments you don't agree with.


<<"Limited creative bandwith"...? Well when you have produced over 20 VERY successful films over 50 years we can compare track records.>>

How many successul films did producer/directors like Alfred Hitchock, John Ford and Howard Hawks do over 50 years. Eon doesn't have a monpoly on success.

[Automan]

I loved Quantum of Solace, along with all my mates who saw it.

I think they should be getting their ideas together now and look for a Nov 2010 release for Bond 23

I can't wait...

[Zorin Industries]

<<You say "Eon has yet to show the ability to juggle non-Bond projects while keeping Bond movies on something approaching a regular schedule".

Can I refer you to the stage musical that continues to break house records called CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG - a project which now has a remake in the planning?<<<

A stage play based on an old movie, which will now be remade. Remakes are not a huge step in creativity.


<<Can I also mention that Eon have "juggled" projects for years.>>

Really? Beyond a Jinx movie Eon developed and Call Me Bwana, can you name one? Chitty Chitty Bang Bang wasn't produced under the Eon banner, but I'll let you have that. That's three non-Bond projects since Eon was formed in 1961.

<<Did anyone question the quality of CASINO ROYALE at the time?>>

No. It was also the first relatively faithful adaptation of a Bond novel since 1969.


<<And isn't all of this a bit of fanboy petulance about a potential delay to BOND 23 as if EON Productions have been anointed by Moses himself to come down from the mountain every two years and chuck out another 007 film?>>

Or, in other words, resort to insults when you hear arguments you don't agree with.


<<"Limited creative bandwith"...? Well when you have produced over 20 VERY successful films over 50 years we can compare track records.>>

How many successul films did producer/directors like Alfred Hitchock, John Ford and Howard Hawks do over 50 years. Eon doesn't have a monpoly on success.

No. But it does have the monopoly on doing exactly what it wants to do.

Eon have been developing non-Bond scripts for quite a while now. I could rattle off some names and projects, but I'm not doing that here. I know what some of them are, but they are "in development" and serve no purpose mentioning. From a professional standpoint I know that Eon's future potentially involves more than just BOND and REMOTE CONTROL.

And this panicking over mention of a new non-Bond film affecting any possible future Bond film is EXACTLY fan-boy petulance. Show me any evidence or insight to the contrary.

And as for "remakes not being a huge step in creativity"... there is no less work, effort, time and dedication pumped into a "remake" than there is something original. In fact, when good people are involved it often means MORE work and challenges.

[SecretAgentFan]

Absolutely. Also, film companies as prolific as EON are quite capable of multi-tasking. EON wants to branch out now that they and Sony are experiencing a great and successful working relationship. I could also imagine that EON wants to establish themselves with other pictures to lure in even more talent that previously has shied away from working with them.

These are new and exciting times. And it´s wonderful that EON does not want to rush the next Bond. QOS was a masterpiece IMO. Coming up with a new take on Bond will be not easy. And considering the marketplace it will be better to wait what the audience wants from the next Bond. I do expect, by the way, that Bond 23 news will come during the later part of this year. So... nothing to worry about. In fact, EON´s new productivity ensures that Bond will survive. Wilson knows that he is not getting younger. Maybe he will step back a bit and concentrate on finding new producer talent to get on the train.

[Loomis]

Zorin, while you're undoubtedly correct that Eon has "juggled" and "developed" projects for donkey's years, how come the company has not actually managed to make anything non-Bond since.... well, since ever?

I mean, it's not as though Broccoli and co. are poor, under-resourced folk struggling away at the slippery coalface of indieprod - they're just about the most successful filmmakers of all time.

I'm not taking a dig at them or being a petulant fan who only cares about a new 007 outing every two years, or whatever, but I'm genuinely baffled as to why Eon, with all its phenomenal success and money and clout, should have failed to realise any of these many side projects to which you allude, if indeed Eon has genuinely been attempting for years to make non-Bond films.

Yes, yes, I know full well that making a film isn't simply a matter of clicking one's fingers, and that reversals happen even to the mighty, yaddayadda, but if Eon can't get a couple of non-Bond efforts off the ground after allegedly trying to do so for decades, then count me somewhat perplexed.

[SecretAgentFan]

Why do you think EON couldn´t do it? Because they did not? I guess after LTK and the ensuing law suits they went full steam ahead with relaunching Bond with Brosnan. After the success of GE they pushed forward with Brosnan as Bond to establish him. And after DAD they reconsidered everything. As a financially secure company they decided to take risks. They relaunched Bond again with the risky choice of Craig. After that success they reaffirmed Craig with a second Bond. And now it´s time to branch out.

Simple and wise business strategy, isn´t it?

[Royal Dalton]

Barbara Broccoli's already produced a couple of non-Bond projects through her Astoria Productions outfit. So, it's not completely unchartered territory.

And Jeffrey Caine wrote a non-Bond script for her called Codetalkers, that, for whatever reason, didn't get made.

Anyway, it's their company, and they can do whatever they like. If these other projects impact, in a negative way, on the Bond series, then it's tough luck on us.