JAMES BOND
NEWS

James Bond Producers Michael G. Wilson & Barbara Broccoli attended a private event at Pinewood Studios to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Dr. No, and the official opening of ‘The Sean Connery Stage’. Sir Sean’s granddaughter Saskia Connery opened the stage on behalf of the Connery family, and previous cast and crew from the long-running series joined the celebrations. In attendance were five-time James Bond director John Glen and actresses Maryam d’Abo, Carole Ashby, Madeline Smith, Caroline Munro, and Martine Beswicke, who appeared in From Russia With Love (1963) and Thunderball (1965) with Sean Connery.

The official James Bond 60th anniversary logo was projected on the side of the new stage and ‘The Roger Moore Stage’. These projections will remain in place until October 5th – James Bond Day.

The Aston Martin DB5 and Goldfinger’s Rolls Royce Phantom III were on display inside the 30,000 sq. ft stage, both models first seen in the 1964 classic Bond film starring Sean Connery. The Rolls Royce was the actual car as seen on screen, while the Aston Martin is a replica of the model seen in the film which featured gadgets, including an ejector seat. ‘The Sean Connery Stage’ stands proudly at the entrance to Pinewood Studios with a new entrance feature and is located on the corner of ‘Goldfinger Avenue’, named after the famous scene in the film where James Bond (Sean Connery) activates the ejector seat in his Aston Martin DB5.

James Bond Producer, Michael G. Wilson said:
“Barbara and I are grateful to Pinewood for acknowledging this screen legend and honoured to have been invited to celebrate this evening along with Sir Sean’s granddaughter Saskia.”

Saskia Connery commented: “I am so proud of my grandfather both on screen and for who he was and meant to all of us at home. He would have been humbled and honoured to now have his own stage at Pinewood Studios.”

Dr. No, the first official James Bond film was shot at Pinewood Studios with Sean Connery in the lead role and opened at the London Pavilion cinema 5 October 1962. Since Dr. No, Pinewood's relationship with the James Bond films has continued throughout the 60-year history of the franchise, with 23 of the 25 official films shooting at the studios, and all six actors who played the 007 role passing through its gates.

Andrew M. Smith, Corporate Affairs Director said:
“This evening marks an extra-special celebration for our studios, remembering our heritage, honouring Sir Sean Connery, our long relationship with the James Bond films and, at the same time, celebrating our development and looking to the future as a world-leading film and TV studio.”

FACT FILES