Pinewood Studios

Pinewood Studios
Pinewood Road, Iver Heath
Buckinghamshire
SL0 0NH
United Kingdom

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Bond connections

The Bond franchise has had a strong connection with Pinewood Studios since Dr No in 1962. Acting as a base of operations for the James Bond films, many scenes from the films have been shot at these famous studios. Often taking over the whole studio, the early Bond films found inventive ways to film the studios own buildings. Scenes such as the car chase in Goldfingers factory, and SPECTRE island in From Russia With Love where filmed used various actual buildings around the studios. Even the studios parks have been used in films like The The World Is Not Enough.

History

Located approximately 20 miles outside of London, Pinewood Studios was formerly manor houses dating back to the 17th century, however the site at Pinewood was not created until 1935. Pinewood Shepperton (sister studios) has seen many films, television programmes, commercial and even promotional events and rehearsals being filmed at its historic location. From Lara Croft to Superman, Harry Potter to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Spooks to The Weakest Link, there have been many stars and shows to film at Pinewood. Pinewoods stages and back-lots have become ice palaces, Cambodian tombs, space ships, Paris Operas - in fact anywhere in the world and absolutely anything that can be dreamed up from the imaginations of famous directors, is created here.

Pinewood contains many stages all of different sizes and types. From the very smallest stage (where scenes such as the torture scene in Casino Royale were filmed) to the unique underwater stage, Pinewood has it all. However it's the famous 007 stage that is the first thing that springs to mind when you think about Pinewood. The filming of The Spy Who Loved Me in 1966-67 created a few logistical problems when the script involved filming two submarines inside an oil tanker. Actual filming inside a tanker was out of the question due to insurance and financial reasons, so the creation of the 007 stage, a massive set with one of the largest water tanks was given. The original stage actually burnt to the ground in a accident in 1984, but was rebuilt extremely quickly and renamed the "Albert R. Broccoli 007 Stage".

Another fire on 30th July 2006 caused serious damage to the stage only days after filming had finished for Casino Royale. The remains of the mangled and twisted structure were demolished in September 2006, and were rebuilt in less than six months.

Insider tips/trivia

Pinewood is closed to the public, however look out for special events held by Bondstars.com, which often include tours of studios, inside the 007 stage and meeting special guests.