location information
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. One film series above all makes its home at Pinewood, and that is of course James Bond.
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 World Is Not Enough.
It is of course 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".
useful information
Look out for special events held by Bondstars.com, with past events including tours of Pinewood, inside the 007 stage and meeting special guests.
location directions
Pinewood Studios is closed to the public. However, directions from London are to take the Metropolitan Line to Uxbridge tube station. You can then take a 10 minute taxi (which are based at the station) to Pinewood. §
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