Studios hope to cash in on tax breaks
Caterina Murino - Solange in the James Bond film, Casino Royale THE studio home of Harry Potter and James Bond said it hopes to lure even more big budget movies as tax breaks entice filmmakers back to Britain.
Pinewood Shepperton turned in a £2.1m pre-tax profit in the six months to June 30 compared with a £108,000 loss during the same period last year.
It was boosted by the filming of new Bond movie Casino Royale - which staring Daniel Craig and Italian actress Caterina Murino - as well as the new series of Ricky Gervais' Extras, due to be screened today.

See the trailer:

http://movies.aol.com/movie/casino-royale-2006/18129/trailer?uid=5856

You can see trailers & clips from production of Casino Royale

ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: It's ironic that you landed the role of horsewoman Solange, since a horse almost caused you to blow your audition.
CATERINA MURINO: It was very funny because the day before, I had an accident with a horse. I was preparing for an Italian movie, and I fell down. I broke a rib on my right side. I was in the hospital. I was completely under drugs. I went there to the casting, and I couldn't walk. It was unusual; the Bond girl is so full of energy, and I can't walk! But Martin Campbell called me back to go to London and do the same scene with him. And I got the role.

When I read the script, 120 pages, there was only one f---ing horse, and it was mine. So I went back to riding horses. At first, it was just a small pony, just walking, because I am so afraid I am going to fall. I was shooting in the Bahamas for a month. For all month, I was riding a horse every day. I had a great teacher who pushed me every day to take off the fear. So everything you see is me. I don't use a stunt woman: I ride the horse on the beach with the green bikini.

What is Solange like?
Solange is not a typical Bond girl because she doesn't have an action scene. I have only the scene with the horse and the bikini on the beach. I don't try to kill James Bond. I tried to give some humanity to Solange. A lot of women have been hit by their husbands. I take revenge by sleeping with James Bond. Nice revenge! If all women who've been hit by their husbands can resolve in that way, it would be very nice.

Entertainment Weekly caught up with Italian actress Caterina Murino , who talked about her role as Solange in Casino Royale as well as Daniel Craig's 007. Here's a clip:

Solange is not a typical Bond girl because she doesn't have an action scene. I have only the scene with the horse and the bikini on the beach. I don't try to kill James Bond. I tried to give some humanity to Solange. A lot of women have been hit by their husbands. I take revenge by sleeping with James Bond. Nice revenge! If all women who've been hit by their husbands can resolve in that way, it would be very nice.

Source: Entertainment Weekly

Meet new Bond girl Caterina Murino: Gary Susman chats with the former Miss Italy finalist, who's poised to seduce audiences as well as James Bond in November's ''Casino Royale''




Usually, it's the Bond movie villains who have plans for world domination, but this time, it's Bond girl Caterina Murino who is likely to conquer the globe. You'll meet her in November's Casino Royale, where she plays Solange, wife of villain Dimitrios, who gets her revenge on her abusive husband by sleeping with a certain British spy. Echoing Dr. No, Murino does original Bond girl Ursula Andress one better, making an iconic surfside entrance wearing a skimpy green bikini and riding a white horse, a scene that promises to make moviegoers — and casting directors worldwide — take notice.

It's already been a rapid rise to stardom for the 28-year-old Murino, who might have become a doctor had she not failed her medical school entrance exam. Instead, she entered the Miss Italy contest and finished in the top five, which led to modeling, which led to commercials, which led to stage work, which led to movie stardom in Italy, Spain, and France, which led to her audition for Casino director Martin Campbell.

Of course, being a Bond girl is no guarantee of future career success. (Anyone seen Izabella Scorupco or Maryam d'Abo lately?) Still, Murino is approaching her big break like a politician: She's already in Los Angeles campaigning for roles. Last week, she was in New York, courting magazines for potential photo spreads. She visited the EW office, where she shook hands with nearly everyone on the editorial staff. She also took time to talk about the already controversial Casino, what it's done for her career and her charity work, and her own formidable casino skills.

ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: It's ironic that you landed the role of horsewoman Solange, since a horse almost caused you to blow your audition.
CATERINA MURINO: It was very funny because the day before, I had an accident with a horse. I was preparing for an Italian movie, and I fell down. I broke a rib on my right side. I was in the hospital. I was completely under drugs. I went there to the casting, and I couldn't walk. It was unusual; the Bond girl is so full of energy, and I can't walk! But Martin Campbell called me back to go to London and do the same scene with him. And I got the role.

When I read the script, 120 pages, there was only one f---ing horse, and it was mine. So I went back to riding horses. At first, it was just a small pony, just walking, because I am so afraid I am going to fall. I was shooting in the Bahamas for a month. For all month, I was riding a horse every day. I had a great teacher who pushed me every day to take off the fear. So everything you see is me. I don't use a stunt woman: I ride the horse on the beach with the green bikini.

What is Solange like?
Solange is not a typical Bond girl because she doesn't have an action scene. I have only the scene with the horse and the bikini on the beach. I don't try to kill James Bond. I tried to give some humanity to Solange. A lot of women have been hit by their husbands. I take revenge by sleeping with James Bond. Nice revenge! If all women who've been hit by their husbands can resolve in that way, it would be very nice.

...
more: http://www.ew.com

While the official Casino Royale website continues to be updated with production reports from 'Yarborough,' there have also been several podcast epsidodes along the way as well.

Currently available here are episodes one through seven: The Beginning Of Bond, Filming Begins, Bond In The Bahamas, M On Location, Filming In The Bahamas, Directing Bond, and most recently, The Fighting.

Check back each week (as is the case for the Casino Royale production reports) for new updates.

Stay tuned to CBn for all the latest news on Casino Royale and all things James Bond 007.

Casino Royale is the 21st James Bond 007 film produced by franchise holders Eon Productions. The MGM/Columbia Pictures production began shooting in January and is due for release worldwide on 17 November 2006. Casino Royale will premiere on 14 November in London. Starring Daniel Craig as James Bond; locations include the Czech Republic, the Bahamas, Italy and the UK.

The film co-stars Eva Green, Mads Mikkelsen, Jeffrey Wright, Judi Dench, Giancarlo Giannini, Caterina Murino, Simon Abkarian, Tobias Menzies, Ivana Milicevic, Clemens Schick, Ludger Pistor, Claudio Santamaria, and Isaach De Bankole.

source: http://commanderbond.net/article/3468

I partied with the brilliant reggae singer Maxi Priest, along with Mr Motivator of British breakfast show fame who now lives back in Jamaica.

That man can still move fast especially when making a B-line for beautiful Bond girl Caterina Murino who was in Jamaica to promote the new 007 movie Casino Royale, out in November. Author Ian Fleming penned 14 of his thrillers at Goldeneye, his oceanside retreat on the island which is now open to guests...at a price.

With a rum punch hangover (unavoidable as the punch masks the rum) I drove round the island, an hour past the airport and checked in to Couples Negril.

Roger Michell, who directed Brit-flick Notting Hill, is apparently in negotiations to shoot the follow up film, which will be the 22nd in the Bond series.

An announcement is expected to be made on whether Michell will be the director, although details for the film remain sketchy and a writer has yet to be hired.

It is thought that 'Bond 22' will be based on an original idea from Bond producer Michael Wilson, unlike Casino Royale, which is based on the 1953 novel by Ian Fleming.

Meanwhile, new Bond Daniel Craig is reported to be signed up for Bond 22, with a source telling the News of the World that "Daniel is the ultimate Bond. The producers have seen rough cuts from the film and are convinced it's going to be a big hit."

Doubts were raised about Craig's ability to play Bond after his monosyllabic performance at the press call when he was announced as the new Bond.

Yet co-star Caterina Murino, who plays Bond's lover in the forthcoming film, has raved about Craig's talents, saying that he brings "to this James Bond something else we never saw before".

"This James Bond doesn't look like a little cartoon like before, like the last one or so charming and playful like the first James Bond," she said. "This is new."

Despite the naysayers and Bond franchise purists who still believe that only Sean Connery can be the true Bond, the new 007, Daniel Craig, received a heartening endorsement from Catrina Murino, who plays Bond’s love interest Solange in the soon to be released Casino Royale, saying she was sure Craig would win over those who were critical of his choice for the role.


L’attrice Italiana Caterina Murino said Craig had been upset by the volume of criticisms that greeted his selection, but insisted that filming went well and the end product would satisfy film fans when it is released in November.

James Bond better watch out, as it looks like he has some competition in the form of Richard Branson. The Virgin entrepreneur revealed he's landed a cameo role in the secret agent's latest outing, Casino Royale. He made the announcement while splashing around on a Jamaican beach with Bond's current love interest Caterina Murino, after inaugurating the airline's new service to Montego Bay.

Sir Richard isn't famed for his sartorial elegance, but in a dapper white tux and reflective shades he certainly wouldn't have looked out of place in sophisticated secret service circles. The tycoon, who will feature in a scene set in Miami airport alongside his son Sam, declared himself "just a little excited" to have the part.

Raven-haired Caterina may have enjoyed frolicking with the Midas-fingered businessman, but she remains an enthusiastic supporter of Pierce Brosnan's replacement, Daniel Craig. "You never saw a James Bond like this," she promised. "This is new."

The actor has come in for criticism from some fans who insist a blond shouldn't portray 007. Nevertheless Caterina predicts in the end cinema-goers will be won over by the new-look Bond. "When he's going to kill someone, he looks like a real killer. When he kisses me, when he makes love, he's so sexy."

MONTEGO BAY, St James - Virgin Atlantic chairman, billionaire Sir Richard Branson and one of his planes are to appear in the new James Bond movie, Casino Royale, scheduled for release in the United Kingdom in November.

The announcement was made Tuesday at a press conference held at the Half Moon Hotel in Rose Hall by Paul Charles, the communication director for Virgin Atlantic.


Virgin Atlantic chairman Sir Richard Branson relaxes with actress Caterina Murino in Montego Bay. Both will appear in the upcoming James Bond movie.

The British billionaire, whose airline made its inaugural flight from London to Montego Bay on Monday, appears in the movie during a check-in sequence at the Miami International Airport, one of Virgin Atlantic's 27 destinations.

"I am happy that they have chosen Virgin," Branson said as he spoke to local and international reporters at the press conference.
"James Bond is original, cool and sophisticated and Virgin Atlantic is delighted to be a global partner of the new James Bond movie, Casino Royale, and I'm just a little excited to be playing a role in the movie".
As a global partner of the film, Virgin Atlantic will later this year launch a series of promotional and marketing initiatives connected with the movie, which was shot in The Bahamas, UK and in the Czech capital of Prague.

Casino Royale stars Daniel Craig as James Bond, Eve Green as Vesper, Mads Mikkelsen as Le Chiffre and Caterina Murino as Solange. Actress Murino, who was also present at yesterday's press briefing, said working on the set was a good experience.
"Working on the movie was a good experience and it taught me a lot," said Murino.

New Bond girl Caterina Murino has praised her co-star Daniel Craig on his performance in Casino Royale.

Murino plays the role of Solange in the new film and is certain that ‘Casino Royale’ will satisfy Bond fans and will leave Craig’s critics speechless.

According to MSN, Caterina Murino said of Craig: "He's a great actor. Casino Royale is the first book Ian Fleming wrote and it means we see how James Bond became James Bond.

"Daniel is giving to this James Bond something else we never saw before.

"When he's going to kill someone, he looks like a real killer, when he kisses me, when he makes love, he's so sexy.

"You never saw a James Bond like this. This James Bond doesn't look like a little cartoon like before, like the last one or so charming and playful like the first James Bond. This is new.”

‘Casino Royale’ hits UK cinemas on November 17.

The world’s most famous fictional super spy James Bond will share the silver screen with a pimped out Aston Martin DB9, dubbed the DBS, in the upcoming movie Casino Royale. Could the DBS hit showroom floors in the foreseeable future?

CARtoday.com reported in March that in the upcoming film, 007 (portrayed by obscure British actor Daniel Craig) wins a DB5 (the classic Bond car from the ‘60s!) after defeating arch villain Dimitrios (Simon Abkarian) in a poker game. Not satisfied with taking just his car, 007 gives Dimitrios’ wife Solonge (Caterina Murino) a lift home – with the inevitable consequences... see your car dealers to buy this car ;)

BOND is back with a bang - and he's meaner and moodier than ever.

The explosive trailer for Casino Royale is packed with high octane stunts, pulse-quickening babes and lethal bad guys.

But Daniel Craig's Bond, full of brooding menace, has killed off the gadgets and wise cracks of the last incarnations.

Casino Royale was Ian Fleming's first Bond book and the film takes the MI6 secret agent back to when he is awarded his 00 status. While neutralising Russian spies in the Bahamas, 007 finds time to flirt with Bond girls Caterina Murino and Eva Green.

The film, which opens on November 17, is expected to give clues to the origins of his passions for guns and gambling - and brings Bond bang up to date.

Sony Pictures has launched the official website for the 21st James Bond film, Casino Royale, at http://www.CasinoRoyalemovie.com/

At the site, you can learn about the film, download wallpapers, a screensaver and AIM icons, read Yarborough's Blog and get mobile content. Then you can switch sides by clicking "Dealer" for an assignment, access to M's computer to review James Bond's dossier, photos and videos. You can even play a poker game by clicking on the chips on the table!

Opening November 17 and directed by Martin Campbell, Casino Royale stars Daniel Craig as 007. Judi Dench, Eva Green, Mads Mikkelsen, Jeffrey Wright, Giancarlo Giannini, Caterina Murino, Simon Abkarian, Tobias Menzies, Ivana Milicevic, Clemens Schik, Ludger Pistor, Claudio Santamaria and Isaach de Bankole co-star.

French site AlloCine linked her to the role yesterday, and today Le Parisien newspaper has confirmed it - Caterina Murino has been signed up to play the villain's partner in the forthcoming James Bond film "Casino Royale".

According to the paper, Murino will play Solonge, Demetrius' girlfriend in the film. She reportedly auditioned for the role in Rome last week, and was "approved by Barbara Broccoli". The report notes that Murino will shoot in the Bahamas and in Prague.

Born in Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy in 1974, Murino reached fourth place in the 1996 Miss Italy contest. She began her career in television in 2002 in "In der Mitte eines Lebens", and broke into film last year in "L'Amour aux trousses" (2005) and followed up in the acclaimed "Les Bronzés amis pour la vie" (2006).

Produced by Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli (Eon Productions) and directed by Martin Campbell, CASINO ROYALE is scheduled for release November 17, 2006. Principal photography will start on January 30th 2006, with locations in the UK, Czech Republic (Prague), Italy, and the Bahamas. It will be British actor Daniel Craig’s first outing as James Bond. He is the sixth actor to play the 007 role in the franchise.

Caterina Murino (born September 15th, 1974) is an Italian actress.

She was born in Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy. She reached fourth place in the 1996 Miss Italy contest. In 1999 and 2000, she studied drama at the Cinema of Theatre of Francesca de Sapio, and appeared in stage productions of Richard III and Italian language plays. She began her career in television in 2002. She gained international fame when it was announced on January 14, 2006, that she would play a villain's girlfriend, Solonge, in the 2006 adaptation of the James Bond novel Casino Royale [1].