AJB Interview with Tony Broccoli (Page 1 of 2)

How was Sir Roger Moore when being on Set?

I have never heard a bad word about him, his work ethics and the spirit that he‘s brought to others - can you confirm this?

Was there ever any consideration given to filming any of the James Bond Continuation novels in whole or in part? We've already seen Kingsley Amis' Colonel Sun torture scene used in Spectre of course.

Has this overt use of one of the Bond continuation novels for the first time set a precedent for the inclusion of more continuation novel material in future James Bond films?

Last edited by Silhouette Man (10th Aug 2019 14:28)

What's been your favourite Bond film to work on and why?

Before any production is planned, how much discussion within the family goes on as to the general tone or direction in which the next film - and perhaps the series - should be steered?

Do the family take note of fans' discussions on AJB and sites like ours?

(Barbel, I'm not sure how you're going to top this one, but well done on arranging this great series of interviews    )

The Bond film franchise has had its fair share of ups and downs, thankfully more ups and we are now on our 25th Bond film, and it remains the most enduring film franchises in movie history. This is in no small part to Cubbys vision and determination, someone to whom we all owe a huge debt of gratitude, do you think Cubby would be happy with the direction the Bond films have taken? Going back to Casino Royale was straight out of Cubbys ethos it seems? Should we be seeing future Bond films looking back at Flemings literary work?

Thanks for the questions (and the kind words, guys, much appreciated) which I have now sent off to Mr Broccoli.

Certain members are suggesting that I slow down these interviews, others seem to want them quickly. To a large degree this is outwith my control, and it may be some time before the next one... or not, I truly don't know.

In a time when the forum is strangely quiet these interviews are very welcome 

Here is the first reply from Mr Broccoli.

1. What's been your favourite Bond film to work on, and why?

I’ve enjoyed every Bond film I’ve worked on but if I have to choose one I’ll go with “The Man with the Golden Gun”. I was 20 and it was the first film I’d worked on. I was at college at University of Notre Dame (it had just turned co-Ed) and suddenly I’m in Thailand for the summer. I love Asia and Thailand in particular, lovely people, beautiful girls, great food and beaches. A fun film crew, mostly British, some of whom I’d known since I was a kid visiting Bond sets. Bond films of course are well oiled machines, we stay in the best hotels, are well paid and since many of the crew are returnees there’s a great camaraderie. Roger was great, funny, down to earth and charming. Herve Villechaise was a wild and crazy partier, he would make a point of arriving back from his night’s revelries at 6 am when we were leaving the hotel to go to work, a girl on each arm . On a few of the other films I worked with the underwater unit which is great also, a smaller, tighter crew in a location with crystal clear water and beautiful beaches like the Bahamas and Cancun. But it’s great to be with the main unit, where the action is. I might add that growing up my father was often away making movies while I was in boarding school, so it was a special treat to be able to spend a few months with him. Unlike some producers he was very hands on and on the set every day. Usually playing backgammon with Roger! I’ll get to the other questions later, my answers won’t be as long!

I do hope they are, that's a great answer.

2. I have never heard a bad word about Sir Roger Moore, his work ethics and the spirit that he brought to others on set- can you confirm this?

Yes I can confirm all the good things said about Roger. A gentleman and a close friend of my family. A very funny man and a practical joker. And self-deprecating. I once visited him in Switzerland with my then girlfriend and she said to him “Tony says you’re so funny, tell us a joke”. His reply: “Well you’ve seen my acting haven’t you”?

3.  I understand cutting costs is always important in a film production, but would you say the budget restraints were tougher during the production of Licence To Kill than other Bond films?

Being a location manager for the underwater unit on “License to Kill” I was not especially aware of budget constraints. Since the previous film, “Living Daylights”, was not one of the biggest box office winners, I imagine that was a factor. Also, filming in Mexico (and Mexican government subsidies) made it more cost effective.

Too bad that I haven‘t asked for more of these stories

8. Do the family take note of fans' discussions on sites such as AJB and others?

There are people in the “Bond” office who read pretty much everything written about Bond in the press, Bond sites etc. I don’t know how much consideration it is given but we want to make the fans happy!

9. How do you see the future for the family Broccoli and Bond? Are you confident (sure) they will continue together for a long time?

Barbara and Michael love what they do. I would describe them as workaholics (especially compared to me!). Michael is getting older and will likely slow down a bit. His son Gregg Wilson has been taking more of a lead role in recent years. I think Barbara will be the main Broccoli force for another 20 years or so.

  another great interview,  a big thank-you to Mr Broccoli.