MI6 unwraps the filming in Chile with a location report and the latest spy photos from the upcoming James Bond film "Quantum of Solace"...

Production Diary (20)
2nd April 2008

A Chile Reception
National press in Chile report from the Paranal Observatory, 124km from Antofagasta in Chile, where that security has been beefed up with motorized police and private guards equipped with bullet-proof vests, weapons and handcuffs. It's all to protect the production of "Quantum of Solace", as the team working on the new James Bond film uses the location as a double for villain Dominic Greene's hideout in Bolivia. Nearby, a hangar has been set dressed to appear as "Airport Bolivia", with old World War II planes as part of the scenery. It's all befitting of the drug runners that occupy the South American location.

Press Conference On March 26th, journalists from 32 newspapers and six television networks around the world (including Europe, Australia, USA and several Latin American countries) visited for an official press conference with the principal cast and director Marc Forster. A cocktail reception was held at the Radisson Hotel to wrap the publicity tour. Filming was completed at the location on Saturday 29th March, with the cast and crew staying at the hotel in Paranal known as the "Residence". Daniel Craig was reported to be in good spirits during the press tour, cheerful and donning his sunglasses under the hot Chilean sun.

Above: (1) Craig arrives at the hotel with his body guard (2) and girlfriend Satsuki Mitchell (3)

Forster told the press, "When I contacted the producers for the first time to make this film, I had doubts. Later, I met with them and I felt I could make it.This film is turning into something very special for me". No further plot details were disclosed at the press conference. ProChile estimates that around $7 million has been spent by the production filming in the Antofagasta location.

Above: The final scenes of Bond and Camille in the desert has echoes of "The Spy Who Loved Me" and "Licence To Kill"

Final Showdown (Spoilers)
The crew equipment (which comprises over 20 trucks, helicopters, cranes, panoramic cameras and trailers) has been housed at the production hanger near the observatory. On day three of filming near Antofagasta, Daniel Craig (007) and Mathieu Amalric (Greene) played scenes in amongst doubles who performed stunts and ducked bullets. Amalric was made-up to appear battered and bloodied, suggesting the final scenes of the 22nd Bond film will take place in the desert tundra. Bond was filmed dodging between cover, and firing back with a revolver.

Shooting around the observatory has included cast Mexican actors Jesus Ochoa, Joaquin Cosío and actress Oona Chaplin. Three minutes of filming took a team of 50 people. The scene featured actress Oona Chaplin, who represents a hotel receptionist, in dialogue with Joaquin Cosío, who plays the corrupt General Medrano. The insignia on the uniform of Medrano and extras confirmed that ultimately, Bolivia is the country featuring in the film.

Above: Camp 007 in Antofagasta

Above Left: The C-47 Skytrain used by the villains Above Right: Craig, Forster and Kurylenko discuss the filming

Yesterday, smaller aspects of the sequence were filmed in Cobija from 9:00am. Firefighters were on hand in case the large explosion got out of control. Dominic Greene, no longer having anything to lose since his contacts with the corrupt general Medrano have been discovered by 007, takes a truck loaded with explosives and crashes in to Bond's vehicle in the middle of the desert. The sequence was the last to be filmed at the location, and was captured through 360 degrees by helicopters.

Above: Craig and Kurylenko shoot long-lense scenes (Craig's double can be seen far left)