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The London premiere of Quantum of Solace: A Quantum of Party
By: Colin Clark
Published:
2012-03-16
2012-03-16
Following the Royal World Premiere screening at the Odeon Leicester Square, a convoy of motor coaches waited on Panton Street adjacent to Leicester Square to deliver over 400 guests to the official After Party in the Marquee at Battersea Power station on the banks of the Thames. As the coaches meandered through the streets of London on this cool clear night “The Best of Bond” tunes played through the sounds systems keeping me and my fellow revelers filled with anticipation.
Finally, the power station came into view. Laser and flood lights illuminated the massive structure and its towering smoke stacks against the ebony sky. I immediately recognized this local as the famous album cover of Pink Floyd’s “Animals” (1977). To the left of the Power Station sat the grand Marquee complete with formal staircase and glimmering glass entry way. Guarding the entry was one of the menacing Black Onyx DBS. Obviously, this machine had escaped the fate of its 11 brothers used in the film.
Inside, beyond the sizable lobby spanned the two tiered venue. The multiple levels allowed for a comfortable separation of film professionals and VIPs from the other invited guests. Two short staircases on opposite ends of the room were protected by fashionable agents. The highlight of the lavish techno decor was a sky view ceiling spanned the majority of the tent top through which guests could view the laser light show that played off over the immense industrial aged facade of the Power Station.
Guests at both levels were greeted by 30 foot bars completely covered with hundreds of neatly placed Martinis, fine Bollinger champagne and Mojitos. Although bartenders were available, these prepared drinks made for a convenient grab & go for the guests arrival. After choosing my libation, I eagerly joined my fellow party goers mingling through several intimate seating areas and cocktail tables. Expectedly, the conversation was of Quantum of Solace and other Bond related topics.
Dozens of servers were vigorously working the levels. Their platters were abundant with elegant appetizers and sweets. The servers were more than happy to also refill cocktails upon request. There was also a spacious desert table positioned along one side of the room filled with scrumptious delights.
Towards the final hour of the party, invited guests were graciously allowed down to the VIP level. So with anticipation I worked my way down and respectfully mingled with some of remaining cast and crew and special guests. I was fortunate enough to chat a bit with Robert Wade, Screenwriter of the past five Bond films, and Dan Bradley, Second Unit Director of Quantum of Solace. It was an Honor to say a few respectful words to Barbara Broccoli thanking her for the invitation and congratulating her on the success of their previous 007 film, Casino Royale (2006), and for this wonderful After Party.
The lively party was extended to 2:30am due to the honorable delay at the Premiere when Prince William and Prince Harry spent much respected visits on the Red Carpet chatting with members of the British Royal Armed Services and Wounded Veterans. The Princes were there in support of the Help for Heroes charity and the Royal British Legion. The charities were in coordination with Eon Productions at the premiere.
Cast and crew from Quantum of Solace and special VIP's in attendance:
• Anne Bennett
• Anthony Waye (line producer)
• Barbara Broccoli (executive producer)
• Dan Bradley (2nd unit director)
• Daniel Craig (actor)
• David Arnold (composer)
• Giancarlo Giannini (actor)
• Gregg Wilson (associate producer)
• Jeffrey Wright (actor)
• Lucy Fleming (niece of Ian Fleming)
• Marc Forster (director)
• Mathieu Amalric (actor)
• Michael G. Wilson (executive producer)
• Neal Purvis (screenwriter)
• Olga Kurylenko (actress)
• Robert Wade (screenwriter)
• Tim Pigott-Smith (actor)
Actors from past James Bond films attending the premiere included:
• Carole Ashby - Octopussy (1983) (1983) and A View to a Kill (1985)
• Grace Jones - also A View to a Kill
• Jerry Inzerillo - Casino Royale (2006)
• Michelle Yeoh - Tomorrow Never Dies (1997)
• Rick Yune - Die Another Day (2002)
• Sébastien Foucan - also Casino Royale (2006)
Other VIP guests attending included:
• Peter Janson-Smith (Ian Fleming’s foreign sales agent of the 1950s and 1960s, former Chairman of Glidrose Productions, now Ian Fleming Publications, and current President of The Ian Fleming Foundation) escorted by Lili Pohlman
• John Cork (Author as well as documentary filmmaker) and his wife Nicole
• Dave Worrall (Author, Editor of Cinema Retro magazine)
• Lee Pfeiffer (Celebrity interviewer, Chief Editor of Cinema Retro magazine) and his wife Janet
• Doug Redenius (Co-Founder of The Ian Fleming Foundation)
Editor's note:
Read our review of Quantum of Solace.
This article was written exclusively for FSWL by Colin Clark. Copyright © 2012 From Sweden With Love.
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