Bond: Beyond The Limits

“James Bond is a famous character we’ve seen in movies for over 50 years with high speed stunts performed throughout the entire franchise. Today, we will give you a behind the scenes look at just how a few of these classic stunts were performed. As always, these stunts you see, both today at the show, and in the movies are performed by trained stunt people. They have worked on these stunts for years in order to perform them frequently safely. Whatever you do, please do not try to attempt these stunts, these are trained professionals. With that, let’s get into the show!”

The stunt man loads back into the stunt car when the host let’s guests know that the show will start with a car chase. This car chase will involve pyrotechnics to up the ante and intensity of the chase. The original car starts revving its engine as a new car peels into the stadium causing the original car to take off as well. The two cars drift throughout the whole area through sharp turns on the dock, spinning on the main road, ending with a jump between two piers, complete with a large set of explosions to complete the large jump over the water.

Next, the host explains the dangers of underwater sequences and how Pinewood has a large, and oft-used Underwater tank to perform many stunts throughout the years. James Bond is no different. For example, in No Time To Die, the underwater tank was used early on for the frozen lake effect. A small section of the water is set up, complete with cameras to show guests how these underwater stunts are set up above, and below, the water. Before anything else, safety scuba divers dive into the scene prepped with spare oxygen for any of the stunt performers in case of emergency. With the safety divers set up, the cameras start getting into position to ensure they have all the right angles to do this in the least amount of takes while still getting the proper shot. With everything in place, the stunt actors are now ready for the scene. The actors dive into the water where they are fighting to break out of a sunk car and get back to the surface safely. The host yells “action!” and the stunt performers in the car can be seen cutting through the seat belt before breaking the window. They seem to struggle with breaking the window to build the suspense as some of the safety scuba divers are nearby ready. Finally, the stunt performers break the window and successfully escape to the surface unharmed, ready to continue with the show. 

After that, a large trailer gets wheeled onto centre stage. The host explains that while so many of the stunts performed are done with so many great stunt performers, sometimes a stunt can be performed with the help of a great gadget. This section of the stunt show showcases how some of the famous Bond gadgets seen on screen are used and how they get brought to life with the use of stunt performers and effects crew. Gadgets such as the pen grenade, exploding toothpaste, the cigarette rocket launcher, and more, show how stunt performers work closely with pyrotechnics to make the smallest gadgets have the biggest impact on screen. “And of course, some gadgets can be used for helping Bond in, and out, of situations.” This signals a sound coming from the rood that sounds like a grapple hook, latching into a facade at the back of the stunt show, and the start of the next stunt segment. 

Then, a stunt performer ziplines all the way from the roof, across the entire seating and stage,  and to a platform on the facade at the far end. “Quick and agile movements are key to make Bond seem like a level above everyone else. The key to this is rehearsal after rehearsal after rehearsal until the movement is basically second nature. Watch how they gracefully move through this elevated obstacle course on the side of these buildings simulating entering a villain's lair from above.” The stunt performer flies through the obstacle course and jumps from the top of the building and landing safely on a stunt crash pad below. “While it might seem like he’s just a natural performing such a routine, this stunt was practised dozens of times today, let alone every other day this stunt is done making it second nature to the stunt performer.”

For the last segment, a bond stunt performer comes centre stage with two pistols in his hand. “The last set of stunts showcase some of the most important: combat. When done right, it’s barely noticed. But when done wrong, you can’t notice anything else. Through this scene, Bond will fight various stunt performers both with firearms, and those without, resorting to hand-to-hand combat. With, or without a firearm, the stunt is still a work of coordination, and movement. If the two stunt performers are in sync, the combat routine goes off flawlessly.” With that, Bond’s stunt performer runs through a cast of 7 stunt performers showcasing a variety of combat, both hand to hand with fist fights and dodging punches, and with firearms showcasing the use of pyrotechnics to boost the effect of gunfire. The scene, and the stunt show as a whole, ends when the bullets stray off and hit a large amount of explosives stored in crates on the pier. The large explosions send the stunt performers “flying back” to a safe distance where the hosts then thanks all the guests for joining today to take a peek at what makes the stunts of Bond move as fluidly as they do.