007 Stage fire court case continues

A brief update from the Telegraph today on the fire that destroyed Pinewood Studios’ world-famous 007 Stage in July 2006.

The ‘007 Stage’ ablaze at Pinewood Studios

The blaze was allegedly caused by oxyacetylene torches used to dismantle water tanks used during the filming of Casino Royale‘s Venice-set finale. The stage burnt down shortly after shooting of the movie wrapped.

The fire has resulted in an ongoing legal battle between Pinewood Studios and Casino Royale Productions. Pinewood claims the fire caused over £8 million worth of damage.

Defence court papers obtained by the Telegraph state, “It is denied that this work was actually carried out by Casino Royale [Productions]. Casino Royale had engaged First Imperial Services to dismantle the set … First Imperial had subcontracted the dismantling … to J Male & Son, who had in turn subcontracted the work to Downton Structures. It was Downton that was actually carrying out the cutting work.”

As a result of the blaze, the stage was completely demolished in August 2006 and rebuilt in 2007 in time for production to begin on Quantum of Solace.

The court case continues.

The 007 Stage previously burnt down in 1984 during filming of Ridley Scott’s Legend. The stage was rebuilt by January 1985, just in time for shooting to commence on A View to a Kill. The stage was renamed the Albert R. Broccoli 007 Stage in honour of the James Bond producer’s contribution to Pinewood Studios and the British film industry as a whole.

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