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Cape Town - Cape Town's film commission is shaken and stirred with excitement about the increasingly likely possibility of the new James Bond movie being filmed in the city.
Cape Town Film Commission CEO Denis Lillie said rumours about the spy franchise being shot in the city had been around for some time.
"We have been publicly lobbying the Bond production company," Lillie said.
"There has been no official announcement yet, but there has also been no denial."
Enormous benefits
Bond 23 was due to be shot in India, but railway authorities in the country have not given permission for the film’s producers to block tracks in Ahmedabad and Goa for an action sequence.
Take One Productions in India suggested, should the difficulties not be resolved, filming would take place in Cape Town.
"The rumour has been out there a couple of months, so I am assuming that things will be happening soon," Lillie said.
The benefits for the city would be enormous.
Along with bringing millions into the local economy and benefiting the catering and hotel industries, it would be an excellent marketing opportunity for the city.
"Audiences tend to visit the locations where Bond movies are set," Lillie said.
"Some people would want to find the pub where Bond had a drink for example."
Bond movies are widely watched by massive international audiences, who would then see Cape Town every time they watched the movie on DVD.
Run ins with sharks
The city also had plenty of sites for Bond's famous stunts. The cable station on Table Mountain with its spectacular scenery was one example.
There were also plenty of sharks in the oceans around the city. A number of Bond movies have featured the spy having run ins with sharks.
Lillie said although most of the top roles in Bond 23, which is set to start filming this year, had been filled, there would possibly be some opportunities for local talent.
The film commission had met with Western Cape Finance MEC Alan Winde last week to discuss bringing the film to the city.
"We wanted to make sure there wouldn't be any problems if the producers wanted to bring the Bond film to Cape Town," he said.
"The Western Cape government has said bring it. We want it filmed here."
The film will be directed by Sam Mendes with Daniel Craig reprising the lead role and Judi Dench as his boss, "M".
Spanish actor Javier Bardem is in talks to play the villain, as well as Ralph Fiennes.
Sony Pictures Entertainment said in June that Bond 23 would be released in the United Kingdom on October 26 2012, with a US release on November 9.
