Sir Rols Posted April 2, 2012 Report Share Posted April 2, 2012 Yeah, well, I'm still sceptical myself - but by now I would have thought the "joke" would have been admitted. And it seems to have been picked up by too many sources now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olympian2004 Posted April 2, 2012 Report Share Posted April 2, 2012 Now it's getting a bit strange. I expected them to reveal that it was a April Fool's joke -- but instead, they admit only this one: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/4233546/Our-April-Fool-joke-was-such-a-stinker.html Was it really their only joke? The James Bond thing just can't be true. I even scanned Twitter for any tweets containing "helicopter" and "stadium" or "parachuter" and "stadium". No results. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sir Rols Posted April 2, 2012 Report Share Posted April 2, 2012 It's getting reported uncritically and unsceptically in the wider media down here now too. Assuming it's true ... You know, if this had come on out of the blue as a surprise video start to the OC, it sounds like it might have made a quite funny, self-deprecating start to the ceremony. But it sorta loses the whole point if the cat's let out of the bag. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olympian2004 Posted April 2, 2012 Report Share Posted April 2, 2012 Yes, and it could be that they just do a montage of a helicopter and Daniel Craig somehow "landing" in the Olympic Stadium -- and didn't film a real parachuting scene above the stadium. Maybe they even had the helicopter flying at a completely different place in London. That could explain why there are no tweets about it. And what's the point of such a video shown at the start of the ceremony? The only "wow" factor would be if they showed a film only to the point where Bond/Craig jumps out of the helicopter and then the real Daniel Craig landed in the stadium by parachute, live and in front of the audience. Just like the parachuting stunt at the start of Lillehammer's OC, with the parachuters with the giant Norwegian flag being shown in a video and then suddenly flying past the stadium live. But a live parachuting scene can't happen, due to the rigging. And a video of a (probably) faked parachuting scene would be... bleh. I'd love that town crier kicking off the ceremony much more. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mattygs Posted April 2, 2012 Report Share Posted April 2, 2012 Ughh, Im all for Im all for some humour in the opening ceremony, but there is something special about the start of an Olympic Opening Ceremony. It's still a very magical and special moment, and I think it deserves abit better than a movie/book related gag. Sounds more like the perfect start to a closing ceremony to me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olympian2004 Posted April 2, 2012 Report Share Posted April 2, 2012 Didn't someone here fear that Danny Boyle is actually planning a closing instead of an opening ceremony? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lord David Posted April 2, 2012 Report Share Posted April 2, 2012 (edited) The Opening Ceremony should be ideally free of any cultural references from the movies or TV shows, unless they're truly significant. It should be mostly historic culture, sporting culture, arts, music and general culture. The Closing Ceremony can be more loose and focus on famed British TV shows, movies and beloved novel and children's characters. I wouldn't mind seeing London sort of rip-off Sydney's closing parade idea of famed icons, making it longer with well known and not so well known icons. We could have something like (in no particular order): Coronation Street - TV show drama Red Dwarf - TV show sci-fi/comedy Doctor Who - TV show sci-fi Blackadder or Mr Bean - TV show comedy Are You Being Served? -TV show comedy Heartbeat - TV show drama The Office - TV show comedy Yes Minister - TV comedy The Saint - TV drama The Avengers - sci-fi/fantasy Steptoe and Son - TV comedy Thunderbirds - TV sci-fi Top Gear - TV factual Grandstand - TV factual Postman Pat - TV children's Art Attack - TV children's Monty Python - TV/movies Sherlock Holmes - Literary/TV/movies Paddington Bear - Literary/TV Thomas the Tank Engine - Literary/TV 1984 - Literary/movies Lord of the Rings - Literary/movies Winnie-the-Pooh - Literary/TV/movies Harry Potter - Literary/movies James Bond - Literary/Movies Now there's plenty more iconic stuff out there from this list, not to mention that this is a tad too much, so you say take 10-20 or so really iconic things here and form them in a parade with general iconic British people. Ok from my list, I've made my choices bold. You can always group TV shows, movies and so forth into common genres and have them represented on 1 float each. Edited April 2, 2012 by Lord David Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kevzz Posted April 2, 2012 Report Share Posted April 2, 2012 The Opening Ceremony should be ideally free of any cultural references from the movies or TV shows, unless they're truly significant. It should be mostly historic culture, sporting culture, arts, music and general culture. I agree on this. I thought it's quite naff to have this kind of james bond sequence. It's not exactly something original. Yes he is iconic but he is just a movie character. If they going to use a fictional character, sure they can think of something original that everyone will always remember created just for this Game? Also doesnt this indirectly endorsing a movie franchise which is commercially beneficial to the movie company since the new bond movie is releasing soon? Almost like the biggest plug-in for a upcoming movie release! The producers must be laughing their ass off now. Ughh, Im all for Im all for some humour in the opening ceremony, but there is something special about the start of an Olympic Opening Ceremony. It's still a very magical and special moment, and I think it deserves abit better than a movie/book related gag. Sounds more like the perfect start to a closing ceremony to me. Exactly.... this is really a cheesy gag probably good for a Royal Variety Show opening. But for an Olympic Games opening ceremony?? God no....... I really hope this is an April Fool's joke... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob2012 Posted April 2, 2012 Report Share Posted April 2, 2012 (edited) The Guardian says: "Opening ceremony artistic director Danny Boyle and the 007 star have shot a short film at Buckingham Palace, which will be shown during the BBC's coverage" http://www.guardian....g-olympics-bond That's a bit different from what some of you guys are saying. Sounds more like it's something to do with the pre-ceremony coverage to me. Edited April 2, 2012 by RobH Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kevzz Posted April 2, 2012 Report Share Posted April 2, 2012 That's a relief..... it's fine if it's just a pre-show entertainment segment........ as long as its not part of the main show Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olympian2004 Posted April 2, 2012 Report Share Posted April 2, 2012 That explains why The Sun talked about a BBC team doing the filming at Buckingham Palace... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob2012 Posted April 2, 2012 Report Share Posted April 2, 2012 I'm not certain I'm right on that, but that's how the Guardian piece reads to me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Citizen-Seth Posted April 2, 2012 Report Share Posted April 2, 2012 ATR is reporting that it was just a very successful prank Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olympian2004 Posted April 2, 2012 Report Share Posted April 2, 2012 An April Fool's prank that was picked up (or even supported?) by several news media - just a couple of minutes ago also by CBS: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-31749_162-57408261-10391698/daniel-craig-to-open-olympics-as-james-bond/ - around the world and carried on to April 2? That's certainly a first. If you ask me, this is getting more and more confusing. Can you give any more details from that ATR report? I'm surprised that only ATR wants to have found out that it was a prank. I haven't found any other report confirming that, only more and more reports picking up the Sun story. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sir Rols Posted April 2, 2012 Report Share Posted April 2, 2012 here's what ATR had: ...James Bond actor Daniel Craig will launch the London Olympics if London’s The Sun has its way. In an April Fool’s gag, the British tabloid said there will be a short film called the “Arrival” where Craig visits Buckingham Palace and receives his mission to start the Games. Aired during the opening ceremony on BBC, the film would show 007 parachuting into Olympic Stadium as well. According to the publication, Craig was personally invited by the Queen to shoot the film. I don't know. I think that's what most of us thought here originally too. But the joke's gone on too long, has been picked up by too many media outlets worldwide, and not been officially refuted or denied yet. Pretty poor April 1 joke if it is. Actually, I was thinking last night it sounded more like the pre-show entertainment than the OC itself, That makes sense to me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mattygs Posted April 3, 2012 Report Share Posted April 3, 2012 Agreed Lord David, Im quite excited about the closing ceremony and the apparant mix of Brit pop culture with the musical soundtrack they are coming up with. The use of some well known and maybe some less well known sound bites and moments would work well. I can just imagine a rip roaring soundtrack being briefly stopped for a Mrs Slocumb Pussy gag. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lord David Posted April 7, 2012 Report Share Posted April 7, 2012 (edited) My ideal ceremonies: Opening Ceremony. - Pre ceremony laughs involving that double decker bus from Beijing 2008 somehow. - Countdown. - Past Olympics named. - Opening "Welcome" segment. - Official welcome of the dignitaries' delegation/IOC president. - Arrival of the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh (on either car, or stagecoach). - Playing of the British National Anthem "God Save the Queen". - Arrival of athletes so they can be seated. National flags will stand around the track of the field. - A presentation of the Greek roots of the Olympics. - Cultural part of the ceremony, a representation of the home "nations" on the field. - A float parade of the home "nations" Northern Ireland first, Scotland second, Wales third, then England last. Perhaps 5 floats representing each, showcasing their unique culture, rich and sometimes even troubled history. There could be a gap in between each "nation", where the crown dependencies of Guernsey, Jersey and Isle of Man are presented in a float each. - A representation of multicultural UK. - The coming of a military marching band(s) and a salute to the Diamond Jubilee of Elizabeth II as well as the Olympics, by forming the Olympic Rings. - A presentation of the past 2 London Olympics. - Official theme song of the games performed and a homage to sport. - Official speeches of the head of London 2012 and IOC president Jacques Rogge. - Jacques Rogge to invite the Queen to open the games. - Queen opens the games in English and French. - A representation of peace and a song about peace. - The arrival of the Olympic Flag - Olympic Anthem. - Official oaths by athletes and officials. - Departure of national flags. - The arrival of the Olympic Flame and passing the flame to various famous British athletes. - The lighting of the cauldron. - Departure of the Queen. - A huge fireworks finale and 21 gun salute. Closing Ceremony. - Countdown. - Playing of the British National Anthem "God Save the Queen". - Official welcome of the dignitaries' delegation/IOC president. - Arrival of the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh (on either car, or stagecoach). - Arrival of national flags. They will also stand around the field, this time not mentioned alphabetically. - Arrival of athletes to be seated. - Cultural part of this ceremony, a float parade similar to the opening ceremony, but representing the cultural side of the UK and London, perhaps with floats dedicated to various television genres, the theatre, film, music and visual arts (particularly Banksy). - British contemporary culture in the form of cars, architecture, double decker buses, famed London landmarks etc. - A homage to the athletes and volunteers. The winner of the Men's marathon is awarded (perhaps in a slight break with the norm, they can celebrate on the podium with champagne poured over each other Take that you Frenchies!). New IOC members declared, additional awards given and Volunteers thanked. - Speeches by the head of London 2012 and Jacque Rogge. - Declaration of the games closed by Rogge. - Departure of national flags. - Greek national anthem. - Lowering of the Olympic flag and playing of the anthem. - Extinguishing the Olympic Flame. - Rio Handover ceremony. - Duran Duran perform the song "Rio". - Rio 2016 Presentation (a song by a well known or current Brazilian artist might be present). - Brazilian national anthem. - Dom Omar and Lucenzo perform the song "Danza Kuduro" (in Portuguese and English, no Spanish). this signals the "concert" part of the ceremony. Taking a page from Vancouver 2010, it will go back and forth from one end of the stadium to the other as band/musician/singer go after each other. At this point, athletes are free to go to the field and PARTAY. This should go on for a max of 2 hours and should be a GOOD mix of past and present artists and most importantly should showcase the diverse talent in the UK. - Departure of the Queen. - Fireworks display, the largest ever, even larger than the opening ceremony. Naturally, there's most likely going to be a mix of projections, aerial stunts and some sort of "basement" level under the field, so these elements will be apparent throughout the ceremonies. This is just a tad briefing of course. Not very extensive, but you get the basic idea. A tad boring? Maybe. Let's just hope that London offers something that isn't such a letdown like the logo and mascots are. Edited April 7, 2012 by Lord David Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Athensfan Posted April 8, 2012 Report Share Posted April 8, 2012 They need to let go of the past host cities. It's just a long list. Time consuming and uneventful. It can definitely go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lord David Posted April 8, 2012 Report Share Posted April 8, 2012 (edited) ^^ But think of all the cheers for the mentioning of London, the boos for the mentioning of Paris and the cheers for cities of the Commonwealth mentioned (Melbourne, Montreal, Sydney). Also, the parade of nations could be considered as such, so then why not just have the athletes march, without mentioning their nation's name. Have the whole deal done within 30 mins, as opposed to 1 or 2 hours. Edited April 8, 2012 by Lord David Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Victor Mata Posted April 8, 2012 Report Share Posted April 8, 2012 - Dom Omar and Lucenzo perform the song "Danza Kuduro" (in Portuguese and English, no Spanish). this signals the "concert" part of the ceremony. Taking a page from Vancouver 2010, it will go back and forth from one end of the stadium to the other as band/musician/singer go after each other. At this point, athletes are free to go to the field and PARTAY. This should go on for a max of 2 hours and should be a GOOD mix of past and present artists and most importantly should showcase the diverse talent in the UK. Oh dear... This dreadful song already reached Melbourne. We apologize, Australia. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lord David Posted April 8, 2012 Report Share Posted April 8, 2012 Hey, it's a great song, as long as it was the original version and not the one with Qwote and Pitbull. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adrianme17 Posted April 11, 2012 Report Share Posted April 11, 2012 Danny Boyle insists on his own TV director for the OC: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/olympics/9196400/London-2012-Olympics-Danny-Boyle-appoints-his-own-television-director-for-Games-opening-ceremony.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Durban Sandshark Posted April 11, 2012 Report Share Posted April 11, 2012 Apologies if this was already discussed here. With this being the first Olympics staged in the UK since 1948, it would easy to assume that those British Olympic legends that came after that period and boosted Britain's medal haul would be involved somewhere in the Opening Ceremony. I'm talking about the likes of Daley Thompson, Steve Ovett, Duncan Goodhew, Denise Lewis, Tessa Sanderson, Sir Steven Redgrave, Allan Wells, Jonathan Edwards, Sally Gunnell, Adrian Moorhouse, Steve Cram, Audley Harrison, Lindford Christie, Ben Ainslie, Stephanie Cook, and Sir Matthew Pinsent. These are some of the names I can immediately think of. I expect several of them, if not all, to be involved with the carrying of the Olympic flag and of the arrival of the Olympic torch at the Olympic Stadium. Sebastian Coe, with his LOCOG leadership post, will just be there prinicipally for the opening speech. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kevzz Posted April 12, 2012 Report Share Posted April 12, 2012 Danny Boyle insists on his own TV director for the OC: http://www.telegraph...g-ceremony.html I am so glad to read this. To me, Athens's opening ceremony has a great 'cinematography' that is works brilliantly with the concept of the show. Certain scenes in the ceremony was captured beautifully at a very intimate angle and made us feel like the performance in a closed set. I always thought if they actually appointed their own cinematographer for the broadcast because it is so different compared to the standard NBC broadcast. I had high hopes for Beijing's because Zhang Yi Mou is a reowned director and I would expect him to put his cinematography vision into the TV broadcast too. But he didnt and it turns out to be another standard Olympic ceremony broadcast. Especially happy to hear Boyle is aware of the importance of a good TV directorship as it will be watched by billions in the world. This is def one of the most important aspect of every opening ceremony benchmarked by Athens 2004. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adrianme17 Posted April 12, 2012 Report Share Posted April 12, 2012 I am so glad to read this. To me, Athens's opening ceremony has a great 'cinematography' that is works brilliantly with the concept of the show. Certain scenes in the ceremony was captured beautifully at a very intimate angle and made us feel like the performance in a closed set. I always thought if they actually appointed their own cinematographer for the broadcast because it is so different compared to the standard NBC broadcast. I had high hopes for Beijing's because Zhang Yi Mou is a reowned director and I would expect him to put his cinematography vision into the TV broadcast too. But he didnt and it turns out to be another standard Olympic ceremony broadcast. Especially happy to hear Boyle is aware of the importance of a good TV directorship as it will be watched by billions in the world. This is def one of the most important aspect of every opening ceremony benchmarked by Athens 2004. couldn't agree more! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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