Cat 320DL takes starring role in new Bond film Skyfall
He has driven some of the finest vehicles known to man – and a Ford Focus – but James Bond starts his latest adventure in the seat of a Caterpillar 320DL. Skyfall, the 23rd movie in the Bond franchise, opens later this month is already being described as one of the best in the series. […]
Filming the opening sequence of Skyfall took months to complete
He has driven some of the finest vehicles known to man – and a Ford Focus – but James Bond starts his latest adventure in the seat of a Caterpillar 320DL.
Skyfall, the 23rd movie in the Bond franchise, opens later this month is already being described as one of the best in the series. The film starts with a spectacular chase in Turkey during which Bond takes control of a Caterpillar 320DL.
“Seeng our machine on the big screen is exciting. Seeing it featured in the world’s longest running film franchise is simply amazing,” said Diane Lantz-Rickard, Caterpillar Global Brand Marketing Manager. “Our brand has been featured in more than 20 movies dating as far back as 1927, and we worked with the Bond films previously in The world is not enough in 1999. We’re proud to continue the association with such a respected and globally known brand.”
In this case, the customization involved something unique – putting the cab on the opposite side of the 320D L as requested by EON Productions, the James Bond production company.
“The cab switch, required for the location of the shoot and interaction between characters, took several months of pre-planning,” said Robert Woodley, Caterpillar communications manager for Europe, Africa, Middle East and the CIS.
“The biggest challenge involved changing the electronics and hydraulics to accommodate the cab on the other side of the machine. Ultimately, two 320D L excavators were produced in Caterpillar’s Akashi, Japan, plant for SKYFALL. Cat dealers Finning UK and Borusan Makina were in on the action, too. Finning UK assisted the special effects (SFX) department in technical support and supply of parts for the excavators. At the site, Borusan Makina provided on-site expertise and services as well as equipment, such as generator sets, a skid steer loader and mini hydraulic excavator, for the shoot.”
You can see a clip of the scene here: http://www.constructionmachineryme.com/from-caterpillar-with-love/
