By now everyone know that Skyfall has constructed a large building on MOD land on Hankley Common near Elstead in Surrey. The structure is rumoured to be a Monastery and that today helicopters were seen buzzing the area.

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Well fortunately The Establishing Shot’s Surrey Field Agent Tim Page was quick on his feet and was able to do a thorough reconnaissance of the Skyfall location. Tim also got some cracking pictures and video (further below) of the on set action. Tim's photos show a Skyfall helicopter possibly commandeered by Captain Marc Wolff filming a military helicopter with some strange emblems above the Manor House/Monastery.

This afternoon they were rehearsing a helicopter sequence. There was a large military chopper which circled the manor house with a second helicopter with a camera on the front practising some shots, there was also some gunfire.

#Update - Our analysis of the Skyfall teaser trailer can be found here: http://www.theestablishingshot.com/2012/05/establishing-shot-skyfall-teaser.html

The place was quite busy with lots of security and Skyfall crew. I managed to chat with one of the locals who told me in confidence when filming will take place. There was also talk of the Aston Martin DB5 arriving at some point, to coincide with Bond arriving at the Manor. Ben Collins aka The Stig may be driving.


There are now 3 sets - the Manor house which looks like its almost finished, a chapel which was only a shell last weekend, and a stone entrance gateway to the Manor.






What is that insignia on the helicopter?




There was also some speculation that tons of fuel and explosives had been delivered – which seems to be true as we could see huge fuel tanks in the base camp. There was also a load of Land Rover parked up in the base.



It is rumoured that Skyfall paid the MOD £100,00 for use of the location.


SKYFALL opens at cinemas across the UK on 26th October 2012


SKYFALL, from Albert R Broccoli’s EON Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, and Sony Pictures Entertainment, is directed by Academy Award® winner Sam Mendes and stars Daniel Craig, who returns for his third film as Ian Fleming’s James Bond 007.

Joining Daniel Craig the cast includes Javier Bardem, Ralph Fiennes, Berenice Marlohe, Naomie Harris, Ben Whishaw with Albert Finney and Judi Dench as M. The screenplay is written by Neal Purvis & Robert Wade and John Logan. SKYFALL will begin its worldwide roll-out later this year in the UK and Ireland on October 26th and in North America on November 9th.

Skyfall
Bond's loyalty to M is tested as her past comes back to haunt her. As MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost.

Director: Sam Mendes
Writers: Ian Fleming, John Logan, Patrick Marber, Neal Purvis, Robert Wade
Stars: Daniel Craig, Helen McCrory and Javier Bardem


The Establishing Shot: BOND 23 SKYFALL ON HANKLEY COMMON, SURREY - WE DO A THOROUGH INVESTIGATION HELICOPTERS UPCOMING EXPLOSIONS AND THE MYSTERIOUS MONASTERY (PICS & VIDEO )

Craig's is a retired superhero, an obsessive hobbyist, comics fan, gadget lover & flâneur who knows an unhealthy amount about Ian Fleming's James Bond. When not watching or making films he takes pictures, eats, drinks, dives, tries to connect to nature whilst mentally storyboarding the greatest film ever made. He also  & sometimes utilises owl-themed gadgets to fight crime.  A list of his 132 favourite films can be found here! If you would still like to contact Craig please use any of the buttons below: