Paris authorities pen script to attract 007 makers to the Palace of Versailles

LONDON - Parisian civil servants have written a storyline for a James Bond film centred on the Palace of Versailles in a bid to convince the producers of the next 007 flick to shoot some scenes at the 17th-century chateau.

Until now, a total of 165 movies have been filmed Versailles, the home of French royalty until the Revolution of 1789.

“We want to give the producers some ideas, because it would be great to have James in the magnificent decor of the chbteau,” Times Online quoted Stephane Martinet, the deputy director of the Paris region film commission.

“Producers tend to think of it as a setting for period movies, but these are not the most profitable films these days. We would like to get across the message that Versailles could be a location for all sorts of different movies,” he added.

The initiative comes amid a concerted attempt by French authorities to lure foreign film producers - notably from Hollywood - to the country’s monuments.

The commission believes that the sight of Bond blasting his way through Versailles before perhaps enjoying a romantic moment in its extensive grounds, or sculling on the lake would generate global publicity for the jewel of Gallic architecture.

In addition, the authorities would also get a production fee of 16,000 pounds a day to boost the palace’s heritage budget.

However, the move to bring Bond to the home of the ancient regime is likely to ruffle the feathers of traditionalists, who complain about what they describe as the theme park atmosphere at Versailles.

The 23rd Bond movie is due to be released next year. (ANI)