26 Oct 2012

Profile of superyachts sent sky high in 'Skyfall'

By Belinda Liversedge

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Countering the notion of a traditionally media shy superyacht industry, are two major film projects brought to the fore this week.
 
One is a global blockbuster - the new James Bond film Skyfall – which hits UK cinema screens from Friday 26 October followed by the world - and the Discovery Channel's series, 'Superyachts', filmed at HISWA yards in Holland, and broadcast by the end of the year.
 
SuperyachtNews.com assessed both projects from behind the scenes to find out what opportunities, rewards and also challenges that might meet any owner or yard courting favour with the media.
 
"It was the first time the crew and I have hosted a really big production team on board, with different and, sometimes, quite unusual demands,” explained the captain of Regina, the 56m Fraser listed sailing yacht chartered out by MGM through Pruva Yachting. Her filming took place off the coast of South West Turkey, around Bodrum and Fethiye.



Some of these demands saw uses of rooms changed, such as the salon, turned into actress and Bond girl, Bérénice Marlohe’s bedroom, but there were predictably more extensive alterations.
 
The fabric of the sofa had to be changed to a different colour, as were curtains, sunbeds and sofas on the aft and forward deck, which were reupholstered red. The results, according to Regina’s management company, led to a ‘complete transformation’ of the yacht. 
 
These are arguably invasive changes that an owner, management company and captain may not want to endure. However, taking just eight days and with the actors not staying on board overnight, disruption was kept to a minimum. Indeed the producers, along with Daniel Craig and some 20 guests enjoyed their time so much they hosted an impromptu dinner on board sampling local cuisine.

"Regina was really liked by Daniel and the other artists. They all had a fantastic time in Turkey and Greek waters," said a spokesperson from the management company, who were on call to facilitate MGM's requests.
 
Rewards for this work are considerable: whilst her owner received payment, Fraser can reap all the marketing benefits the stratospheric fame of Bond's name brings (it's not for nothing the new installment is titled Skyfall; Bond's renown is our modern day equivalent of the ancient legends of gods who ruled the skies). Pruva Yachting has in addition already got some charter interest immediately following the filming from high profile corners.
 
“After shooting we had some charter requests from famous artists, such as Salma Hayek. We know that the yacht was suggested to her by Daniel Craig,” said the spokesperson.



If Skyfall shows the glamour and allure of yachting (one of Bond’s famous love scenes was filmed in the shower on Regina) Discovery shows its practical and realistic side with no less powerful benefits.
 
The Discovery brochure promoting what sounds an exciting, six part documentary shows how viewers will understand the processes behind new builds and the people who make them happen.
 
In one episode a captain gives a tour of the bridge, machine room and the helicopter platform. He explains in lively and personal terms the technical features of a superyacht. “Builders, suppliers, shipyard owners, designers take us on board some of the most exclusive superyachts and show us the trailblazing technology behind them,” promises the programme literature.
 
The result, as well as some good television viewing, will be a global audience gaining access to the intriguing and detailed process of building a yacht whilst understanding the personalities behind yachting. For many this will be the first time they have seen a superyacht in any other context than on the cover of a tabloid magazine with celebrities diving off them.
 
The benefits of this will not just fall to one owner or charter company as in Skyfall, but to the whole industry. By educating a wider audience about the realities and the passions of the people who work on and behind the scenes of superyachts a more positive climate for new buyers to enter is created.
 
Together the films present the very best examples of the power of media to work with, rather against, the interests of the superyacht industry.

Related Links

Fraser Yachts Profile | Fraser Yachts Website
The James Bond Skyfall Official Website
HISWA Profile | HISWA Website

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