Last month, we reported Bond 23 will film an elaborate train sequence in India. Today we have word that Bond 23 will shoot the opening scenes of the adventure in Istanbul, Turkey. Producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli met with Turkish Culture and Tourism Minister Ertugrul Günay to firm up plans for the production. Here's what Ertugrul Günay had to say about Bond 23 coming to Istanbul.

"The opening scenes are planned to be filmed in Istanbul, but some other places will also be used outside Istanbul for the film. Such is the appeal of the series that many of the locations where Bond films have been filmed in the past have continued to attract Bond fans to visit many years down the line. The fact that the opening scene of the film will be made in Turkey will contribute to Turkish tourism. The ministry has been providing big support to the film sector for five years. We have made a concerted effort in the past five years to support the film sector and our aim continues to be to welcome international film crews to our country for filming."

Bond 23 will shoot in the Sultanahmet Square area of Istanbul, although the production is also looking to shoot in the coastal town of Bosporus.

"There are, however, a number of locations, including the waterside and shores of the Bosporus, in consideration for the 10-15 minutes of the movie that is to be filmed in Turkey."

In related news, French actress Berenice Marlohe has been cast as the new Bond girl in Bond 23. Sam Mendes is directing Bond 23 from a script by Neal Purvis, Robert Wade, and John Logan. Production is scheduled to begin next month.