Filming on James Bond 24 is about to commence, and when it comes to starting a Bond movie, the producers know how to do it up right.  They don't just send out a "By the way, production started today, FYI," press release.  They do an event.  They hold a brief press conference, announce the title and the cast at the event, and finish up with a photo shoot.  It's the way they handled Skyfall, and it's how they'll handle the new movie.

Sony Pictures has announced that there will be a live announcement on Thursday, and it will reveal the official title and cast for Bond 24.  In addition to the return of Daniel Craig, Naomie Harris (Miss Moneypenny), Ben Whishaw (Q), and Ralph Fiennes (M), it looks like Christoph Waltz is on board to play villain Ernest Blofeld while Lea Seydoux could be a playing a femme fatale (possibly a different role than the "Bond Girl") while Dave Bautista might be a henchman in the mold of Jaws.  All will be revealed on Thursday at 11:07 (GMT), and you can catch it online at 007.com.  Hit the jump for more.  The film is set to open in the U.K. on October 23, 2015 and in the U.S. on November 6, 2015.

daniel-craig-skyfall
Image via Sony and MGM

Here's the press release:

THURSDAY 4TH DECEMBER

BOND 24

Live announcement to mark the start of production on the 24th Bond film

Title and cast to be revealed via live stream at www.007.com

(Pinewood Studios, UK) - On Thursday 4th December at 11:00am GMT (3:00am PST; 6:00am EST). Albert R. Broccoli's EON Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios and Sony Pictures Entertainment will present a live announcement and photo call from the 007 Stage at Pinewood Studios. The title and cast of the 24th Bond film will be revealed, marking the start of principal photography on Monday 8th December. A global audience will be able to watch the announcement live via a web stream at www.007.com

MEDIA INFORMATION

The announcement of the title and cast for the 24th Bond film will be streamed live on www.007.com and distributed live via satellite (further information below). The announcement will also be live-tweeted via the official James Bond handle @007

EVENT TIMINGS

(all timings GMT) 10.50am Introduction 11.00am Live announcement commences 11.07am Live announcement ends (approximate) 11.15am. Photo call with cast and director.