From Bradford With Love...

James Bond 007 film producer and screenwriter Michael Wilson was amongst leading figures from the worlds of arts, fundraising and film to receive Honorary Degrees from the University of Bradford recently.

The University also honoured Bill Huntley, Peter Layton and Blake Morrison.

Director of the British Film Institute Amanda Nevill, who gave Mr Wilson’s oration, said: “I am delighted that Michael Wilson has been recognised by the University of Bradford, both for his contribution to the British film industry through the iconic James Bond Films and also for his influential guidance and support to the National Museum of Photography, Film and Television.”

Michael Wilson completed his undergraduate work in Electrical Engineering at Harvey Mudd College in Claremont, USA, and received a law degree from Stanford University in 1966.

He practised at a New York firm where he specialised in international taxation, before joining Eon Productions Limited where he became the assistant to the producer on a film about a fictional British spy called James Bond, The Spy Who Loved Me.

Mr Wilson went on to executive produce Moonraker and the next two Bond movies. Alongside veteran screenwriter Dick Maibaum he co-wrote For Your Eyes Only, Octopussy, A View to a Kill, The Living Daylights and Licence to Kill. He co-produced A View to a Kill, The Living Daylights and Licence to Kill with his stepfather, the late Albert “Cubby” Broccoli.

When Bond returned to the screen six years later, Mr Wilson joined his sister Barbara Broccoli to produce GoldenEye, Tomorrow Never Dies, The World is Not Enough and Die Another Day, which coincided with the 40th anniversary of the Bond series.

Mr Wilson is also a leading expert on 19th-century photography, which he began collecting in the late 1970s. In 1998 he formed the Wilson Centre for Photography which hosts an archive to preserve early photographs and provides study and research facilities for students and researchers.

Mr Wilson is recognised for his contributions to the film industry through his development of the globally recognised and enjoyed Bond franchise. He is also recognised for his key role in the development of Bradford’s National Museum of Photography, Film and Television and its educational and curatorial agendas.

Professor Chris Taylor, Vice-Chancellor of the University, said: “We are pleased to be able to recognise the achievements of someone who has contributed so much to the film industry through the magnificent James Bond franchise. We are delighted to welcome Michael Wilson as an Honorary Graduate of the University.”