Pity the poor person who is ever cursed with fame. As if the constant barrage of paparazzi shots weren't enough, celebrities must occasionally present themselves before a firing squad of reporters, many of whom show up with no ammunition.

Such was the scene Feb. 15, when Barrandov Studios opened the gates to the press to cover the filming of the new James Bond film, Casino Royale. On hand were the producers, Michael Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, director Martin Campbell and two of the stars, Dame Judi Dench (who has completely adopted the role of M) and the new Bond, Daniel Craig.

One had to marvel at the stamina it took these principals to withstand the inane and invasive questions that peppered the 45-minute session: Everything from asking Craig what he's had to drink at the local pivnice to how he would compare himself to Bond actors that have preceded him. "In what way compare myself?" Craig rightfully responded. "I think I'll leave comparisons to the audience, thank you."

The prize question was from a writer from Spy, who prefaced her query by offering what sounded like an apology for her occupation: "I'm from Spy, and so I am sorry, but I must ask you, Mr. Craig, about the rumors of your orientation." It's difficult to understand what she was hoping to gain. Has this question ever been answered by a celebrity at a press conference with, "You know, I'm glad you've asked that. I haven't been quite truthful with the public, so I would like to state finally that I am gay. Next question"? Craig properly ignored her boorishness. But the tone had been lowered.

Craig became, at turns, withdrawn and combative. Dench looked horribly bored, while producer Wilson took the opportunity to discreetly check his text messages. Only the unfortunate translator, whose task it was to shift idiocies from one language to another, was fully engaged in the proceedings.

The conference began with a tour of two of the Barrandov sets. One set contained M's flat, an inner sanctum that has never been seen in any prior Bond films. Scene designer Toby Britton described the space that, without the booms, chords and dolly tracks, would make a comfortable contemporary apartment. "We worked against type," Britton said of the design, "as most people would probably assume that M lived in more Edwardian surroundings. We hope this set will give viewers an insight into M's personality." One thing is clear: M does have, it seems from a quick perusal of the bookshelves, a great affection for art books.

Britton was also very good about comparing the pluses of creating sets from scratch rather than filming in existing spaces. "It's actually cheaper to build," Britton stressed, "as you can have complete control over the environment." This pleasant tour, however, was but a warm-up to the main event.

Most every journalist present at Barrandov was hoping that the "Bond girl" would be revealed at the conference. In fact, for many that was the sole reason for attending. The news, however, was not forthcoming. "You'll just have to wait and find out," director Campbell said, baiting us further. But find out from where? We're the press, after all. Campbell was entertaining when discussing the merits of the first Casino Royale. "It's awful," he said. "I highly recommend that you don't see it." It truly is a wretched flop, and probably a plus for Soviet censorship that it was never screened here.

Dame Judi Dench, when forced by questions to abandon her glowering, was wonderfully quotable. When asked what, if anything, M had in common with Elizabeth I, Dench said, "Well, they are two different people, you know? Strong-willed, definitely. I wouldn't want to work for either of them, though I don't mind being them. It's nice to be on this side of authority ... and you on that side. I guess I'm power-mad, really."