Rotten Tomatoes Pirates of the Caribbean 2

FilmForce Pirates of the Caribbean 2

Last updated 16 May 2006

The Black Pearl arrived on 2 June 05
on Grand Bahama Island and was still flying
the quarantine flag, indicating she had yet
to clear customs.

16 May 2006 - view the most recent trailer

12 February 2006 - Today the Pirates of the Caribbean II & III Cast and Crew Charity Golf Scramble and thereafter the Dinner and Awards Party was held. The tournament was held during the day and then at 6pm the Dinner and Awards Party was kicked off. The $50.00 donation for attending the Dinner and Awards Party was to benefit the children of the hurricane-affected settlements and the Grand Bahama Children's Home.

We are going to provide a large assortment of photos below. But before we go into detail of what they cover and what the event consisted of please take a moment to show caring and concern for the children of Grand Bahama that this benefit was held to raise money for. The actors and various departments of crew of the Pirates of the Caribbean II & III production poured much effort and generosity into this event as well as their financial contributions. Below we are providing you with photos of these wonderful folks in attendance. Not everyone who contributed was able to attend but we assure you that everyone that could did take part in this effort. If it touches you & you enjoy the photos why not send off a little something to benefit the children either by mailing your cheque payable to the "Salvation Army" with a note to use for the children of the hurricane-affected settlements and mail to P.O. Box F-44387, Freeport, Grand Bahama Island, The Bahamas (there is no zip code) Remember many children have nothing left after tidal surges took all their belongers out to sea from Wilma. Or Payable to "The Grand Bahama Children's Home" and mail to Bahamas Vacation Guide, P.O. Box F-43652, Freeport, Grand Bahama Island, The Bahamas (there is no zip code). Remember those of you making donations of $35.00 or more to the children's home can receive an autographed tee shirt by Lee and Mackenzie, while supplies last, when contributing to the orphanage.

Okay here are the photos with a bit of introduction as we go along. Now while we are sure that many of you are looking for photos of the celebrities, and there are photos included of them, you have to understand that everyone worked to make this a successful and profitable event. We tried to ask permission to display photos of the folks included and those who agreed to having their photos taken and then displayed here to help the children (hint - donate).

There was a wonderful turn out for the benefit and cast and crew were present in great abundance. Actors, extras, doubles, background, wardrobe, make up and all other departments were represented in numbers. There were also the staff of the stars and folks that in some ways have touched the productions. The spirits were high and they ensured that the guests making contributions were entertained both by scheduled events as well as by their kindness, mingling and vibrant personalities. You will see a lot of posed photos that folks offered of their own accord to make the most of the evening for attendees. And you will see a lot that are just of the entertainment or folks relaxing and allowing you to envision having been there with them. There were residents and visitors of Grand Bahama Island in attendance, MC's, production members from the Bond movie being shot in Nassau, Craig Woods and staff from the Bahamas Film Commission and many more good souls working toward the cause as well as the entertainment.

Shortly after the benefit commenced we were treated to a Junkanoo parade and some folks joined in with dancing and even wearing costumes shared by the members in the group.

Click upon photos to see enlarged.

There were a lot of folks in the crowd and among them you may recognize a few of the faces.

Okay and then the awards were presented to the top competitors for the day. Kevin (McNally) and John handled most of the presentation and Craig Woods, the Bahamas Film Commissioner, introduced his Grand Bahama staff and spoke to the audience.

Some miscellaneous photos from that great event. Trust us, all these people worked toward making this a huge success. The Rake 'N Scrape band was wonderful and there were plenty of dancing fools. We stopped anywhere for anyone that would endure our shutter. Hope you enjoyed the benefit photos - we hope that others will add to these (send to info@bvgdesign.com) and help make it a very special spot on the Internet for this fund raiser to continue in style.

BTW if your photo is here and we didn't get your permission (we tried very hard but there were 100's of people) or you don't like it - please don't get mad, just tell us which it is and we will happily remove it at your request. info@bvgdesign.com

		send your photos to add!

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25 January 2006 - below is the most recent photo taken on 24 January of the Empress more fully dressed. She was removed since and most likely brought to the set. The set was a buzz with activity with many ships. A mast was dangling from a crane being put into place. (click photo for enlarged version)

13 January 2006 - The the cast and remaining crew that were in Exuma have returned to Freeport yesterday.

Below is a photo of the other side of the Empress revealing the detailed work that has been completed to date. Click on it to see an enlarged version.

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5 January 2006 - The production crew returned for the most part on 3 January to Freeport to ready the set. Some of the cast are in Exuma shooting and once finished on that location will return to work the set at Freeport, Grand Bahama Island. Other cast part of the Flying Dutchman ship are returning on or about 17 January 06.

Photos in from the Grand Bahama Roving Reporter (click images to see larger/detailed versions):

Also from QueeQueg: The Chinese Junk is the "EMPRESS"

Chinese "Junk" Empress	Close up of the Distressing done to Empress
Dauntless - Starboard side	Dauntless - Port side
Dauntless from Front	Dauntless - masts
Flying Dutchman Crow's Nest	Flying Dutchman Bow
Flying Dutchman Bow from Port Side	Flying Dutchman Port Side top detail
Flying Dutchman Port Side with Camera ports

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4 January 2006 - Further report from QueeQueg:

The Flying Dutchman must be towed. It has no motor. The rudder is welded in place. It was made so it could be steered with the rudder but it was decided to weld it stationary.

The Masts were designed on the Dauntless so that they can be removed from the hull. They go down into the deck and are held by "collars" below decks. If you look at the yard arms you will see that they too can be unbolted from the vertical masts. The masts are approximately 25 feet and 35 feet off the deck ( the Aft, rear Mast is taller). The idea is that the yard arms would allow for the rigging to be "hung" as if it was on a 40 plus foot mast. The idea is that the yard arms would allow for the rigging to be "hung" as if it was on a 40 plus foot mast. The Computer graphics guys will create a computer image of the sails and any other extras they need. The computer team uses the raw footage shot of the ship as a "Plate" . They modify the Plate by adding or subtracting images.

I imagine that it will be mostly used for "Close ups" that only require a portion of the ship in the shot. The director and the production designer will plan what shots they need. If only a close up is needed they will only build that part of the set that the actors must be in contact with.

The Director is Gore Verbinsky. He also directed Pirates 1.

The Production Designer is Rick Heinricks. A very important job. He determines what each set will look like. His last film was Limminy Snicket with Jim Carrey.

The BLACK PEARL was actually made in Mobile Alabama. It is self powered and has a licensed maritime captain on board.

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31 December 05 - Happy New Year! As promised here are the very detailed photos of the Flying Dutchman that the Aqua Reporter obtained for us complete with his titles for each. There is some more info in from QueeQueg that we will try to get posted for you tomorrow. As always click on the photos to see them in full size.

Grim Reaper	Gun Ports
Stern Detail	Ugly Fish

30 December 05 - The Aqua Reporter sent this in for publication (click to see in full size) and has promised four close up shots of the Flying Dutchman. Will post tomorrow so check back.

We also have received a report from QueeQueg as follows:

"The new ship is a Chinese "Junk". Most of the work was done in Los Angeles. The parts were shipped to the Bahamas for assembly. Chow Young Fat is the Chinese Pirate for that ship.

The Dauntless is the "half ship" that is on the barge. Only the Starboard side is finished."

(scroll down to see the Dauntless and Chinese "Junk")

18 December 05 - The Flying Dutchman was moved into the canal system for storage over Christmas at the same location that two other props are being stored. The Black Pearl is back at Bradford in storage as well. We have some close up photos of the Flying Dutchman for you below as well as updated photos on the progress of what we guess to be an Asian vessel. Check the scary fish out on the stern of the Flying Dutchman and some of the other details that the Grand Bahama Roving Reporter was able to capture.

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11 December 05 - To benefit the The Grand Bahama Children's Home Mackenzie Crook and Lee Arenberg have signed some Bahamas souvenir tee shirts which will be sent to anyone who sends a donation of $35 or more payable to the children's home. Those who submit donations should include their name and address for the shirt to be sent to with the cheque.

Sorry Folks but we have just sent our last shirt out. We wish to Thank Mackenzie Crook and Lee Arenberg for their generous donation and also Thanks to all that purchased the Tee shirts to help support The Grand Bahama Children's Home. Anyone that sent payment in that has not received a shirt please be assured we will be sending your checks back to you ASAP

Sample tee shirt and autograph:

Tee shirts and autographs may vary.
Allow 4 to 6 weeks for delivery.

Here is a link to a smaller version of the teaser that Disney has released. To see it full version at higher quality go to Yahoo.

The Aqua Reporter filed a new photo on the 9th and we have been lack in getting it up. Appears to be a new prop for the third installment of Pirates of the Caribbean. We will also be adding the teaser here that has recently been released a little later today. We'll try to get some close ups of the new prop later this week. So keep checking back! As usual click the small image to see it in full size.

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6 December 05 - Many of the actors are leaving the island after several days of intense night filming. Many haven't returned home in 9 weeks and spirits are high. It is anticipated that all actors and crew will finish up and fly out by 10 December for a Christmas break. Some of the crew will return in early January with the actors following thereafter. Some will return mid January while others at the end of the month and filming will resume.

28 November 05 - Filming resumed on Sunday and is ongoing.

26 November 05 - Disney gave a break over Thanksgiving week so many cast/crew could go for visits with their families to enjoy the holiday. They are hoping to resume shooting on Tuesday, the 29th.

13 November 05 - Was just informed that they have now decided to fly to the Exumas tomorrow. They want to be there for the spring tide.

13 November 05 - I had spelled Lee's last name wrong. It is corrected now. Thank you Michael for pointing it out. Mackenzie is very kind as is Lee. You'd never meet nicer folks. Thank goodness for them as they were pivotal in driving funds to the Children's Home. (read below for explanation) Lee and Mackenzie we understand that you were not prepared but it was a rescheduled event and you did just fine. Those kids were thrilled to have you there and you were wonderful. Thank you.

Almost forgot - they aren't going to the Exumas any longer. Lots of wind and seas keep optimal conditions for those shots out of grasp. Shooting on Grand Bahama continues this week.

12 November 05: Attended the Benefit/Fundraiser For The Grand Bahama Children's Home last evening (11th Nov). It's theme was a Pirate Adventure and to assist in the fund raising event Michael Singer, Unit Publicist for the POTC 2 & 3 productions, Mackenzie Crook (actor) and Lee Arenberg (actor) appeared and took part in it. And yes there were photo taking opportunities.

Before you look at the photos however, think about why these folks were there and take out your check books and give to this home. These abandoned children of Grand Bahama Island are being taken care of by loving people but financially need the help of others. Please send what you can to:

The Grand Bahama Children's Home
P.O. Box F-40503
Freeport, Grand Bahama Island
The Bahamas
(there is no postal code)

Now here are the photos of the children who live in the home, the driving force behind the home, Lady Henrietta St. George, in some photos Sarah Kirkby appears who is very committed to the home as well as those from the Disney production: Michael Singer (Unit Publicist), Lee Arenberg (Pintel) and Mackenzie Crook (Ragetti). Below the photos are statements from both Mackenzie and Lee. (click photos for enlarged versions)

In response to my question:
How do you like living in the Bahamas while working on the films?

Mackenzie Crook: "It's an opportunity of a lifetime. A chance to spend so long in such a beautiful place."

Lee Arenberg: "It's a very laid back pace. Very relaxing. We work very hard so it's nice that there is so much to do, when off you can golf, there are nice restaurants and nightlife. It's fun. A super spot."

Tomorrow the Pirates of the Caribbean cast and crew head to the Exumas to shoot throughout the week, then returning to Grand Bahama Island.

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6 November 05: From the Grand Bahama Island Roving Reporter, "stopped by set to see what was happening and could hear them Yell "We are Hot" and this is what they were filming, see photo below."

Later we received the following report from the Clever Fox: "While at the set in the late afternoon the only filming we saw was on the ships. They had lots and lots of people on the Black Pearl and were lifting someone up in a hoist to the Dutchman."

5 November 05: Today in a conversation with Michael Singer, the Unit Publicist, it was confirmed that Pirates of the Caribbean 2 and 3 will continue filming on Grand Bahama Island until sometime in February. However there will be a break for Christmas for the cast and crew.

Friday night this writer was introduced to Kevin McNally whose character is Mr. Gibbs, and sitting with him were Lee Arenberg whose character is Pintel and Mackenzie Crook whose character is is Ragetti. (you might recall that the later two were dressed as women and used as decoys when the Dauntless was about to be attacked by the supernatural pirates in the first flick). They were all very gracious and polite. In fact everyone we meet associated with the movie has been extremely nice, polite and as accommodating as is possible including Mr. Singer and Mr. Verbinski (who btw is devilishly handsome to boot - haven't met Mr. Singer but have been threatening to buy him a drink).

1 November 05: Disney started filming again on Sunday 30 October. Yesterday the Grand Bahama Roving Reporter had a special mission and naturally ended up with some new photos to share. A special favour had been requested by a newlywed couple, Meaghan and John. Her favorite movie was Pirates of the Caribbean and she wanted to see the props and set if possible. While all things are not possible the roving reporter took them as close as they could get and they got a special inside look as the privacy canvas was not all in place (no photos included as that is too much of an intrusion). We can report that the Edinburgh/Endeavor was there but not in one piece. You'll have to watch the movie to see how and why;) The report states "we set foot upon public ground where the newlyweds were able to walk out onto the creek at low tide, and easily view the Black Pearl already set to sea just out from our vantage point. Low and behold the Flying Dutchman was in the exterior regions of the tank and then a tug or two began dragging her toward the Pearl as the Pearl spun around. It was an awesome sight to behold and finally the two ships were lined up for filming from the waterfront."

	John walked in, not reporters doing - where is Meaghan, just ahead of him for sure;)
| Okay so the roving reporter took them to see other props, why not? This was not on the set but ah well they enjoyed the photo moments.

# # #

26 October: The Grand Bahama Island Roving Reporter decided to check on the Flying Dutchman to see if there were any signs of damage from Hurricane Wilma. (looks good to us!) A bonus was offered as the prop earlier spotted moving west to eat from the Lucayan Beach strip, was stored close by and photos of that much closer are also provided below. Remember to click on the photos to see over-sized versions.

Disney cast and crew were flown out late last week and will return once the set if back in shape for filming. The local news suggested it would only take a few days to get the set in order.

23 & 25 October: (sorry no power since Wilma so delays in posting) Disney has previously flown out cast and crew in advance of Hurricane Wilma's arrival. The props were put into storage at various locations on Grand Bahama. The Black Pearl went back to her dockage at Bradford Marina at Freeport Harbour and we stumbled across the Flying Dutchman the day prior to Wilma's violent visit. As usual click on the smaller images to view in full size.

Wow - Look at what we found!	Check the detail out
Check out the skeleton hanging at the bow	Detail of mid ship and stern
And the Pearl is intact - ready to sail back to the tank for more filming (taken after Wilma)

13 October: An interesting display is given to those vacationing and working along the Lucayan Beach strip. This prop was towed rather rapidly. (click for enlarged versions of photos)

2 October: The Aqua Reporter, the Asst Aqua Report and the Rainbow Reader just filed this report and more photos.

Security is very tight at the studio and it is near impossible to get images for updates. The Rainbow Reader was the lucky charm that seemed to make these images possible.

So here you go. The Black Pearl and the Endeavor and a little of what the setting is like on the approach at the set: (click smaller photos for enlarged versions)

 
This autographed flag waves at the back of the set

The Black Pearl and the Endeavor at the set.	From several miles away the set is still a site to behold

2 October: The Flying Dutchman travels east toward the film studio. Photos taken from the Lucayan Beach. It however never reached the studio, diverted elsewhere. Hrrmmm, must not need her yet for filming.

1 October 05: More Cannon Fire!

Today the Grand Bahama Roving reporter had the good fortune to stumble upon the spectacle of the Flying Dutchman! As if seeing the haunting vision wasn't enough of a treat, she fired her cannons. Click the photos to see in full detail this wonder ship created for the Pirates of the Caribbean sequel. Check back here for more updates as we have word that more are coming in today!

Smoke from cannons, which rotate as firing	Very creepy looking ship

29 September 05: Filming on-going - The Black Pearl Sails

Last week filming commenced on Grand Bahama Island on the action movies Pirates of the Caribbean II & III. Orlando Bloom was reported to be on site at the set located at the Collyer Water Tank and spending long hours creating the Disney adventure films.

On 28 September the Black Pearl sailed from Bradford Marine toward the Collyer Tank. Below are a couple of photos of her passing the Lucayan Beach strip, travelling several miles offshore.

Shrinking into the distance

A bit closer

16 September 05: CANNON FIRE!

The Bahamas Vacation Guide arranged a collaboration of the Grand Bahama Roving Reporters to offer you a variety of graphic views and accounts on a truly thrilling event to cover. Reports to follow and still coming in as well as more photos so check back:

(as always click on smaller photos to see more detailed image in enlarged size)

 
All reporters today arrive to the Sunrise occurring over the Black Pearl!
What a beautiful sight to behold!

Men working rigging	Hatch Open
This one Courtesy of the Grand Bahama Aqua (Roving) Reporter

You could say that the roving reporters had a little time on their hands so were able to observe the work progressing and get a few photos of the ship.

The following photos were long awaited upon footage (hot sun and hours waiting for it to happen) taken by the Grand Bahama Aqua (Roaming) Reporter and then extracted as still frames. Yes there is a streaming video too! Hold your horses - See where we are going and wait for the opportune moment! (following three not clickable as resolution doesn't allow for it)

From the Grand Bahama Aqua (roving) Reporter:

"It took five hours of waiting around to get thirty seconds of perfect
video - just like a real movie." We thank him for the video coverage, excellent work!

Okay, a little info to explain the cannon fire. Grand Bahama's very own Assistant Roving Reporter (ARR) got a scoop that the Black Pearl had to test her cannons today before moving along to the tank set and being ready for the film shooting to start on the 20th. He shared that with the Grand Bahama Roving Reporter, who was working with the Bahamas Vacation Guide closely and they assembled the Grand Bahama Aqua Reporter to cover it. However only ARR could do so incognito so they acquired the newly recruited Grand Bahama Nautical Reporter who also assisted in photo coverage. The collaboration gave an opportunity for many talents to join forces to provide you with a unique look at a high end movie prop in action. The only one left out of the roving reporter network on this gig was the "The Mole" who later reported that Jerry Bruckheimer will be on Grand Bahama for a few hours tomorrow (17 Sept) to inspect the set and operations. The Mole has contributed a lot of information to this site but has never asked to be mentioned. We believe credit should be given and everyone should be "named";)

More photos and the grand finale follow as well as a few other little details of the week in progress.

And at last the video of the Black Pearl firing her cannons (click this link to see it) thanks to the Grand Bahama Aqua (Roving) Reporter and with the help of the Grand Bahama Nautical (Roving) Reporter.

And are they here? Well we certainly think so as these signs are all over Lucaya where the crew and cast for the main part are staying and along the route to the Studio.

The ARR did related that later on the 16th the extras were brought on board the Black Pearl to practice with her sails and to be comfortable with the filming. Two photos he obtained from the opposite side of the ship below.

All for now but check back for more.

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11 September 05 - The Grand Bahama Aqua Reporter just released some new photos of the Collyer water tank and the newly renamed Endeavor (formerly referred to as Edinburgh - its street name) dressed up and sitting pretty in the side tank (an appendage to the big tank)! He made mention of the increased number of trailers on the site as well as other out buildings that show the readied state for filming. Perhaps the Grand Bahama Roving Reporter can provide a few shots of those beyond what appears in the aquatic ones following this. So do check back as we have a full operative of freelance reporters coming in with updates so rapidly it is difficult to keep getting them posted for you.

The Collyer water tank, depicted outside the boundaries, so a side view is the best we can do at this time. You can clearly see the changed shape and the fact it has turned into a squared tank from a V shaped one (click photo for enlarged and detailed view). We also note that there is a small dredging barge present at this time most likely to maintain the tank. The large one as noted further down this page, left the area over a week ago.

Now for the photos of the Endeavor showing elaborate ropes & sails in display. We don't see the final props (such as lamps etc) upon her but for testing probably not a requisite. You may wonder why she was there first. Well they had some testing to do that makes the movies even more of must sees than you can ever imagine. We'll bring you all the news we can but don't look for spoilers here as there won't be any. We will however cover all the props, people and events that don't hurt the first viewing of the actual movies. We hope they just make you anticipate the release dates even more. Enjoy!

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11 September 05 - Just received the following report and Flying Dutchman extremely detailed images (be certain to look at full size by clicking on them) from the Asst Roving Reporter:

Sep. 11. 2005. Grand Bahama's very own Assistant Roving Reporter (ARR) has done it again, just for you loyal folks out there. Not be outdone by yesterday's turn-in of snaps, which were pretty amazing in their own right, your favorite ARR (Pronounced AAARRRGGHHHH!!!!!!) has brought you something extra special today. At great risk to life and limb, not to mention the odd fantasy about being in the SAS sneaking around rusty oil drums, these are the first REAL close-ups to date. After winning over 3 guard dogs, and playing dominoes and beating all 7 security guys, they let me go.
Enjoy Fans. And watch this space. BFN, ARR.

There is a skeleton on the bow	Taken quite close

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10 September 05 - Hold onto your hats - photos of the Flying Dutchman have just been received and it is the most sensational pirate ship ever created! Now to truly understand the beauty of this Disney creation you MUST click the small image and view it at full size. Then don't stop at what the browser displays but put your cursor on it and wait for the square box that gives you the opportunity to increase it to the full size which will be 800 pixels wide by 500-600 pixels in height. It's just... it's such a pretty boat... ship. Amazing and unbelievably crafted with such detail is more like it but then we couldn't have used Jack Sparrow's words now could we? ARRGGGHHH! Enjoy the photos as this is really something.

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9 September 05 - Just in from our local roving reporter on Grand Bahama some updated shots of the Pearl with fuller outfitting. The final dressing will be applied once she arrives at the tank as the props are currently stored at the studio. She is looking more authentic now. (photos follow full report)

The Edinburgh which is being renamed as the Endeavor in the movie(s) has reached the tank. There were some dry runs for filming practiced with her being done during this week. The details of this you have to wait to see the movie to learn as we aren't telling!

Postings have started appearing on the various Bahamas message boards, including our own, urging those with lodging on Grand Bahama to apply to work as extras. Some of the previously hired extras who can't return at this point having made other commitments during the summer hiatus, report repeated contact from the Pirates Casting department urging them to return. It would appear that there is a sense of urgency and if you can supply yourself as an extra you should scroll down and contact them at this point in time. The filming is to start on the 20th of September, a correction to a below release.

Over the summer the V shape of the water tank was changed for the extensions to go straight out, more squared.

Click upon photos for enlarged versions.

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Note below the barge on left adjacent to the stone which has an island built upon same and is where the hydraulics are visible topside.

Well here it comes - two great sequels to the original Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl. One named and one yet to be named are about to start production on Grand Bahama Island, which is the second commercial and business capital of the Bahamas. This is occurring as a result of the investments of Paul Quigley, Chief Operating Officer of Gold Rock Creek Enterprises Ltd. and their vision that now is The Bahamas Film Studio. They have created what shall be the world's largest water tank as a part of their studio, lending a controlled environment for the filming of ocean based movies. Disney is already occupying the newly finished wardrobe department and prop department and busily getting ready for the production, as cast and crew should arrive in late August. Filming will commence on Grand Bahama Island at that time of the Pirates sequels and continue through completion. The cast and crew are on a break in filming until returning to first LA and then the Bahamas when the cast and crew of Pirates of the Caribbean II & III will return to complete the filming of the movies, which should run through December.

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