Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson | No 30

Producers: Goldeneye , Casino Royale , Quantum of Solace Barbara Broccoli, 50 (daughter of Albert R "Cubby" Broccoli), and her half-brother Michael G Wilson, 68, are the guardians of one of the most lucrative and popular franchises in cinema history. The Bond series has enjoyed newfound commercial success after being born (or Bourne) again, ditching its increasingly ridiculous past for the down-and-dirty grittiness of Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace , which was as long on nastiness as it was short on plot. But 007 hit trouble earlier this year when "Bond 23" was suspended owing to financial difficulties at its studio, MGM. The series has hit creative impasses before, but this economic one is altogether more serious; Broccoli and Wilson are apparently considering becoming involved in a bid to buy out MGM's creditors. None of this will affect the standing of either producer: both have maintained an impressive level of control over Bond, masterminding the series' route back to relevance in the last five years, and going out on a limb with the initially unpopular casting of Daniel Craig to replace Pierce Brosnan.