Heineken's 'Quantum' Campaign To Feature Olga Kurylenko

As was the case two years ago with Casino Royale, Heineken International will once again be a global partner to the newest James Bond production, Quantum of Solace.

Working with Bond girl Olga Kurylenko, the multifaceted campaign will be launched in October. The full press release follows:

Heineken Returns As Global Bond Partner

Heineken International today announced that it will launch a worldwide promotional campaign for the 22nd James Bond film, Quantum of Solace, a Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures’/Columbia Pictures’ release of EON Productions. The film, which will be released in movie theatres worldwide in November 2008, is Heineken’s 5th consecutive global partnership with one of the most successful and longest running movie franchises in history.

Stefan Orlowski, Group Commerce Director, Heineken N.V., said of the partnership: “Our long association with James Bond has helped enhance the profile of the Heineken brand across the world. The partnership supports our commitment to extend the brand’s leadership position within the international premium beer segment. Our global campaign offers a great opportunity to drive sales growth and to help build the value of Heineken’s brand equity.”

The new marketing campaign provides the opportunity for consumers to experience the premium, stylish and international world of James Bond. The campaign features leading lady Olga Kurylenko and was shot using actual film sets and scenes from the film. It includes TV and print advertising and on- and off-premise promotions, interactive and digital activities, radio promotions, consumer competitions and tie-ins with local premiere events. The campaign will be launched globally across an estimated 40 countries in October in conjunction with the worldwide release of the film.

Olga Kurylenko, who plays the role of Camille in the upcoming film, commented: “I am delighted to support Heineken’s global Quantum of Solace marketing campaign. Heineken has done a great job in making James Bond, Camille and the world of Bond connect with their iconic international brand.”

Melinda Eskell, Manager Heineken Brand Communication said: “We worked in close partnership with Eon and Columbia Pictures to ensure the global campaign remained authentic to the film and the James Bond franchise. The involvement of Olga Kurylenko combined with the use of other authentic Bond assets provides Heineken the unique opportunity to allow our consumers worldwide to experience the world of Bond.”

In Quantum of Solace, Daniel Craig reprises his role as Ian Fleming’s James Bond 007.The film is directed by Marc Forster, the screenplay is by Neal Purvis & Robert Wade and Paul Haggis and Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli produce.

Keep watching the CommanderBond.net main page for the most up-to-date and complete coverage of Quantum of Solace.

Marc Forster Continues Editing Work On 'Quantum of Solace'

With Quantum of Solace currently in the post-production stage of development, director Marc Forster is in a race against the clock to finish editing his first cut of the film and deliver it to producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli.

Working out of an office in Soho, Forster spoke to Time Out about this stage of the James Bond production.

‘I have way too little time to edit,’ said Forster in his usual calm self. ‘We wrapped the movie just a few weeks ago and I’m basically editing right now for another week or so. Then I show it to Michael and Barbara at a little preview screening and then I have another week to cut. So I have, like, five or six weeks to edit the whole movie. Normally, I’ve had 14 weeks for any of my films so far. Six weeks for this film is crazy.’

Forster works alongside editors Matt Chesse and Richard Pearson on the task; the former having worked with him on his past six films, including Monster’s Ball and The Kite Runner. He is just one of several key crew members Forster chose to work on the film.

‘Then I met with Daniel Craig and I met with Barbara and Michael, and I thought: If I’m going to do a commercial film, it may as well be Bond because I’m not dealing with a studio, I’m dealing with them.’ – Marc Forster

Speaking about why he ultimately did choose to helm the 22nd Bond adventure, Forster said: ‘I’m used to making movies for between $20 million and $40 million with total creative control. Everyone leaves me alone. So I thought: What’s the upside for me to make a Bond film? It seemed there was none. Casino Royale was a huge success. Everybody loved it, it was critically acclaimed. So, I thought, if my movie’s not as good or better, it’ll be a failure. There was no upside. Then I met with Daniel Craig and I met with Barbara and Michael, and I thought: If I’m going to do a commercial film, it may as well be Bond because I’m not dealing with a studio, I’m dealing with them. They promised me, and they have kept to their word so far, to fight for my creative vision. I’m thankful for that. But let’s see what happens when I show them the first cut…’

Playing a scene from the film, where Daniel Craig’s 007 arrives at the Bregenz opera house, Forster comments: ‘It’s very Bond.’

Mathieu Amalric, portraying lead villain Dominic Greene, can also briefly be seen. ‘In the old Bond films, it was clear who were the good guys and who were the bad guys,’ explained Forster. ‘Today, it’s not so clear. I feel like Mathieu looks so sympathetic and normal, the type you can’t see right away is the villain.’

With time ticking away and his deadline approaching, Forster quickly sums up why he believes he was asked to tackle a Bond film. ‘I think [the producers] wanted to bring more of an emotional component to the movie,’ he said. ‘And they wanted to have the franchise go in a different direction. Last time, they took a risk with having Daniel Craig in the film. That was a success, so this time they felt they could take it another step and see how it goes with another filmmaker.’

Only a few more months remain to see if this risk pays off.

Keep watching the CommanderBond.net main page for the most up-to-date and complete coverage of Quantum of Solace.

Amy Winehouse To Release Unused James Bond Song

Even though Amy Winehouse wasn’t chosen as the title song performer for Quantum of Solace, that doesn’t seem to be stopping her from releasing her own James Bond theme.

As many fans recall, Winehouse was pegged as a contender for the 007 theme dating back to April of this year. Working alongside producer Mark Ronson, she ultimately did come up with a demo track that she was planning on submitting to the producers.

This collaboration was then sidelined about a week later when Ronson said the two had ceased work on the Bond track, saying: ‘I’m not sure she’s ready to work on music yet.’

Ronson later revealed that the two were upset that they were passed over in favour of the Jack White-Alicia Keys duet. ‘It’s really disappointing,’ he said, ‘of course it is. But at the time Amy was going through some s–t, and now she’s doing great, so who cares if we missed the Bond boat. It’s fantastic to see her back on track again.’

‘We’re both gutted we missed out on 007, but there will be other great opportunities for us.’

Winehouse now has plans to release her Bond track around the same time the official duet comes out. She told Britain’s New! magazine: ‘I want to prove they have made a big mistake. I don’t think they could have waited a bit. If they want a worldwide hit, I have them all up here.’

Referring to the selection of Black and Keys for the Quantum of Solace theme, she said: ‘I guess they are going for clean-cut and boring. When I do release mine–and I am tempted to do it on the same day–this would be the bigger hit. If they change their minds, I am waiting!’

Keep your eyes on the CommanderBond.net main page for complete coverage of Quantum of Solace.

New 'Quantum of Solace' Photos Emerge Online

WARNING: Possible spoilers

Our friends at the French James Bond website JamesBond-fr.com have today revealed three previously unseen photographs from Quantum of Solace.

The photos show Daniel Craig in action as James Bond during the action sequence filmed in Siena, Italy. The other two feature Bond standing alongside M and Bond with Camille.

Click here to view the Quantum of Solace photographs online.

Keep watching the CommanderBond.net main page for the most up-to-date and complete coverage of Quantum of Solace.

'Quantum of Solace' Now Slated For 31 October In France And Sweden

As post-production continues on the 22nd James Bond film, Quantum of Solace, a few of its worldwide release dates have shifted around.

The two biggest changes are for France and Sweden, where Daniel Craig’s second 007 adventure is now scheduled to open on 31 October 2008, on par with the UK release. The film was previously slated for a 5 November and 7 November release, respectively, in those two countries.

Minor date changes have also occurred for Bahrain and Oman. For the full, up-to-date listing of worldwide release dates for Quantum of Solace, click here for CommanderBond.net’s overview.

Keep watching the CBn main page for the most up-to-date and complete coverage of Quantum of Solace.

'Quantum of Solace' World Premiere Announced

James Bond will return by royal command this October, as Princes William and Harry attend the world premiere of Quantum of Solace on 29 October.

Official details of the premiere emerged today, revealing that the first screening of Daniel Craig’s second James Bond film will take place at the Odeon cinema in London’s Leicester Square just two days before the movie opens in the United Kingdom.

Daniel Craig, Dame Judi Dench, Mathieu Amalric, Olga Kurylenko and Gemma Arterton are also among the premiere’s confirmed guests.

At the request of the Princes, proceeds from the event will benefit two charities: Help for Heroes and the Royal British Legion.

The full press release follows.

Royal Film Premiere
James Bond Film To Benefit And The Royal British Legion

Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, producers of the latest James Bond film
Quantum of Solace announced today, Prince William and Prince Harry have graciously agreed to attend the world premiere of the twenty-second 007 adventure on Wednesday, October 29th 2008 at London’s Odeon Cinema, Leicester Square.

At the request of Prince William and Prince Harry, the event will benefit two charities, Help For Heroes and The Royal British Legion. The premiere will be attended by the film’s leading actors Daniel Craig, Judi Dench, Olga Kurylenko, Mathieu Amalric and Gemma Arterton. Directed by Marc Forster, the movie will be released in cinemas internationally from 31 October 2008 by Sony Pictures Entertainment.

Wilson and Broccoli commented, “We are thrilled Prince William and Prince Harry have
agreed to attend the world premiere of our latest James Bond film, and are pleased this
event will help raise much needed funds to support the servicemen of our country through
The Princes’ chosen charities, Help For Heroes and The Royal British Legion.”

Help For Heroes was launched in October 2007 in response to the desire of ordinary
people to do something practical to help wounded servicemen and women. In its first nine
months of existence the charity raised £6 million to help provide a swimming pool and gym complex at the tri-services rehabilitation centre at Headley Court. That task is now complete, and Help For Heroes continues to raise money to ensure that the wounded get the best practical help and support, and the futures, that they deserve.

Since 1921 The Royal British Legion has protected the interests, welfare and memory
of those who are currently serving, or have served, in the Armed Forces and their dependants. Nearly 10.5 million people of all ages are eligible for the Legion’s support, and the call on the charity’s welfare services is increasing.

Quantum of Solace, the 22nd James Bond adventure in the longest running franchise in film history, began principal photography on 7th January 2008. The film was produced for EON Productions by Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, directed by Marc Forster and stars Daniel Craig as the legendary secret agent, James Bond. With a screenplay by Neal Purvis & Robert Wade and Oscar winner Paul Haggis, the film picks up the storyline just one hour after the end of Casino Royale, marking the first direct sequel produced by EON Productions.

The Odeon Leicester Square previously partook in the Casino Royale premiere alongside simultaneous screenings in the Empire Theatre and Odeon West End cinemas in the Square.

Keep watching CommanderBond.net for the most up-to-date James Bond news on the Internet.

'Quantum of Solace' – Official Blog Report #21

It appears that James Bond fans are being treated to not one, but two official Quantum of Solace video blogs this week.

Following up the Terry Bamber (second unit production manager) video which was posted earlier today, 007 fans can check out the newest blog with casting director Debbie McWilliams on Moviefone.

‘I’m the casting director on Quantum of Solace. I’m responsible for gather together everyone that you see on the screen pretty much from the biggest speaking parts down to the smallest walk-ons.’

‘On a Bond movie,’ McWilliams continues, ‘we have the world to choose from and usually the story takes place in many different countries and we have been to countries where there really isn’t an established acting fraternity and have really discovered people.’

‘Each tiny part informs the audience, it tells us where we are, it gives us a flavor, it gives us texture. Everywhere we’ve gone, we’ve searched out people who weren’t really actors at all. That’s the kind of thing that’s different about the Bond films–people go to great lengths to make it look good and look right in every department.’

Quantum of Solace will mark the 10th James Bond film that McWilliams has served as casting director. She has been apart of every production since 1981’s For Your Eyes Only with the exception of 1989’s Licence To Kill.

Stay tuned to the CommanderBond.net main page for the most up-to-date and complete coverage of Quantum of Solace.

'Quantum of Solace' – Official Blog Report #20

The official Quantum of Solace blog has been updated today with another crew member from the 22nd James Bond 007 film: second unit production manager Terry Bamber.

Click Here To View

Stay tuned to the CommanderBond.net main page for the most up-to-date and complete coverage of Quantum of Solace.

Sony Ericsson Unveils James Bond's Phone For 'Quantum of Solace'

Sony Ericsson has today announced its partnership with the latest James Bond film, Quantum of Solace, and reveals tha Daniel Craig’s 007 will be using a limited edition Titanium silver C902 Cyber-shot.

The full press release follows:

Sony Ericsson Unveils James Bond’s Phone For Quantum of Solace

Sony Ericsson is launching a limited edition Titanium silver C902 Cyber-shot phone as used by James Bond in the eagerly awaited Quantum of Solace which will be released worldwide November 2008. The new mobile phone will make sure you are ready for any challenge, immersing you into the world of a secret agent with interactive 007 content and a spy-style game.

Sony Ericsson is excited to unveil an exclusive partnership between the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures/Columbia Pictures release of EON Productions’ 22nd James Bond adventure, Quantum of Solace, and the C902 Titanium silver edition. The phone, as used by James Bond – played by actor Daniel Craig in the new film – will be available for a limited period and include a memory card loaded with a host of 007 content.

Users will get the chance to know exactly what it takes to be a secret agent like James Bond with the first level* of an exclusive pre-loaded spy-style game. In addition, the full colour trailer of the film, behind-the-scenes interviews with the stars and exclusive content such as wallpapers and screen savers will be available on the phone and the memory card**.

The C902 Cyber-shot phone is used throughout the film by James Bond to capture evidence and assist the agent on his mission. The 5MP camera, with a unique slide-out lens cover, illuminated touch icons providing quick and easy access to camera options, Face detection, Photo flash and Auto focus enables James Bond to send high resolution shots back to MI6 for quick recognition of his enemies. The phone also offers BestPic which allows users to take nine pictures of a moving object simultaneously and choose the best shot to use, plus Picture blogging for uploading photos to blogsites and PictBridge for printing direct to a printer, without the need for a PC or laptop.

In August 2006, Sony Ericsson also teamed up with James Bond to launch the limited edition James Bond Casino Royale silver K800i Cyber-shot camera phone and in November 2002 the Sony Ericsson P900 and T68i mobile phones were used by several of the cast in the 20th James Bond film, Die Another Day.

Lennard Hoornik, Corporate Vice President and Global Head of Marketing, Sony Ericsson comments, “We are excited to announce the continuation of our relationship with the James Bond films and unveil James Bond’s new phone for this year – the limited edition version of our C902 Cyber-shot phone. With the rich array of content both on the phone and preloaded on a memory card bundled with the C902 Titanium silver limited edition, fans of the secret agent will only get more James Bond with Sony Ericsson.”

Daniel Craig reprises his role as Ian Fleming’s James Bond 007 in Quantum of Solace, the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures/Columbia Pictures release of EON Productions’ 22nd adventure in the longest-running film franchise in motion picture history. The film is directed by Marc Forster. The screenplay is by Neal Purvis & Robert Wade and Paul Haggis. Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli produce.

The Sony Ericsson C902 Cyber-shot, – an image and style statement

• Launched worldwide in July 2008
• Slim Cyber-shot phone with unique slide-out lens cover. Camera-ready in an instant
  5.0 megapixel camera with Face detection and Auto focus. Always capture the best shot possible
  Illuminated camera touch keys. Intuitive guidance around the camera settings
• 160MB built-in memory–the equivalent of storage for up to 100 full resolution photos–plus the possibility to add even more memory with the Memory Stick Micro (M2) that can be bundled with the phone depending on the market.
• The phone incorporates the latest in lighting technology–Photo flash–giving better quality pictures even in low-light conditions.
• Light solution added to the established BestPic feature–take 9 photos in quick succession, choose the best and delete the rest.
• The C902 Cyber-shot is a UMTS/HSDPA 2100 and EDGE/GPRS 850/900/1800/1900 phone that will be available in selected markets in Titanium Silver in Q4 of 2008 for a limited period.

*Level 1 will be available in selected markets with additional levels made available through Sony Pictures

**Content pre-loaded onto the phone:

• Welcome message
• Dynamic screensavers
• Static and dynamic wallpapers
• James Bond mobile theme
• Quantum of Solace movie trailer

Content pre-loaded onto the memory stick:

• Newswraps x 3 (behind the scenes interviews and footage from the movie and it’s stars)
• Wallpapers x 5
• Screensaver x 1
• Activision trailer
• “Top Agent” game

Sony Ericsson C902 Cyber-shot™ – At a Glance

C902 Cyber-shot

Camera

• Auto focus
• Auto rotate
• BestPic
• 5 megapixel camera
• 2.5x digital zoom
• Face detection
• Photo fix
• Photo flash
• Picture blogging
• Video recording
• Video light
• Video stabiliser
• Image stabiliser

Music/Entertainment/Navigation

• Media player
• Mega Bass
• Music tones (MP3/AAC)
• PlayNow
• TrackID
• FM radio
• Java
• Media
• Video streaming
• Video viewing
• 3D games

Web/Internet

• Access NetFront Web browser
• RSS feeds

Communication & Messaging

• Polyphonic ringtones
• Speakerphone
• Vibrating alert
• Video calling
• Email
• Instant messaging
• Picture messaging (MMS)
• Predictive text input
• Sound recorder
• Text messaging (SMS)

Design

• Navigation key
• Picture wallpaper
• Wallpaper animation

Connectivity

• Bluetooth technology
• Modem
• Synchronisation
• USB mass storage
• USB support
• PictBridge

Organiser

• Alarm clock
• Calculator
• Calendar
• Flight mode
• Notes
• Phone book
• Stopwatch
• Tasks
• Timer

Accessories

In-Box:

• Battery
• Charger
• USB cable
• Stereo Portable Handsfree
• Wrist strap in leather
• Sony Ericsson PC Suite
• Media Manager
• User guide

Optional:

USB Card Reader CCR-70
Transfer photos and more easily from your phone to a PC.

Bluetooth Headset HBH-PV712
A powerful wireless handsfree with extra Style-up™ cover

GPS-Enabler HGE-100
Add GPS technology to your phone. Know where you are, where you’re going and how to get there

Design Collection IDC-23
Black leather case with a separate credit card compartment, matching hand strap and detachable jewellery

Facts and Figures
Size: 108 x 49 x 10,5 mm
Weight: 107 grams

Colours:
Titanium Silver

Screen: 262,144 colour TFT
Resolution: 240×320 pixels
Size: 2 inches

Phone memory: Up to 160MB
Memory Stick Micro (M2) support

Talk time GSM: Up to 9 hrs
Standby time GSM: Up to 400 hrs

Talk time UMTS: Up to 3.5 hrs
Standby time UMTS: Up to 350 hrs

Availability and Versions

Networks:
UMTS/HSDPA 2100

GSM/GPRS/EDGE
850/900/1800/1900

Legal

1) Facts and features may vary depending on local variant.
2) Talk and standby times are affected by network preferences, type of SIM card, connected accessories and various activities e.g. games. Kit contents and colour options may differ from market to market. The full range of accessories may not be available in every market.

© Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB, 2007.

The liquid identity logo, TrackID and PlayNow are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB. Sony, Memory Stick Micro and M2 are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sony Corporation. Ericsson is the trademark or registered trademark of Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson.

TrackID is powered by Gracenote Mobile MusicID. Gracenote and Gracenote Mobile MusicID are trademarks of Gracenote, Inc.

Bluetooth is a trademark or registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG Inc.

Google is a trademark or registered trademark of Google Inc.

Java and all Java-based trademarks and logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc.

Other product and company names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

Any rights not expressly granted herein are reserved. Subject to change without prior notice.

About Sony Ericsson

Sony Ericsson is a top global industry player with sales of over 100 million phones in 2007. Diversity is one of the core strengths of the company, with operations in over 80 countries including manufacturing in China and R&D sites in China, Europe, India, Japan and North America. Sony Ericsson was established as a 50:50 joint venture by Sony and Ericsson in October 2001, with global corporate functions located in London.

EON Productions

EON Productions/Danjaq, LLC, is owned by the Broccoli family and has produced twenty two James Bond films since 1962, including QUANTUM OF SOLACE. The James Bond films, produced by Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, make up the longest running franchise in film history and include the recent blockbuster films GoldenEye, Tomorrow Never Dies, The World is Not Enough, Die Another Day and Casino Royale. EON Productions and Danjaq LLC, are affiliate companies and control all worldwide merchandising of the James Bond franchise.

About Columbia Pictures

Columbia Pictures, part of the Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Group, is a Sony Pictures Entertainment company. Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America (SCA), a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE’s global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution; television production and distribution; digital content creation and distribution; worldwide channel investments; home entertainment acquisition and distribution; operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of filmed entertainment in 67 countries. Sony Pictures Entertainment can be found on the World Wide Web at www.sonypictures.com.

About Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc.

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc., through its operating subsidiaries, is actively engaged in the worldwide production and distribution of motion pictures, television programming, home video, interactive media, music and licensed merchandise. The company owns the world’s largest library of modern films, comprising around 4,100 titles. Operating units include Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc., United Artists Films Inc., Ventanazul, MGM Television Entertainment Inc., MGM Networks Inc., MGM Domestic Networks LLC, MGM Distribution Co, MGM International Television Distribution Inc, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Home Entertainment LLC, MGM ON STAGE, MGM Music, MGM Worldwide Digital Media, MGM Consumer Products and MGM Interactive. In addition, MGM has ownership interests in international TV channels reaching nearly 120 countries. MGM ownership is as follows: Providence Equity Partners (29%), TPG (21%), Sony Corporation of America (20%), Comcast (20%), DLJ Merchant Banking Partners (7%) and Quadrangle Group (3%). For more information, visit www.mgm.com.

Keep your eyes on the CommanderBond.net main page for the most up-to-date and complete coverage of Quantum of Solace.

'Quantum' Title Theme 'Another Way To Die' Sparking Speculation

Yesterday’s announcement naming Jack White and Alicia Keys as the performers of the Quantum of Solace title song, ‘Another Way To Die’, has sparked a flurry of discussion amongst James Bond fans.

Being the first duet in the history of the 007 films, the theme is sure to draw even more attention than usual.

Bond fans and critics have started to voice their opinion on the selection of White and Keys for the job. Ajay Chowdhury, editor of the Kiss Kiss Bang Bang magazine said the choice was not a complete surprise.

‘As usual, the producers have done what was not quite expected,’ he stated. ‘They could have gone for a Bassey-type or Duffy-type–pretty bog-standard Bond stuff–but I think they’re one step ahead of the curve with their choice.’

‘I think it’s an incredibly exciting, intriguing choice.’

The Scotsman film critic Alistair Harkness wasn’t so sure. ‘Generally, the most recent ones have been really bad, so made no impression on the film,’ he said.

Madonna’s ‘Die Another Day’ was probably the worst one ever. It’s the old tunes, the likes of ‘Goldfinger’ and ‘The Spy Who Loved Me’, which are generally most memorable.’

He added: ‘[The title song] can have an impact on the film itself: the classic Bond film starts with an action scene, then you go into an elaborate opening credit and song, which help set the mood for the rest of the movie. If it’s bad, then it detracts from that.’

Young Bond author Charlie Higson also spoke about the song, stating that there hasn’t been a classic Bond theme in quite a while. ‘There were five or six of them that were really fantastic in the early days, like ‘Diamonds Are Forever’, ‘Goldfinger’ and ‘You Only Live Twice’, but I don’t think there’s been a true classic since ‘Nobody Does It Better’ for The Spy Who Loved Me [in 1977].’

‘This pairing [of White and Keys] doesn’t sound that thrilling to me, but let’s not judge it before we’ve heard it. Think what they all said about Daniel Craig and look how good he turned out to be.’

What do you think? Sound off here on the CommanderBond.net Forums.

Keep watching CommanderBond.net for the most up-to-date James Bond news on the web.