Aston Martin Prepped For 'Quantum of Solace' Action Scene At Lake Garda

WARNING: Possible spoilers

As previously reported on CommanderBond.net, the Quantum of Solace production has moved to Italy for filming of the spectacular action sequences that will play out during the beginning of the film.

One particular location, Lake Garda will be the sight of a chase involving James Bond’s Aston Martin DBS and several Alfa Romeo 159 TIs. A recent report noted that the ‘most spectacular sequence of all will see Bond’s classic Aston Martin tearing away from the scene of a collision at breakneck speed, leaving behind a car and a truck. The truck then explodes into flames and ends up in the lake.’

The report further added that a specially designed net will catch the truck before it actually lands in the water.’

Now, an article posted at Trentino has posted several exciting photographs of the Aston Martin and Alfa Romeos being prepared for the sequence by Quantum of Solace stuntmen.

There will be five of each vehicle on hand for filming at Lake Garda.

In addition, 007 fans can check out a 30-second video highlighting the preparations being made for the Aston on YouTube:

Watch online at YouTube

14 April has been previously announced as the date filming on this sequence commences.

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

'Quantum of Solace' Chile B-Roll Footage

With Quantum of Solace filming in Chile concluded as of the first week in April, ‘B-Roll’ footage from the location and video interviews with stars Daniel Craig, Olga Kurylenko, Mathieu Amalric and director Marc Forster have been posted online.

Available to view at the Sony EPK website for Quantum of Solace, the B-Roll focuses primarily on filming at the desolate Atacama Desert and the Paranal Observatory–the location of the film’s action-filled finale.

‘It’s good. It’s fantastic,’ said Craig when asked how it felt to have reached the halfway point on his second James Bond film. ‘It genuinely doesn’t seem like it’s been two months since we’ve been in Panama and we’re now in Chile and finished there. I think we got amazing stuff in Panama. How it’ll all fit in–who knows–that’s someone else’s job, but it looks stunning.’

When compared to 2006’s Casino Royale, the locations this time around ‘just gives [Quantum of Solace] a different spin,’ Craig added. ‘The feeling you get on set… we couldn’t recreate this in a studio. I know it works on camera; I know it makes a difference on camera and visually you can’t recreate lighting like this. It’s for real and it shows on screen.’

‘What’s good about this one is that we’re taking the story directly on so I know where [Bond’s] head is at. What’s great about having Marc around is that storytelling is his big thing. He wants the film to make emotional sense.’

‘We’re making a movie very different from Casino Royale which is what we set out to do. We had to do something that was visually different and took us emotionally to a different place … but without losing any of the important Bond things, I mean, it is a James Bond movie.’

‘I love it. I’m having the time of my life.’ – Olga Kurylenko

As previously reported on CommanderBond.net, Kurylenko commented on combatting her fears of stunts as ‘Camille: ‘I’m doing a lot of stunts by myself. I mean, I have Nikki, who’s my double, but I have to do the same thing. It’s incredible how it always starts with me saying “Oh, there’s no way I can do it.” I look at it and it’s like “I can’t do it” and I end up doing it. It’s just amazing because the stunt guys have been so supportive and so nice to me.’

Speaking about their current shooting location, she said: ‘It’s an amazing place. I’m very happy to finally be in Chile after all these years of wanting to visit the country. Of course, I don’t get to go around, but at least I’m here and get to see some bits of it.’

Amalric also agreed: ‘It looks like the first James Bond location. It would be the island in Dr. No? Sort of this secret place.’

‘The locations here in Chile are really, really beautiful,’ said Forster. ‘In a sense, we’re shooting at a desert and it’s sort of a reflection of Bond’s character and self because the desert always brings in a certain loneliness and certain solitude. That loneliness and solitude reflect where Bond is at this point.’

Speaking about the Latin actors in the film, Forster said: ‘We have some Mexican actors who play General Medrano and his henchman, Orso, which is Jesus [Ochoa] and Joaquín [Cosio] and they’ve sort of coupled their look together. Well-built men and I think they serve the parts very well.’

‘What I love really about the movie is that we have a mixture of actors all over the world. It’s very unique.’ – Marc Forster

‘Then we have Fernando [Guillen Cuervo] from Spain who plays the Chief of Police and we have a lovely receptionist here played by Oona [Chaplin], so I think we have a very nice mixture of Latin actors.’

Visit the Sony EPK website for Quantum of Solace to view the B-Roll footage and all four interviews.

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

Licenced To Thrill: James Bond Weekend At Lake Garda

As many fans are well aware, the Quantum of Solace cast and crew will be shooting at Italy’s Lake Garda mid-month for the film’s thrilling opening sequence.

As an added bonus, a ‘James Bond Weekend’ will be taking place at the same time. Highlighting the life and work of Ian Fleming as part of the centenary celebrations being put together this year, the event will include discussions with 007 continuation author Raymond Benson, Quantum of Solace second-unit director Dan Bradley and much more. Click here for further details.

Details on how fans can get in on this Bond experience have been posted at Easier:

Lake Garda Break Has A Licence To Thrill

Leading online tour operator key2holidays is offering an exclusive 007 experience to attend a James Bond weekend in Lake Garda during the filming of the new James Bond movie, Quantum of Solace. The movie will be shot in Lake Garda from 15 to 20 April 2008 when 007 enthusiasts will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Ian Fleming’s birth as well as an opportunity to see the set and rub shoulders with the cast and crew.

key2holidays is offering an exclusive holiday to 4* Hotel Villa Sostaga for five nights from 15 to 20 April for the James Bond weekend. Hotel Villa Sostaga is situated right on Lake Garda in the village of Gargnano, the location for the majority of the filming, and is also the perfect destination for guests looking for a relaxing holiday.

The package includes a complete James Bond itinerary so fans can really make the most of the celebrations. Highlights include the opening of the James Bond exhibit and guided tour, an encounter with Raymond Benson – the US novelist who continues the work of Ian Fleming, and a film presentation and viewing at the Museum of Tourism.

The special package is priced from just £580 per person and includes:

• Return flights from London Stansted
• 5 days car hire
• Five nights bed and breakfast accommodation in a deluxe double room

Depart on 15 April to take advantage of the James Bond activities on Lake Garda, or visit the region at any time to see where the film was made.

For further details visit key2holidays.co.uk.

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

Daniel Craig In 'Quantum' Action Sequence In Siena

WARNING: Possible spoilers

As reported by CommanderBond.net last week, Quantum of Solace filming in Siena, Italy for one of the film’s major action sequences was moving into full swing as brief glimpses of a scene were posted on YouTube.

Today, a second stunt video has been added online. The 23-second clip shows Daniel Craig climbing a drainpipe as he chases after an enemy who is running across rooftops higher up.

Watch online at YouTube

The James Bond production will be spending much of the month in Italy after filming wrapped in Chile this past Thursday.

For further, in depth details about the Quantum of Solace filming in Siena, check out CBn’s overview: Part I | Part II.

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

100 More Bond Films With Daniel Craig, Says Broccoli

Following up his recent coments that he’ll be sticking around as James Bond as long as the quality of the films does not decline, Daniel Craig spoke more about finding ‘solace’ in 007 to MSN Movies.

‘I love the fact we are doing James Bond,’ Craig said. ‘I could deny it all my life that I wasn’t a huge fan. I have grown up with the franchise. Some of my favorite movies are Bond movies, and, as an actor, it’s a huge challenge, but also a huge honor.’

On location at the Chile’s desolate Atacama Desert for filming of the climactic finale in Quantum of Solace, Craig mentions that he’s been training almost every day of the week in order to keep up with the demands of the production.

‘I’d like to train here, because of the altitude. It’s not easy, but apparently it’s really good to do,’ he said.

Double The Action?

When asked about the mention of ‘double the action’ when compared to 2006’s Casino Royale, a line that the press and many Bond fans alike have latched onto, Craig replies (with producer Barbara Broccoli at his side): ‘They keep saying it’s twice the action. I just think that’s producer speak. Certainly, we’ve upped the rate. I’ve been involved with it as much as I physically can. But we also have the best stuntmen in the world here who are doing the real thing.’

One of the drawbacks for the widespread press and fan coverage Quantum of Solace is receiving in each of the shooting locations.

After having to switch hotels several times in Panama to escape the press, similar situations have occurred while in the Antofagasta region of Chile. Producer Michael G. Wilson mentions a recent example where Craig and director Marc Forster were ‘attacked by the press and almost driven off the road.’

‘The simple answer is I’ll do them until she tells me to stop.’ – Daniel Craig

‘You go from a person who can relatively walk the streets with relative ease to someone who needs to have people around him. Like any of us, he doesn’t like that type of notoriety,’ said Wilson.

Craig quickly brushes the situation aside when asked for his comment on it.

100 More Bond Films

Besides the usual questions about what to expect from the 22nd James Bond film, the topic of how many more 007 adventures after that for Craig is brought up. Before the question is even asked however, Craig quickly responds: ‘Twelve!’

‘He’s doing 100 more,’ Broccoli interjects.

‘The simple answer is I’ll do them until she tells me to stop,’ Craig then adds.

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

Medical Students Assist On 'Quantum of Solace' Set

According to a report from the GW Hatchet, residents in George Washington University’s School of Medicine and Health Science’s emergency medicine program had the unusual opportunity to assist during the recent filming of Quantum of Solace.

The residents worked as physicians to the cast and crew on the 22nd James Bond film, rotating through one-week stints for six weeks during filming in Chile and Panama.

‘During the stunts people broke legs and arms,’ said Christopher Lang, an emergency medicine professor who oversaw the residents who worked in Chile. ‘There was dehydration and skin infection. If someone needed further attention, we made sure that the hospitals had the appropriate standard of care and communicated with the doctors.’

The residents acted as backup to the normally staffd nurses on the 007 production. Professor Raymond Lucas oversaw the medical care in Panama.

Dr. James D’Orta, chairman and chief executive officer of Consumer Health Services and an adjunct professor of emergency medicine, spent part of his residency at GW. As an interesting bit of Bond trivia, he is also cousin to producer Barbara Broccoli.

‘She called me and was concerned about the medical care in Central and South America for her cast and crew,’ D’Orta said. ‘I know about the quality of GW’s emergency medicine program and asked Dr. Shesser, the chair of the department of emergency medicine, if we could use the residents with some faculty backup. He said “yes”.’

Praising GW’s emergency medicine program, D’Orta said: ‘They reviewed the scenes with action stunts and gave technical advice that averted disaster and prevented serious injury.’

As a thank you to the faculty and residents who assisted on set, D’Orta’s family has extended them an invitation to a special pre-premiere screening of Quantum of Solace for cast and crewmembers in London later this year.

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

Behind The Scenes Of 'Quantum' With Location Manager James Grant

A two-minute long behind-the-scenes production blog with location manager James Grant has appeared online at AOL Video.

Grant, who is the Panama location manager on Quantum of Solace, gives fans a brief look at what is required for his job on a production as large as a James Bond film.

Grant informs fans that he’s been in the country since October of last year in order to coordinate the specific locations required at Panama City and Colón for the Quantum of Solace shoot.

He explains that it’s his job to be aware of the many logistics of a large production at the locations and coordinate and communicate with local businesses and residences in order to hopefully avoid any problems.

Click here to watch the full video.

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

The Sun Says 'Quantum' Singer Is Amy Winehouse

Every James Bond film has it’s share of rumours, some more far-fetched than others. Quantum of Solace is no exception.

One particular rumour that has stuck with the 22nd 007 film since late 2006 is that Amy Winehouse would be performing the title song.

Now, according to a source for The Sun, Winehouse, along with producer Mark Ronson (who contributed heavily on her five-time Grammy award winning album Back to Black), will write and record the newest Bond theme. The two will supposedly begin work at Ronson’s country retreat in Henley in the next few days.

The source said: ‘Amy and Mark are really excited. They see this as the biggest thing they have ever done.’

‘Mark collected her clothes and guitar to take to his place. She will join him soon and they will lock themselves away to write and record the song.

‘They have no idea what they’re going to do. In true Amy fashion, they’re going to busk it. But I’m sure it will be brilliant. The new Bond film is supposed to be really dark so Amy will fit the bill perfectly. They’ve got a great understanding. She comes up with a basic idea and he makes it happen.’

As a general note, it’s important to keep in mind that this rumour has not been confirmed by Quantum of Solace composer David Arnold or anyone else associated with the film.

Bond fans are only too well aware that there are often endless artists who are reportedly ‘confirmed’ at one point or another. What makes the Winehouse case interesting is a quote from producer Michael G. Wilson in the April 2008 edition of Total Film magazine. When asked about the possibility of her involvement, he replied: ‘She could do a wonderful job. We’ll have to wait and see if she can do it.’

Former Bond performer Paul McCartney endorsed Winehouse in March, saying: ‘I think Amy Winehouse would be really good, and I think she would do a really good job.’

In the case of 2006’s Casino Royale, Chris Cornell wasn’t offcially confirmed until late July of that year, so it may be a while until we know for certain whether this rumour is fact or fiction.

Just keep your eyes on the CommanderBond.net main page and we’ll keep you updated.

SPOILERS: No Quantum Of Solace For Dominic Greene

WARNING: Major spoilers

Pretty big spoiler-news following. You’ve been warned.

Quantum of Solace villain Mathieu Amalric has mentioned on several occasions in the past couple months that his character, Dominic Greene, will differ from past villains in the James Bond series when it comes to battling with 007.

‘He was supposed to have a secret skill. But we had this idea that maybe James Bond would be more surprised if the villain doesn’t know how to fight. Sometimes with anger you can be much more dangerous than with skill… I’m going to fight like in school,’ he stated previously.

As explained in the recent USA Today report, the finale of Quantum of Solace takes place in the Atacama Desert in Chile, with Daniel Craig’s Bond pursuing Greene throughout his ‘eco-hotel’ headquarters (the Paranal Observatory in reality).

A newly posted set report at AOL News appears to shed a lot of light on how Greene meets his end in the film, stating that ‘after getting the bad end of his own ax in a fight, [he] limps alone in a stark desert [and] stumbles to the red, rocky ground.’

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

Marc Forster Not Planning On Return For 'Bond 23'

WARNING: Major spoilers

Although it may be a long way off, brief little tidbits on Bond 23 are starting to pop up during the production of the current James Bond adventure.

According to new set reports from Yahoo (1 and 2), Quantum of Solace director Marc Forster has stated that isn’t planning on returning for the next 007 film.

‘If I would ever do a big movie again in that size,’ he said, ‘it has to be my own franchise, which I would create from scratch, which I would cast, create the look and really create the franchise on my own.’

Producer Michael G. Wilson also added that he expects the Bond production to pause for at least a year following ‘Quantum‘. ‘I need a break for a little while,’ he stated.

Action and Romance

The other major news centers on the relationship between Daniel Craig’s 007 and Olga Kurylenko’s Camille–the first leading Bond girl that will reportedly not share a single kiss with Bond in the film.

After previously describing her character as bit feisty and independent, Kurylenko further characterized Camille as a Bond girl with a ‘masculine spirit.’

‘When she meets Bond, it clashes,’ she said. ‘She’s careful and she doesn’t trust that easily. So basically with men, she either uses them, or if they’re no use, and she sees that they can’t serve her, then she throws them away.’

‘It’s not like we’re making some sort of big action romance here,’ said Craig. ‘This is a Bond movie first of all. You have to apply the Bond equation, which is that we have to have as much action as we possibly can that fits in with the story, which makes sense.’

‘There’s a theme in the movie, which is about shortages in the world and how people are abusing them and this sets it up quite nicely really…’ – Daniel Craig

Craig continued, regarding the film’s finale in Chile’s Atacama Desert: ‘I’m bruised up from the fight scenes, but that’s part of the deal. I wouldn’t have done the movie without going all the way.’

‘We’re not making a kitchen sink drama here. We are making a Bond movie. What Marc wanted and the producers and what I wanted is to bring back a visual flair to the movie, so that every frame in every shot that we see is beautiful. And there may be things exploding, but they’re good to look at.’

Emotional Tone

With filming now completed in Chile, the cast and crew have reached the halfway point in the production. Craig mentioned that the tone is lighter than 2006’s Casino Royale–but only slightly.

‘It’s kind of Bond’s journey into, at first we think it’s vengeance, but it goes somewhere else,’ he said. ‘They’ve killed the love of his life, this organization, and we don’t know who this organization are, and he needs to find out who they are. And it’s for personal reasons but also professional reasons.’

The Best Gadget There Is

According to Craig, Quantum of Solace continues the pattern that began in Casino Royale of placing less emphasis on gadgets. ‘The Aston Martin’s there, and that’s still the best gadget we have.’

‘I want them to stand alone and be good films. As long as that continues, then we’ll keep making them. And if it doesn’t, then we’ll stop.’ – Daniel Craig, planning to stick around as 007

Forster also commented on the stylistic look of the film, comparing it to 1962’s Dr. No (a film that villain Mathieu Amalric also brought up when talking specifically about the Paranal Observatory as Dominic Greene’s headquarters).

‘I want to go back to the 60s and 70s thriller look,’ the director stated.

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