'My Word Is My Bond' UK And New York Book Signings

Last month, CommanderBond.net reported that Sir Roger Moore would be embarking upon a worldwide tour to promote his upcoming autobiography, My Word Is My Bond, scheduled for publication in October.

Today we can update 007 fans with dates and locations for the book signings that will take place in the UK and New York.

As a general note, Sir Roger will only be signing copies of My Word Is My Bond, and not other James Bond-related books. Queues will be formed on a first come, first served basis.

UK

Wednesday, 15 October 2008
5:30pm
Waterstones Piccadilly
203-206 Piccadilly
W1J 9LE

Friday, 17 October 2008
5:30pm
Waterstones Bluewater
West Village, Greenhithe
Bluewater DA9 9SE

Wednesday, 22 October 2008
1:30pm
Waterstones Norwich (Castle Street)
11-17 Castle Street
Norwich NR2 1PB

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New York City

Friday, 7 November 2008
12:30pm
Barnes & Noble
555 Fifth Ave at 46th St
New York, NY 10017

Saturday, 8 November 2008
7:00pm
Book Revue (Talk/Q & A/Booksigning)
313 New York Ave
Huntington, NY 11743

Tuesday, 11 November 2008
7:00pm
Bookends (Talk/Book Signing)
232 E. Ridgewood Ave
Ridgewood, NJ 07450

Additionally, Sir Roger will also be signing his autobiography after his discussion at London’s National Theatre on 16 October. Further details available here.

My Word is My Bond will be published on 2 October in the UK and 4 November in the US. Pre-order online:

• Order the UK hardback edition of My Word is My Bond from Amazon.co.uk
• Order the UK paperback edition of My Word is My Bond from Amazon.co.uk
• Order the US hardback edition of My Word is My Bond from Amazon.com

Ford Ka's Cameo Role In 'Quantum of Solace'

It was first reported on the CommanderBond.net main page back in April that the 22nd James Bond film, Quantum of Solace, would feature Ford’s new model, the Ford Ka.

A newly announced press release now confirms the appearance, adding that the vehicle will be seen in the film alongside leading Bond girl Camille (played by Olga Kurylenko).

The full release follows:

JAMES BOND MOVIE ROLE FOR NEW FORD KA

The highly-anticipated new James Bond adventure, Quantum of Solace, will feature a cameo appearance from Ford’s fresh-faced new model, the all-new Ford Ka.

Ford’s cheeky new small car will make its screen debut alongside the film’s beautiful but feisty leading lady, Olga Kurylenko. Kurylenko plays Camille, a woman with her own personal mission and who quickly becomes an unlikely ally for Bond.

The Quantum of Solace Ka is unique with metallic gold paint and an exclusive exterior graphics and interior trim combination.

“The new Ka is the perfect match for the character of Camille–adventurous, individual and thoroughly modern,” says Ford of Europe’s Chief Operating Officer, Stephen Odell. “We are delighted that the launch of the film coincides with the launch of such a significant new model for Ford of Europe.”

The special ‘Quantum of Solace’ Ka was created by Ford of Europe’s Design team, in collaboration with the movie’s Oscar award-winning production designer, Dennis Gassner. The Ka’s cameo continues Ford of Europe’s relationship with the James Bond films, following the debut appearance of the latest Ford Mondeo, in the 2006 blockbuster, Casino Royale.

Twelve years after the original Ford Ka wowed customers with its modern spirit and what has proved to be a remarkably age-less design, its successor looks set to repeat its impact.

The new model retains all the qualities which made the Ka so popular–compact size, great looks, lively dynamics and fun personality–but presents them in a fresh new package. Further technical details of the new Ford Ka will be revealed closer to launch later in 2008.

Quantum of Solace is produced for EON Productions by Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli and distributed by Sony Pictures Entertainment.

Directed by Marc Forster, the film stars Daniel Craig as the legendary secret agent, James Bond and opens in the UK and France on October 31st, then elsewhere November 7th.

The all-new Ka enjoys the spotlight of its own at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, on October 2.

CommanderBond.net will continue to keep you up-to-date with all the latest news regarding Quantum of Solace. Just keep your eyes on the main page for complete coverage.

Barbara Broccoli Appointed To UK Film Council Board

Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson

Barbara Broccoli has been appointed to the board of the UK Film Council according to a BBC News report.

Broccoli, who currently produces the James Bond films along with step-brother Michael G. Wilson, has become one of the UK film industry’s most successful producers.

Her appointment to the board was made by Culture Minister Margaret Hodge, and will run for four years. Stewart Till, chairman of the UK Film Council, said he was ‘absolutely delighted’ at Broccoli’s appointment.

‘She’s produced some of the most successful films in the world,’ he said. ‘Her understanding of how big budget British films get financed out of Hollywood is extensive and unique. Barbara will be an enormous asset for the UK Film Council in our efforts to attract inward investment into the UK film production sector.’

Her first credited role in the 007 series was on Octopussy, where she was an executive assistant. She continued this role for A View to a Kill. For The Living Daylights and Licence To Kill, she served as an associate producer along with Bond regular Tom Pevsner.

From GoldenEye onwards, she has acted as producer along with Wilson. The pair were honoured with OBE awards earlier this year for services to the film industry.

Keep your eye on the CBn main page for all the latest James Bond news and coverage.

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'

Director Marc Forster

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…’

Quantum of Solace

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.

007 Gets Revamped In 'Casino Royale' Collector's Edition

It was back in March of this year that the listing of special features that would accompany the all-new three-disc collector’s edition of Casino Royale was revealed.

Today, CommanderBond.net gives James Bond fans a much more indepth look at all the extras that will be featured on this three-disc DVD/two-disc Blu-ray release. Special highlights include never-before-seen footage in the deleted and extended scenes, new documentaries, audio commentaries and much more.

The full breakdown follows below:

“007” GETS REVAMPED IN HIGH-STAKES EXTRAVAGANZA

CASINO ROYALE
COLLECTOR’S EDITION

Arrives on DVD & Blu-ray High-Def October 21st,
Fully-Loaded With Extended/Deleted Scenes, Filmmaker Profiles,
“Making of” Documentaries and Much More!

The most successful James Bond movie ever gets a first-class upgrade when Casino Royale Collector’s Edition arrives on DVD and Blu-ray High-Def October 21, 2008. Daniel Craig (Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, Munich) transforms himself into the urbane and sophisticated Agent 007 for this adrenaline-filled adaptation of Ian Fleming’s first James Bond novel. Audiences revel in the heart-stopping action of Bond’s initial assignment with his license to kill. A box office smash and home entertainment chart-topper, the Collector’s Edition of Casino Royale offers a “Double-O” dose of extra features, plus free e-Movie Cash to see the next Bond installment, Quantum of Solace, in theaters November 7, 2008.

Craig and leading lady Eva Green (Kingdom of Heaven, The Dreamers) breathe new life into the Bond saga, as director Martin Campbell (GoldenEye, The Legend of Zorro) captures all their sizzling chemistry on film. The complex action-thriller also stars Oscar winner and six-time Academy Award nominee Judi Dench (Die Another Day, Shakespeare In Love), who returns to the Bond franchise as “M”, 007’s steely superior at the British Secret Service, and veteran actor Mads Mikkelsen (Exit, Prague), as Le Chiffre, the devious mastermind behind a terrorist banking scheme. The film also introduces the audience to former Miss Italy finalist Caterina Murino, making her steamy American film debut as one of the latest Bond Girls.

Casino Royale Collector’s Edition is bursting with over seven hours of spectacular extras not featured in the original DVD and Blu-ray release, including new documentaries, never-before-seen footage and in-depth profiles of the filmmakers. Taking full advantage of the interactive capabilities offered by advanced Blu-ray technology, Casino Royale Collector’s Edition also offers exclusive material found only on the Blu-ray version: a Bonus View picture-in-picture visual commentary with Director Martin Campbell and Producer Michael G. Wilson, as well as “Know Your Double-O,” a BD-Live enabled multi-skill level, multi-player trivia game that pits Bond fans around the world against one another in a game that will entertain both casual fans and experts alike. This can’t-miss deluxe edition will be available October 21 on 3-disc DVD at a SRP of $29.95 and 2-disc BD at a SRP of $38.96.

Casino Royale Synopsis:
Casino Royale introduces James Bond (Craig) in “00” status. “M” (Dench), head of the British Secret Service, sends Bond on his first mission as 007, leading him to Le Chiffre (Mikkelsen), banker to the world’s terrorists. In order to bring down the terrorist network, Bond must beat Le Chiffre in a high-stakes poker game at Casino Royale. Bond teams with a beautiful treasury official, Vesper Lynd (Green), as he risks millions of Her Majesty’s money, all too aware that should he lose, the funds will strengthen and embolden the very terrorists they hope to stop. As Bond and Vesper survive a series of nearly lethal attacks by Le Chiffre and his henchmen, a mutual affection develops, leading Bond to a terrifying confrontation with his own mortality. As Bond becomes closer to Vesper, he questions his desire to remain a secret agent, leading to a heart-stopping conclusion unlike any Bond film before.

EXCLUSIVE BLU-RAY SPECIAL FEATURES INCLUDE:

• Bonus View Picture-in-Picture visual commentary with Director Martin Campbell and Producer Michael G. Wilson
• “Know Your Double-O” – the Ultimate James Bond Trivia Quiz, a BD-Live enabled multi-skill level, multi-player trivia game

BD & DVD SPECIAL FEATURES INCLUDE:

Documentaries

• Ian Fleming’s Incredible Creation – A remarkable look at the birth and continued success of James Bond, including never-before-revealed information about Bond’s creator and the origins of 007.
• The Road to Casino Royale – The story of why it took over 50 years for the Bond filmmakers to bring Ian Fleming’s first 007 novel to the big screen, featuring the amazing behind-the-scenes stories of the many attempts to make the film.
• James Bond in the Bahamas – A fascinating examination of the links between the the cinematic Bond and the Bahamas, with never-before-told behind-the-scenes stories from Casino Royale, Goldfinger, Thunderball, You Only Live Twice, For Your Eyes Only and The World Is Not Enough.
• Ian Fleming: The Secret Road to Paradise – A revealing exploration of the world of James Bond’s creator. In this documentary, discover why Ian Fleming was drawn to the Bahamas, and learn the cinematic Casino Royale‘s unique link to an important chapter in 007’s secret history.
• Death in Venice – A break down of one of the key scenes in the film.
• Becoming Bond – An intimate look at how Daniel Craig stepped into the role of James Bond.
• James Bond: For Real – A behind-the-scenes look at the ground-breaking action and the stunts in Casino Royale.
• Bond Girls Are Forever – An extended version of the 2002 AMC television special, with new footage and interviews of the new Bond Girls.

• Featurettes:
• The Art of Freerunning – An in-depth look at the freerunning chase and the freerunning technique with the sport’s founder, Sebastien Foucan.

• Filmmaker Profiles: in-depth conversations with key creative forces behind Casino Royale, including never-before-seen behind-the-scenes footage:
• Martin Campbell, Director
• Chris Corbould, Special Effects
• Phil Meheux, Director of Photography
• Gary Powell, Stunt Coordinator
• Alexander Witt, Second Unit Director
• David Arnold, Composer

• Deleted/Extended Scenes:
• “Rescue & Recovery”
• “Squandering Government Funds”
• “Cricket Pavilion”
• “Gettler Raises Bond’s Suspicions”

• Storyboard Sequence:
• Freerunning Chase – Watch the storyboards presented in animatic form, or view them in comparison to the finished film sequence.

• Scene Deconstruction:
• Catching a Plane: From Storyboard to Screen – featuring outtakes and never-before-seen footage.

• Music Video: Chris Cornell “You Know My Name”

• Crew Commentary: Audio Commentary with scene-specific comments and observations from many of Casino Royale‘s creative team.

Casino Royale was directed by Martin Campbell (GoldenEye, The Legend of Zorro); produced by Michael G. Wilson (Die Another Day, Tomorrow Never Dies); written by Neal Purvis (screenplay – The World Is Not Enough, Die Another Day), Robert Wade (screenplay – The World Is Not Enough, Die Another Day) and Paul Haggis (screenplays – In the Valley of Elah, Crash); and stars Daniel Craig (Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, Munich), Eva Green (Kingdom of Heaven, The Dreamers), Judi Dench (Die Another Day, Shakespeare In Love) and Mads Mikkelsen (Exit, Prague).

About Sony Pictures Home Entertainment

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is a Sony Pictures Entertainment company. SPE is a division of Sony Corporation of America, a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE’s global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution; television production and distribution; digital contest 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 http://www.sonypictures.com.

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.

Casino Royale Three-Disc Collector’s Edition
Complete CommanderBond.net Coverage
Latest news, cover artwork, worldwide release dates, ordering details, special features and much more.

• Order the Casino Royale Collector’s Edition (Blu-ray) from Amazon.co.uk
• Order the Casino Royale Collector’s Edition (DVD) from Amazon.com
• Order the Casino Royale Collector’s Edition (Blu-ray) from Amazon.com

Stay tuned to the CommanderBond.net main page for the most up-to-date and complete coverage of the Casino Royale Collector’s Edition DVD/Blu-ray release.

New 'Quantum of Solace' Photos Emerge Online

Daniel Craig is James Bond in Quantum of Solace

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.

'Casino Royale' Collector's Edition Available For US Pre-order

Casino Royale

The three-disc Collector’s Edition DVD and Blu-ray disc release of Casino Royale is now available for pre-order in the US.

This brand new release is slated to hit stores on 21 October 2008, just a few weeks before Daniel Craig’s second James Bond film, Quantum of Solace, debuts in theatres.

The three-disc Casino Royale Collector’s Edition will retail for $29.95 (DVD) and $38.96 (Blu-ray). Both formats are currently available to pre-order (although Amazon.com currently has the Blu-ray version mistakenly labeled as a DVD).

• Order the Casino Royale Collector’s Edition (DVD) from Amazon.com
• Order the Casino Royale Collector’s Edition (Blu-ray) from Amazon.com

Casino Royale Three-Disc Collector’s Edition
Complete CommanderBond.net Coverage
Latest news, cover artwork, worldwide release dates, ordering details, special features and more.

Stay tuned to the CommanderBond.net main page for the most up-to-date and complete coverage of this Casino Royale Collector’s Edition DVD/Blu-ray release.

'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.