'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.

First Four Sean Connery 007 Films At California's New Beverly Cinema

The first four James Bond films staring Sean Connery as Agent 007 are set to be screened at California’s New Beverly Cinema on various dates in August.

Fans can catch Dr. No and From Russia with Love on 3-5 August and Goldfinger and Thunderball 10-11. The complete schedule follows:

• Sunday, 3 August:
• Dr. No – 6:30pm
• From Russia with Love – 8:40pm

• Monday, 4 August:
• Dr. No – 7:30pm
• From Russia with Love – 9:40pm

• Tuesday, 5 August:
• Dr. No – 7:30pm
• From Russia with Love – 9:40pm

• Sunday, 10 August:
• Goldfinger – 6:30pm
• Thunderball – 8:40pm

• Monday, 11 August:
• Goldfinger – 7:30pm
• Thunderball – 9:40pm

General admission is $7.00, $6.00 for students with ID and $4.00 for senior citizens and children.

The New Beverly Cinema is located at 7165 West Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, California 90036. For further information on these James Bond screenings, phone 323-938-4038 or visit the official website.

Keep watching the CommanderBond.net main page for all the latest 007-related news.

'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.

Jack White And Alicia Keys Team Up For 'Quantum of Solace' Theme Song

James Bond producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli today announced that Jack White and Alicia Keys have recorded the title track to Quantum of Solace.

The song, titled “Another Way To Die”, marks the first duet in James Bond soundtrack history. The track was written and produced by White, who also performs the drums on the song.

“Another Way To Die” will appear on the official soundtrack to Quantum of Solace, which will be released on J Records on 28 October, 2008.

Both singers had been previously attached to the Quantum of Solace title track; White in June and Keys earlier this month.

33-year-old White is best known as one half of the alternative rock band The White Stripes. Keys, 28, is an R&B/pop singer with 11 Grammy awards under her belt.

The announcement ends months of speculation as to who would perform the latest 007 title track. Other singers mentioned included The Killers, Duran Duran, Duffy, Annie Lennox, Leona Lewis, Beyoncé and, at length, Amy Winehouse.

The film’s score is being composed by David Arnold, who has composed the music for every James Bond film since 1997’s Tomorrow Never Dies.

The full press release follows.

Jack White and Alicia Keys Team for Quantum of Solace Theme Song

CULVER CITY, Calif., July 29 – Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, producers of the highly anticipated 22nd James Bond adventure Quantum of Solace, announced today that multi-Grammy Award-winning and platinum selling recording artists Jack White of the rock band The White Stripes, and Alicia Keys, have recorded the theme song for the film, which will be released worldwide this November.

Their song, written and produced by Jack White, and titled “Another Way to Die,” will be the first duet in Bond soundtrack history. In addition to writing the song, Jack White is also featured as the drummer on this track. The soundtrack to Quantum of Solace will be released by J Records on October 28, 2008.

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 as well as Paul Haggis and the film’s score will be composed by David Arnold. Wilson and Broccoli said: “We are delighted and pleased to have two such exciting artists as Jack and Alicia, who were inspired by our film to join together their extraordinary talents in creating a unique sound for Quantum of Solace.”

One of the most enigmatic figures in music, Jack White has built a reputation as something of a modern American renaissance man. When Jack White formed The White Stripes with his big sister Meg in 1997, no one could have predicted the journey they would take. A love of early delta blues inspired him to take a minimalist approach to the music, one which included a simple drumming style by Meg as well as a red, white and black color scheme for everything from their stage clothing to their record sleeves.

As lead singer, guitarist and songwriter, Jack has steered the duo to worldwide success. The White Stripes have released 6 critically acclaimed albums and picked up 5 Grammy Awards, including 3 for “Best Alternative Album”: “Elephant” (2004), “Get Behind Me Satan” (2006) & “Icky Thump” (2008). They are also the recipients of 4 MTV Video Music Awards and 2 Brit Awards, including the 2004 award for “Best International Group”. Their hit singles include “Fell In Love with A Girl” (2001), “Seven Nation Army” (2003), and “Icky Thump” (2007). The band is hugely popular all over the world and 2007 saw them perform at arenas across the U.S. and Europe, including a sold out stop at New York City’s famed Madison Square Garden.

In 2005, White formed a second band, The Raconteurs, with Brendan Benson, Jack Lawrence and Patrick Keeler. Described as “a new band of old friends,” The Raconteurs first single, “Steady, As She Goes” was an immediate success and their debut album, “Broken Boy Soldiers,” went on to debut at #7 in the Billboard Album Charts and was nominated for 2 Grammy Awards.

The band toured the world and wound up their 2006 touring schedule playing dates across the U.S. with Bob Dylan. White and Dylan’s mutual appreciation has resulted in several guest performances together. The Raconteurs’ sophomore album, “Consolers Of The Lonely” (2008), also debuted at #7 and spawned the hit single “Salute Your Solution.” White has managed to work with both of his bands simultaneously since 2005, currently working with each on an annual rotation.

While renowned around the globe as a rock performer and songwriter, White is also an award winning record producer and mixer. He has produced all of The White Stripes and Raconteurs recordings to date (the latter with Brendan Benson) and, in 2004, helmed Loretta Lynn’s Van Lear Rose album. In addition to producing the album, White put together Lynn’s band for the recording sessions (which included the rhythm section of The Raconteurs) and appeared himself on guitar and vocals, including the duet “Portland, Oregon” which won the 2005 Grammy for “Best Country Collaboration With Vocals.” Van Lear Rose was awarded the Grammy for “Best Country Album.”

White has appeared in a handful of movie roles, including the Academy Award winning 2003 film Cold Mountain. Director Anthony Minghella cast White as Georgia Thewes on the advice of musical director T Bone Burnett. White’s role was a musical one and he performed several of the movie’s Appalachian songs. In the same year, both members of The White Stripes appeared in director Jim Jarmusch’s Coffee & Cigarettes.

Jack and Meg White played themselves in the vignette titled “Jack Shows Meg His Testla Coil.” In 2006, the duo appeared again in an episode of The Simpsons titled “Jazzy And The Pussycats.” In 2007, White made a cameo as Elvis Presley in the Judd Apatow produced comedy, Walk Hard, and in 2008, he performed on stage in New York City with The Rolling Stones for a scene in Martin Scorceses’ documentary, Shine A Light. White, along with Jimmy Page and The Edge, are featured in Davis Guggenheim’s forthcoming electric guitar documentary, It Might Get Loud, to be theatrically released later this year.

White is the head of his own record label, Third Man Records, which releases both The White Stripes and The Raconteurs around the globe.

Grammy Award-winning, multi-platinum recording artist Alicia Keys has changed the face of popular music since she burst onto the scene in 2001. Keys third studio album, “As I Am,” marked another milestone recording in the young entertainer’s career with over 742,000 units sold during its first week of release. In addition, “As I Am” marks Alicia’s fourth #1 debut on the Billboard Top 200 chart and her biggest sales week to date. Upon the November 2007 release of “As I Am”, Alicia held the prestigious title as the biggest debut for a female R&B artist in SoundScan history, and the highest selling debut for a female artist since 2004. “As I Am” spawned the hit single “No One” which won two Grammy Awards in 2008 for Best R&B Song and Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. Additionally, Keys received four awards at the 2008 NAACP Image Awards, was honored at the first annual BET Honors ceremony, and recently received the 2008 BET Award for Best R&B Female Artist. Enjoying one of the most successful periods in her career with over 5 million copies of “As I Am” sold worldwide, Keys kicked off the “As I Am” Tour presented by Lexus in February 2008 with sold out shows for both the European and US portions of the tour.

Keys will soon be seen opposite Dakota Fanning, Jennifer Hudson and Queen Latifah in Fox Searchlight’s adaptation of Sue Monk Kidd’s best selling novel The Secret Life of Bees which will release on October 17th. Keys made her motion-picture debut in Joe Carnahan’s Smokin’ Aces as Georgia Sykes, a stunning street assassin. She also appeared in the big screen adaptation of the best selling book The Nanny Diaries, opposite Scarlet Johansson, Laura Linney and Paul Giamatti. Keys recently signed a multiyear first-look film production deal at Disney.

Keys first appeared on the music scene in June 2001 with her debut album, “Songs In A Minor”, on Clive Davis’ J Records. The album debuted at the top of the Billboard 200 Chart, selling over 235,000 copies in its first week, and went on to sell more than 10 million units worldwide. Keys’ critically acclaimed sophomore effort, “The Diary of Alicia Keys,” was released in December 2003 and sold over 618,000 copies during its first week of release in the United States. The album is currently seven times platinum.

Throughout her career, Alicia has won eleven Grammy Awards, eleven Billboard Music Awards, three American Music Awards, three World Music Awards, three MTV Video Music Awards, three MTV Europe Awards, three BET Awards, fourteen NAACP Image Awards, two Nickelodeon Teen Choice Awards, seven Soul Train Music Awards, two Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards, one People’s Choice Award, one My VH1 Award and more.

In 2005, Keys also became a New York Times Bestselling author when she released her first published work, Tears for Water: Songbook of Poems & Lyrics by Alicia Keys.

She generously gives her time and energy as an Ambassador and spokesperson for “Keep A Child Alive,” which provides anti-viral drugs to the millions suffering from AIDS in Africa. She also works closely with “Frum Tha Ground Up,” devoted to equipping America’s youth with the tools essential for achieving success on all levels, as well as “Teens in Motion,” a non-profit organization created to offer teens the opportunity to develop their minds and bodies in a safe and secure environment. Born and raised in New York, Alicia graduated from the Professional Performance Arts School in Manhattan at age 16.

The pair will be following in the footsteps of Shirley Bassey, Tom Jones, a-ha, Garbage, and most recently, Chris Cornell.

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

Daniel Craig Included In Vanity Fair's Best Dressed Of 2008 Listing

Daniel Craig has made Vanity Fair’s International Best-Dressed List of 2008.

The James Bond star joins the likes of environmental-policy adviser Zac Goldsmith, Today show anchor Matt Lauer, sports star David Beckham and others on the list.

The magazine specifically pointed out the Tom Ford suit Craig was seen wearing at the premiere of Flashbacks of a Fool earlier this year. The fashion designer has also suited up Craig for his role as 007 in Quantum of Solace.

Recently, Craig was named GQ Magazine’s Best Dressed Man for the second consecutive year in a row.

To see the full Vanity Fair listing, visit their official website.

Keep watching CommanderBond.net for all the latest James Bond 007 coverage.

'Quantum of Solace' – Official Blog Report #19

The official Quantum of Solace blog has been updated today with another crew member from the 22nd James Bond 007 film: David Pountney, artistic director for the Bregenz Festival.

‘I’m the artistic director of the Bregenz Festival,’ Pountney says on location in Austria.

‘This is the incredibly special setting,’ Pountney says in reference to the Bregenz opera house and floating stage which play a role in the Bond film. ‘It’s the largest outdoor stage in Europe. It has an auditorium of 7,000 people here and it’s like a kind of amphitheatre, really. The stage is set into the lake, so the stage is in effect a little island.’

Putting the stage together itself is already a huge operation, but when you add the whole film unit on top of it, then you can see that this is really a rather demanding exercise.’

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

Get Made With MTV – Bond Girl Style

The MTV show ‘Made’ will be putting together a special Bond Girl special in time for the theatrical release of Daniel Craig’s second 007 film, Quantum of Solace.

This is your chance to star in MTV MADE: Bond Girl Special–and be transformed into a supercool Bond Girl. You don’t have to be a model or an actress–just adventurous, fun-loving and ready for action.

How To Enter

All you have to do is upload a video and complete the online casting form. Show us your Bond girl potential with lightning karate moves, undercover style or counter-espionage techniques. Be careful not to hurt yourself, and we won’t be impressed by violence.

Be yourself and remember, it’s what’s inside that makes you a star.

Training

Your intensive two-week programme will give you all the skills you need to be a 21st century Bond Girl. You’ll get expert stunt and combat training, fitness, agility and confidence coaching, a voice coach and even your own personal hair and make-up artist!

There’s even a chance to meet Olga Kurylenko, the female lead in Bond: Quantum of Solace.

Eligibility & Other Details

The closing date for all applications is 23:59 on 10 August 2008. Casting open to residents of the UK, Italy, Spain, Germany, France, the Netherlands and Belgium only.

Applicants must:

• Be aged 18 or over
• Be available to travel to, and attend a casting in, London on or about 16 August 2008
• Be available for filming in their home town commencing on or about 26 August through to on or about 30 August, be able to travel to, and stay in, London commencing on or about 1 September 2008 through to on or about 7 September 2008 and again on or about 29 September (together the “Filming Dates”)
• Make a casting video and complete a registration form and casting questionnaire
• (Full listing available on official website…)

Visit www.mtvbondgirlspecial.com for full details, including rules and regulations, submission guidelines and other information.

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