'Quantum of Solace' – Official Blog Report #5

The official Quantum of Solace blog has been updated today with another crew member from the 22nd James Bond film: director of photography Roberto Schaefer.

Describing his job, Schaefer states: ‘Besides directing the photography, you’re directing the lighting, the camera positions, movement, setting up the shots…’

‘The process is organic, but it also has a base proecedure that’s built into it so that we don’t just arrive here on the day of shooting and start saying “Well, what should we do?”‘

After a brief scene showing Schaefer and director Marc Forster in discussion, he said: ‘Marc and I wil go through a scene and he’ll tell me how he wants to block it.’

‘After about the first week of shooting, looking at the dailies, I was suddenly hit that we were doing a very retro, future kind of Bond film. I guess we’re just trying to make it visually stimulating.’

In addition to working together on Quantum of Solace, Schaefer has been the director of photography on almost all of Forster’s previous films, including The Kite Runner, Stranger Than Fiction and Monster’s Ball.

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

Aston Martin DBS Accidentally Plunges Into Lake Garda

In one of the more shocking bits of news related to the Quantum of Solace, one of the Aston Martin DBS vehicles accidentally flew off a lakeside road and plunged into Italy’s Lake Garda this past morning.

An official release detailing the event:

Bond car plunges into Lake Garda

James Bond’s iconic Aston Martin has been fished out of Lake Garda in northern Italy.

It had plunged into the water while being driven to the set of the latest 007 film.

Producers of Quantum of Solace, which stars Daniel Craig, said the car was being delivered to the set in heavy rain when the vehicle veered off the lakeside road.

Italian TV has shown footage of the smashed, black car being hoisted out of the water.

Producers said the driver was taken to a hospital with minor injuries.

The film is due for release later this year.

The car smashed through 20 meters of protective railings and fell 8 meters before hitting the lake, where it then sunk an additional 55 meters. Luckily, the driver in the Aston at the time, Fraser Dunn, was able to get himself out of the car before it hit the water.

Quantum of Solace executive producer Anthony Waye stated that Dunn suffered superficial wounds and would be released from the hospital soon.

Click the following links to view the Aston Martin being retrieved from the lake:

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

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

Videos: Aston Martin On 'Quantum of Solace' Set At Lake Garda

WARNING: Possible spoilers

As 007 fans are no doubt aware, much of the Quantum of Solace filming this month has been centered around the Aston Martin DBS at Italy’s Lake Garda.

James Bond’s iconic car will have a starring role in the film’s opening chase sequence and CommanderBond.net has come across not one, not two, but three videos highlighting the preparations and filming of the sequence.

Along with several new photographs of the Bond car posted here on the CBn Forums, the first video is available to watch online at Mediaset Video.

The following two can both be found online at YouTube. As a special note, the third video highlights the bullet holes in one of the (many!) Aston Martin vehicles that are an aftereffect from the action scene. Check them out:

Video 2:

Video 3:

As previously noted on CBn, a local 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.’

A follow-up article adds that more than 50 cars will be involved in crash in the sequence.

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

George Lazenby presents… Goldeneye

Written by Paul Rowlands

‘Goldeneye’ is of course not only the title of Pierce Brosnan’s 1995 debut as 007. It was also the moniker of Ian Fleming’s Jamaican summer retreat where he would pen the Bond adventures annually. The name had been inspired by either one or both of the following—a World War II contingency plan devised by Fleming in case Germany ever invaded Spain (dubbed ‘Operation Goldeneye’) and a book by Carson McCullers (Reflections in a Golden Eye) that Fleming was reading whilst the house was being built.

But was ‘Goldeneye’ limited to these uses and inspirations?

Nope. It’s also the title of a 1989 TV film biography (it was subtitled The Secret Life of Ian Fleming for US video, and is known as Spymaster – The Man with the Golden Pen in Australia) that premièred on UK television in summer 1989, around the time Licence to Kill was in cinemas. The film is based on John Pearson’s 1966 biography, The Life of Ian Fleming, and features Charles Dance (For Your Eyes Only, 1981) as Fleming, Julian Fellowes (Tomorrow Never Dies, 1997) as Noel Coward, and Roger Moore’s daughter, Deborah (Die Another Day, 2002), in a small role as a secretary. Anthony Waye (long-time 007 crew member and current executive producer) was the associate producer.

The film is an entertaining blend of fact and fiction (note the references to iconography that Eon Productions created and not Fleming!), which benefits greatly from being filmed at the actual Goldeneye location, and from an excellent performance from Charles Dance as Fleming. He looks like him, and somehow manages to get a handle on the man’s unshakeable spirit. It’s been rumoured that Dance could have been a contender for Bond in 1986 had he not criticised director John Glen’s directing skills on TV and so unimpressed ‘Cubby’ Broccoli. (Read John Glen’s biography For My Eyes Only for further details.) The film focusses on his World War II exploits, his love life and the inspirations that led to him creating Bond, James Bond.

What perhaps many Bond fans do not know is that when the film premièred on US television, after a brief spoken word trailer for the film, there was a two-minute introduction to the film from none other than… George Lazenby.

Looking very Bondian in a black dinner jacket, Lazenby slowly walks into what looks like an empty casino room, reading the opening passage from Casino Royale. Just as he finishes up, he is sitting down and puts the book down. The following is a transcript of his introduction:

“Hello. I’m George Lazenby, and for the next two hours we’re going to take you behind the myth of the man responsible for giving the world a secret agent who forever changed the way we think about spies.

In fact, the words I just read came from Casino Royale, the first Bond thriller, written back in the early days of the Cold War. Published in 1953, it introduced a sexy, sophiticated, ruthless, world-class superspy totally unlike the unglamorous, hardboiled private investigators popular until that time.

Since then, authors like Robert Ludlum, Frederick Forsyth and Tom Clancy chose to follow in Fleming’s footsteps, writing fast-paced, hi-tech, international thrillers, all clearly inspired by the larger-than-life adventures Fleming himself had created for Bond.

But Ian Fleming was the first and perhaps the best. His incredible, vivid stories spanned the globe, introducing an array of marvellous gadgets, and a cast of unforgettable characters such as Pussy Galore, Goldfinger, Dr. No, Tiffany Case—memorable villains and even more memorable women. Each an important part of the Bond mystique.

Yet it was not until 1960, when John Kennedy ran for President and he mentioned he liked James Bond that Fleming’s creation caught on in America. Then came the movies and the international Bondmania that has lasted until this day.

By the way, I portrayed 007 in the film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service and saw first hand the incredible impact of the Bond phenomenon.

How did it all begin? What kind of man was Fleming? In Goldeneye we find out just what led this individual to create the world’s most beloved secret agent.

Bond, James Bond.” (smile.)

So, technically, Lazenby uttered those famous words in more than his single Bond film.

Winehouse Spokesperson Denies Rumours

It’s been a rumour dating back to late 2006, but a spokesperson for Amy Winehouse today denied claims the singer is currently recording the title track to this year’s James Bond movie, Quantum of Solace.

The representative tells People, “Amy has been in the studio working on songs for her new album with [producer] Mark Ronson. Recording for anything else is pure speculation.”

The rumour mill went into overdrive last week when British rag The Sun proclaimed the artist and her producer were headed Ronson’s country retreat in Henley to begin laying down the track.

The news comes despite a quote 007 producer Michael G. Wilson in the April edition of Total Film magazine: “[Amy] could do a wonderful job. We’ll have to wait and see if she can do it.”

A poll on the CBn Forums found that over 64 percent of respondents would approve of Winehouse performing the Quantum of Solace theme song.

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

No Difference Between Bond Blockbusters And Indie Films, Says Daniel Craig

What’s the difference in working on a mammoth James Bond production like Quantum of Solace and a British indie film such as Flashbacks of a Fool?

Not much, according to Daniel Craig.

In a new interview at Rotten Tomatoes, the 007 star discussed working on both films; Flashbacks of a Fool having just premiered this past week and Quantum of Solace due out in October/November.

‘I honestly think that on set there’s very little difference,’ Craig said. ‘On set there’s two cameras, maybe, the crew and if you’re shooting dialogue and scenes with actors it’s the same. The difference comes in when suddenly there are explosions and napalm going off everywhere. But actually the atmosphere is very similar.’

As noted previously, Craig’s debut as Bond in 2006’s Casino Royale has since helped the actor in getting smaller, independent films–like Flashbacks–made.

‘I’ve never, ever done films because I should do them, and if I have ever done that it’s usually been an unpleasant experience. I’ve only ever really enjoyed and liked films I’ve done because I’ve wanted to do them.’ – Daniel Craig

‘It’s been useful. Suddenly people are listening to me like I’ve got an opinion which is really disturbing!’ he said with a laugh. ‘I’ve kind-of got to have one! That’s quite nice in a way–sort-of facing up, championing something and believing in something. It’s a nice place to be. And, you know, I like [director and close friend] Baillie Walsh, I think he’s got a huge amount of talent, so saying to someone, “I like this guy,” is really very easy.’

Speaking specifically about Quantum of Solace, Craig said that despite the critical and commercial praise Casino Royale received, the pressure was still very much on.

‘I don’t think you can say there’s less pressure when you make a $200m movie–the pressure is plain to see. We’ve got to make it as good as if not better than the last one, that’s the only thing that matters. I’m no less nervous than I was but I’m very happy with what we’ve put together for this one. Marc Forster’s come on board and he’s taking care of a lot of things that I just don’t need to think about and I’m just getting on with it. I don’t know if I’ll ever feel comfortable with it. It’s James Bond, I don’t know if I’ll ever get to that place and get Zen about it–it’s not that kind of role. But I’m enjoying what we’ve shot of this and I’m planning to enjoy as much as I can of this filming process, because otherwise why do it?’

Working alongside Mathieu Amalric (villain Dominic Greene) has also been enjoyable for Craig. ‘I’m over the moon about it,’ he said. ‘We worked together very briefly on Munich, but I didn’t actually have any scenes with him on that. Now I’ve got to know him, and that Schnabel movie he’s just done is brilliant.’

As several fans have noticed, despite his enormous popularity as James Bond, Craig is keeping just as busy with several other films; Flashbacks being one example as well as The Golden Compass and the forthcoming Defiance and I, Lucifer.

Explaining how he chooses what projects to work on, Craig said: ‘Someone asked whether it was important to make a smaller movie after making a Bond movie, but I’ve never, ever done films because I should do them, and if I have ever done that it’s usually been an unpleasant experience. I’ve only ever really enjoyed and liked films I’ve done because I’ve wanted to do them. And that’s absolutely on an individual basis. Doing a film and saying, I’ve done a really dark film and now I have to do a comedy… That’s not me. If a script comes along and it’s dark I’ll absolutely do it and take the consequences. I’m not fussed about the image that goes along with it.’

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

More 'Quantum' Filming Tidbits From Italy

WARNING: Possible spoilers

With the Quantum of Solace production currently filming much of the action-packed opening sequences throughout Italy, details have come in on a few notable dates.

According to a recent article from the La Nazione newspaper, filming on the 22nd James Bond film will soon be taking place at the Tuscan city of Carrara.

As earlier reported on CommanderBond.net, this location will mark the transition of the film’s opening chase between 007 and the pursuing police from the shores of Lake Garda to the Canalgrande and Fantiscritti quarries.

The La Nazione article mentions a filming start date of 25 April at the Fantiscritti while an international press conference will be hosted at Carrera on 5 May. No specific details were given as to which cast and/or crew members from the film will be attending the conference.

Currently, the Quantum of Solace is at work at Lake Garda. Click here for photographs of the Aston Martin DBS being prepared for filming in the sequence.

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

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 Reports #3 And #4

The official Quantum of Solace blog has been updated with two new video interviews with crew members from the 22nd James Bond film.

The first of the two new interviews is with Ana Endara, the extras casting director in Panama.

Endara discusses how she first contacted the Bolivian Embassy upon learning the country would be featured in the film. She also mentions casting some of the extras from an indigenous tribe in Panama and the process they must go through in getting to the set each day.

The second interview is with 2nd assistant director Toby Hefferman.

On set in Panama, Heffman explains that he works alongside the first AD in coordinating the backround, cars and other crew members.

‘We get up early and get in a few hours before call,’ he says. ‘Get actors, extras and everything ready. Throughout the day, it’s very diverse. From one scene it can be 750 extras like we’re doing now or it can be two actors doing nothing in a room, but each have their complications.

Watch both Quantum of Solace video blogs online here and here.

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

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.

Daniel Craig At The 'Flashbacks Of A Fool' Premiere

Daniel Craig attended the world premiere earlier today at the Empire Cinema in London’s Leicester square for Flashbacks of a Fool.

Craig, who is taking a brief break from Quantum of Solace filming, attended the event with girlfriend Satsuki Mitchell, director Baillie Walsh, fellow actor Harry Eden and several other stars from the film.

Click here and here for photographs from the premiere.

Flashbacks of a Fool tells the story of Joe Scot (Craig), a washed-up Hollywood star whose hedonistic lifestyle of sex, drugs and celebrity has taken its toll. Flashback to his childhood and small-town English seaside life set to the beat of Roxy Music and Bowie. Joe’s rites of passage as a young man lay the foundations for the Hollywood dream he goes on to experience. Confronted by tragedy, he is forced to flee in search of a new life, and only now does he finally face up to the ghosts of his past.

‘He’s a movie star, he lives in LA, he’s probably incredibly successful, got a ton of money in the bank, lives in a big house and is exceptionally lonely and sad and is really not kind of dealing with his life,’ said Craig of his character in a recent interview.

At the premiere, Craig further said: ‘He has failed as a human being, and I wanted to explore that.’

‘I think you have to work hard at not becoming disillusioned about what you do for a living. If you have any success in what you do for a living, you have to maintain an energy and love of it. If you can, that’s a great thing.’

Craig, who also serves as an executive producer on Flashbacks of a Fool, mentioned that his recent fame from James Bond has helped him in getting somewhat smaller independent films made.

As he explained at the premiere: ‘I got involved on an executive producer’s level to try to drum the money up which involves pressing the flesh and being nice to people.’

‘You know how much I love doing that,’ he then jokingly added.

‘If I can be responsible, even slightly, for getting movies like this off the ground–movies I can be proud of like this one … then I am going to get a huge amount of enjoyment out of it,’ Craig said.

Craig stars in the film alongside Helen McCrory, Olivia Williams, Emilia Fox and Eve. Harry Eden plays the teenage ‘Joe Scot’ in the film.

Flashbacks of a Fool opens nationwide on 18 April.

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