Taking James Bond To New Heights

TAKING JAMES BOND TO NEW HEIGHTS
Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli on Quantum of Solace

Michael G. Wilson

Producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli talk about how the character of James Bond has developed since the last film. “In Casino Royale, Bond was severely emotionally wounded and he needs to find his way out of the experience he had with Vesper. Bond has a recognition that he can’t leave the service, he can’t really find love in a normal sense of the word, have a family or anything like that. He is bound to his job and it is too dangerous and violent a world to share with someone. Bond doesn’t want to be open to blackmail or put someone else at risk of being blackmailed.”

Barbara Broccoli

Quantum of Solace starts one hour after the end of Casino Royale and marks the first time the Bond franchise has ever filmed two films in direct sequence. Wilson comments, “We don’t think there are any rules about how the Franchise is run. We have had references to one film in another film but it seemed like the natural thing to do because there are so many unanswered questions at the end of Casino Royale and we think our audiences will be interested in the answers.”

The producers talk about the success of Casino Royale and why they felt the time was right to go back to the start of Bond’s career and introduce Daniel Craig to the role of 007. “From the first time Daniel [Craig] did the screen test for us we were confident he would be a great Bond. First of all he was handsome, very masculine and he keeps himself in tremendous physical shape–all that is prerequisite for the job–moreover, he is a great actor. That is the beginning and the end of it. He can pull it off. He is probably the best actor of his generation in Britain, if not the world, so we were very lucky that he saw himself in the role and was willing to do it. Secondly, the story was right out of Ian Fleming so it had a great structure. I think whenever you make a new film with a new Bond or are taking the film in a different direction, you are never quite sure how popular the film is going to be. Of course it is gratifying when it is popular but you just cannot know how successful it will be until it happens. Now we want to duplicate the success of Casino Royale and exceed it.”

Quantum of Solace

‘Now we want to duplicate the success of Casino Royale and exceed it.’ – -Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli

Both Wilson and Broccoli enjoy working with Craig. “He is charming, funny, loyal and passionate–all of the things that you find in a great actor. Daniel really enjoys making these films, he puts his heart and soul into it and is extremely studious and serious about his work. In Casino Royale he was exploring the character and he has gained a lot of confidence since then, so he’s playing Bond with more confidence and an assurance that comes with that confidence. He has a creative input that we welcome, he understands the character very well and therefore, when it comes to script and matters that effect the James Bond character, he is very much involved, his contributions are very important.”

Director Marc Forster

It is the first time Wilson and Broccoli have worked with the award winning director, Marc Forster, and they have been impressed with his methods. “Marc is the most prepared director we have ever worked with. He has a plan of every set and location and he works with the lighting cameraman [Roberto Schaefer] to map out every shot detailing where the camera will go for each sequence. That is all done right at the beginning of the film for the entire movie and he sticks to it. His first assistant, Michael Lerman, is likewise extremely prepared and takes the shots and puts in how much time they will take hour by hour, like the goal for each day. It is amazing to see them work together.”

Daniel Craig is James Bond

The producers filmed the scenes set in Haiti and Bolivia in Panama and Chile, Wilson explains, “Panama is easy to work in–you can get to it easily, it works in the lifestyle, the people speak good English and the infrastructure is good in the country, not necessarily for filming, but every other purpose; hotels, transport etc. With this particular film we needed a couple of locations and it worked out that between Panama City and Colon we could film both Haiti and Bolivia so it seemed the most effective way to plan the picture.”

The producers explain the meaning of Quantum of Solace and its relevance in the script, “The title originally comes from an Ian Fleming short story and, in the context of that, it means that a relationship cannot be salvaged unless there is a ‘quantum of solace’ between the two parties. ‘Quantum’ meaning ‘measure’ and ‘solace’ meaning ‘comfort’–so if they are not willing to share that then their relationship is not redeemable. In our case, it is a couple of things; Bond is looking for a ‘quantum of solace’ after his experiences in Casino Royale, and ‘Quantum’ also happens to be the name of the villainous organization in the film.”

Keep turning to CommmanderBond.net for the most complete and up-to-date Quantum of Solace news and information on the web.

Groovy Seals Deal For James Bond-Themed Barware/Cocktail Sets

Gift firm Groovy UK has sealed a deal to create a new signature range of high-end barware, glassware and cocktail sets inspired by James Bond.

Licensing.biz reports that the firm will launch the new 007 line this December. The crystal glasses and barware will be limited to a selective group of retailers in each country and available for fans to purchase through a dedicated e-commerce site.

‘I’m thrilled to be working with Danjaq on producing such a special range of signature barware,’ said Martin Butler, MD of Groovy UK. ‘The quality, design and presentation on the limited range embodies everything James Bond represents–intelligence, sophistication and confidence.’

‘As part of our ongoing licence strategy, we strive to bring unique equities to Groovy and James Bond provides an unparalleled partnership opportunity,’ added Kirsty Pollard, brand manager at Groovy. ‘What man or woman wouldn’t want to have a drink with 007?’

Michael Tavares, licensing director at Danjaq, LLC, the holding company for the Bond series, added: ‘This was the perfect collaboration for two companies that focus on innovation and quality. We’re excited to be partnering with Groovy to create a signature limited range of James Bond inspired barware.’

Keep watching CommanderBond.net for all the latest James Bond collecting news.

'Devil May Care' US Mass Market Paperback Artwork Revealed

Devil May Care US paperback artwork

CommanderBond.net has landed the cover artwork for the US mass market paperback edition of Sebastian Faulks’ one-off James Bond novel, Devil May Care.

The cover is similar in style to that of the UK paperback, which was revealed last month.

The mass market edition of Devil May Care will hit shelves in the US on 19 May, 2009. Artwork for the US trade paperback may vary.

In addition, the UK paperback is now available to pre-order from Amazon.co.uk. This edition will be released on 28 May, 2009 – the same day as the paperback edition of Charlie Higson’s By Royal Command.

CommanderBond.net will bring you full details as they emerge.

Richard Kiel & Maud Adams signing in Las Vegas

If you happen to be in Las Vegas Thanksgiving weekend then you’re in for a James Bond treat. Richard Kiel (The Spy Who Loved Me, Moonraker) and Maud Adams (The Man with The Golden Gun, Octopussy) will be appearing at the Gallery of Legends memorabilia store in the mall adjoining the Planet Hollywood Hotel & Casino.

Come see them Friday Nov 28th and Saturday Nov 29th from 1pm-5pm and Sunday Nov 30th from 1pm-4pm. With the purchase of an autograph photo fans can get their picture taken using their own camera with these 007 icons.

Gemma Arterton Is Fields… Agent Fields

GEMMA ARTERTON IS FIELDS… AGENT FIELDS
The ‘Quantum’ Bond girl who “thinks she can control Bond”

Gemma Arterton is Agent Fields

Gemma Arterton talks about her character ‘Agent Fields’ and how she is not the typical femme fatal usually associated with the Bond films. “Agent Fields works for MI6. She tries to be professional and takes herself very seriously but she is naïve and that makes her a funny character. Fields thinks she can control Bond and puts on a front but it quickly crumbles away so there is something very real about her. Fields is not a femme fatal, all strong and beautiful, she is very natural and someone you can identify with.”

Arterton had to film her death scene on her first day on set, she talks about the experience, “Fields is killed by the baddies. She tries to save Bond by stalling them but they know it was her so they kill her by drowning her in oil. She is found naked on the bed she shared with James Bond the night before. Filming that scene was brilliant, although it was quite strange. I was taken on the set and dowsed in the oil and I had to lay there for almost two hours. I couldn’t move, I couldn’t see, I couldn’t breathe properly and I couldn’t hear because all the oil went in my ears. At the time I thought it was quite unpleasant but then I thought this is something I will always remember and it will be an iconic part of the film.”

Fresh out of drama school, Arterton describes what happened when she heard she had been given the part. “When I did my screen test, I thought I had blown it, then a couple of weeks later, I was filming in the middle of the ocean in Gibraltar, I was in scuba diving gear and I got a phone call from my agent singing the James Bond theme tune down the phone. I’ll never forget it, my colleague turned to me with tears in his eyes and said ‘This is such a big moment in your life, your life has just changed forever and I was here to see it happen’. Thinking about it now, on the way to my audition ‘Nobody Does It Better’ was playing on my car radio so I think it was meant to be.

“The difference working on a Bond film to any other movie is the time you get. There is so much attention to detail. On a Bond film, the whole day is allocated to one scene to make sure it’s right. Everyone is the best at what they do so it was quite scary for me because I am so new to it. Michael and Barbara [the producers] are lovely. There are so many expectations on a Bond movie and they can see how intimidating it can be, they understand and are so supportive. Whenever they saw me a bit stuck, they would give me a bit of a boost, a bit of confidence and that makes it really easy for everyone involved.”

In addition to support from the producers, Arterton felt safe in the hands of the director, Marc Forster. “Marc is so understanding of what it is like to be an actor, he is experienced and he invests a lot of trust in us. He trusts that we are good and we know what we are doing with our character. Marc lets you do your thing and will tweak your performance. He doesn’t need to say a lot to get what he needs, he’ll just say one thing that’s exactly right. Ultimately, he has great confidence in all of us and you just know you are in safe hands.”

Louise Frogley, the costume designer, made sure Arterton was involved in choosing the right wardrobe for Fields, “I didn’t know what was going to happen with my costume–originally they wanted me to look quite prim and ordered but we also wanted my character to look a bit wild and a bit unkempt to reflect her character, trying to be something she can’t maintain. In one scene she wears this trench coat but she doesn’t wear anything underneath, so it is like she’s kitted out but being really filthy at the same time! It’s the same with the party outfit so my style of clothes is exactly right for my character. My party dress is beautiful, very Audrey Hepburn, but it is something Bond had bought for me so it is really top end. It’s Prada and fits like a glove with a big bow at the front, it’s streamlined but again there is this cute thing going on.

“Choosing the costumes was great fun. I think Marc had some really strong ideas and everyone has an idea of what they think a Bond Girl should look like, but I wanted to make sure my character looked fresh and real. It was so exciting trying all these clothes on and, as I did, the costume department were talking about chopping bits off the dress here and adding bits there–inside my head I was screaming ‘But its Prada!’. Even for my screen test, I was wearing a Dolce and Gabbana dress which they cut to make it fit properly–and that was just for the screen test!”

Working with Daniel Craig was one of the highlights for Arterton, “Daniel was brilliant, he’s a really nice guy. At first I was really nervous because I’d seen him in Casino Royale but when you get to know him, he’s so down to earth and supportive and we have a giggle–it’s been great.”

Keep turning to CommmanderBond.net for the most complete and up-to-date Quantum of Solace news and information on the web.

Sir Roger Moore Discusses James Bond On 'Night Talk'

Live and Let Die

Sir Roger Moore was featured on the Bloomberg Television program Night Talk last week.

Speaking with host Mike Schneider, the former 007 star discussed his past as the world’s most famous secret agent as well as his recently released autobiography, My Word is My Bond.

He talked about landing the role of James Bond, ‘To the best of my knowledge I was on Ian Fleming’s wish list according to the publicity department after I had started it! Ian Fleming, departed this mortal coil 7 years before I took over Bond, I understand that he really wanted David Niven or Cary Grant, in fact I think at the beginning it was probably offered to Cary Grant.’

He talked about distinguishing himself from Sean Connery’s Bond, “Guy [Hamilton] wanted to make sure I didn’t have any of the things that were associated with Sean such as a martini shaken not stirred…..which I never uttered, I’ve drunk them! The one thing we couldn’t get away from, I had to say my name was Bond.’

‘I didn’t even have a set of nerves about it until about an hour before the first press screening in London and I was on my way in my house in Denham to the screening and I suddenly thought “supposing they don’t like it” and I has these terrible butterflies, then in five minutes it passed and I thought “Well, its like having a baby, you are on the way to the delivery room, the baby is going to come out.”‘

He talked about how A View to a Kill became his last Bond film, ‘We were discussing whether I would [do A View to a Kill] … I was beginning to feel I shouldn’t … when the leading lady starts looking younger than your granddaughter then you think “uh erm” it’s a bit like Gary Copper and Love in the Afternoon.’

He talks about Connery’s feud with the Bond franchise, I think his resentment stemmed from the fact that he was not financially rewarded. He felt enough for what his contribution was to the series, and it went on and of course eventually it became I believe very viable, his financial rewards and in fact the last film he gave his money to a Scottish society.’

Click Here to View the Sir Roger Moore Interview Online

Night Talk airs in the U.S., Europe and Asia on Bloomberg TV at 10:00pm on weeknights and is simulcast on Bloomberg Radio at 10:00pm. Bloomberg Radio is broadcast on 11:30am in the New York Metropolitan area and is available on XM and Sirius. The Friday night Show re-airs over the weekend Sat at 8:00-9:00pm, 10:00-11:00pm and Mon 12:00am-1:00am.

Stay tuned to CommanderBond.net for all the latest James Bond news and coverage from around the world.

Sony Braces For Life Without James Bond

Sony Pictures is bracing for life without the lucrative James Bond franchise, reports the Los Angeles Times.

Quantum of Solace may prove to be Sony’s final James Bond film

The company inherited the right to co-finance and distribute 2006’s Casino Royale following their $4.9-billion buyout of MGM with a consortium of investors the previous year.

Following the massive box office success of Daniel Craig’s debut 007 film around the world, Sony received a huge percentage of the profits. According to a person familiar with the matter, because Sony put up 75% of the film’s reported $150 million budget, they received an even bigger cut of the profit than MGM.

At the tme of Casino Royale‘s release, however, this agreement between the two companies came to an end. MGM’s board voted unanimously to dump Sony as the domestic distributor of its DVDs after the studio failed to meet certain performance targets. This is turn also forced Sony to give up the Bond franchise, although they did manage to negotiate one final Bond entry, Quantum of Solace, which is currently breaking records left and right around the world.

‘We grew to love these movies,’ said Amy Pascal, co-chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment in a recent interview. ‘Obviously, we’d love to stay involved, but it’s not our decision, it’s MGM’s.’

Stay up-to-date with complete James Bond coverage at CommanderBond.net–your #1 source for all the latest Quantum of Solace clips and news.

'Quantum of Solace': For Your Consideration…

And the winner is… Quantum of Solace?

The Los Angeles Times’ awards blog, The Envelope, reports that James Bond has entered the Oscar race, with Sony Pictures actively running “For your consideration” ads for the following categories.

Quantum of Solace

• Picture
• Director (Marc Forster)
• Screenplay (Paul Haggis, Neal Purvis, Robert Wade)
• Actor In A Leading Role (Daniel Craig)
• Art Direction
• Costumes
• Makeup
• Music score (David Arnold)
• Cinematography (Robert Schaefer)
• Film editing (Matt Chesse, Richard Pearson)
• Sound mixing
• Sound editing
• Song (“Another Way to Die”)

The Envelope highlights the categories that Quantum of Solace has a realistic shot at scoring a nomination for – cinematography, film editing, song and possibly the two sound categories – and based on 007’s Oscar history, it’s difficult to disagree.

Over 46 years and 22 films, the franchise has bagged just seven nominations and only two wins – Goldfinger took home the Best Sound gong in 1965, while Thunderball scored the Best Special Visual Effects Oscar the following year.

Casino Royale failed to score a single nomination, despite short-listing in the Visual Effects and Original Song categories.

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

Have you seen Quantum of Solace in theatres yet? Post your review and join in the discussion in the Member Reviews section on the CBn Forums.

'Quantum of Solace' Debut US Weekend Total Updated: $67.5 Million

A revised first US weekend total has come in for Quantum of Solace according to Reuters: $67.5 million.

While slightly less than the previously estimated $70.4 million reported over the weekend, the total still makes Daniel Craig’s second James Bond film the highest grossing in the series during its opening weekend, surpassing the previous record of $47.1 million held by Die Another Day.

As earlier reported, Quantum of Solace is expected to become the highest grossing James Bond film ever, inflation unadjusted, where Casino Royale‘s worldwide gross of $594.2 million is the current benchmark.

Taking inflation into account, Thunderball is rhe clear film to beat in the series. It’s $141.2 million gross in 1965 is equivalent to almost $1 billion today.

Other top earners that emerge when adjusted for inflation include: Goldfinger, You Only Live Twice, Live and Let Die, The Spy Who Loved Me and Moonraker.

Keep your browsers pointed to CommanderBond.net for the most up-to-date and complete Quantum of Solace coverage. Check out our continually updated box office report for all the latest news at how 007 is doing around the world.

Have you seen Quantum of Solace in theatres yet? Post your review and join in the discussion in the Member Reviews section on the CBn Forums.

The Special, Exclusive, Limited, Collector's Edition CBn Podcast* is Here

So, you want a piece of the Pod Pie?… If you’re subscribed via iTunes, then under your Podcast section, click the ‘Update’ button to have this new episode downloaded automatically. If you have iTunes installed Click here to subscribe, or you can find more details on how to do this here.

We ask that you take a few seconds whilst you’re downloading to review the podcast on iTunes or Digg this article (link at the bottom of the page with a snazzy new graphic button), to spread the word to other 007 fans. Go on. Spread.

Download Enhanced Video version (Presented in WILLNOWVISION).

Download Standard version.

You can download all episodes directly from the bottom of this page, if you can’t be bothered faffing around through iTunes.