Doubleday 'Devil May Care' Website Online

With less than a week remaining until the publication of Sebastian Faulks’ novel Devil May Care, the promoting is really kicking into gear.

Doubleday, the US publisher of Faulks’ James Bond novel, have set up a website at www.doubleday.com/jamesbond.

While currently limited in actual content, the site does allow visitors to sign up for their newsletter in order to receive details on the forthcoming Bond novel.

In addition, a new video has appeaed online in which Faulks discusses how he came to write a Bond adventure, following Ian Fleming’s thriller formula and where Devil May Care fits in the entire literary 007 canon.

When asked if he could reveal any clues as to the plot of the novel, Faulks replied: ‘I could tell you something about the content of Devil May Care, but if I did, I’d have to come over and kill you…’

Click below to view:

Devil May Care Video Trailer

Visit CommanderBond.net’s Devil May Care section for complete coverage of the novel, including the massive marketing plans, pre-ordering details, discussions with Sebastian Faulks and much more.

Better The 'Devil' You Know…

The UK’s two biggest bookstore chains will mark the centenary of Ian Fleming’s birth next week in spectacular fashion.

Waterstone’s and Borders will each host an abundance of James Bond-themed events to coincide with the launch of Sebastian Faulks’ hugely-anticipated 007 novel, Devil May Care.

Last week, CommanderBond.net reported that the first copies of the novel would be escorted along the Thames on 27 May to the HMS Exeter at Tower Bridge, where the world’s media will be waiting.

According to 007 Magazine, both Faulks and cover model Tuuli will accompany the first shipment of books as they’re transported from the HMS Exeter to Waterstone’s Piccadilly, where doors will open at 8 a.m. the following day as the book goes on sale. The store has the following events planned for 28 May.

Bond Is Back At Waterstone’s Piccadilly

8 a.m. – Bond is back

To celebrate the launch of the new Bond novel we will be giving away an exclusive print of the cover to the first 200 customers who purchase Devil May Care, and serving cocktails and canapés until 9 a.m. The Waterstone’s exclusive, luxury, signed and numbered edition will be on sale (while stocks last), rrp £100. The first person in the queue to purchase this edition will get number 7.

12 noon – Hurricane Gold

Celebrate the launch of Hurricane Gold, the paperback of the new Young Bond novel from 12 noon – 4 p.m. There will be Bond themed activities, and the chance to be amazed by the sleight of hand of magician David Croft.

2 p.m. – James Bond Fancy Dress Competition

To celebrate the paperback launch of Hurricane Gold we’d like to invite you to come along to the children’s department dressed as your favourite James Bond character. Judging will take place at 2 p.m., and the maximum entry age is 16 years old. There are three family tickets to the James Bond exhibition at the Imperial War Museum to win.

6:30 p.m. – Bond: The Story Continues with Lucy Fleming

We are delighted that Lucy Fleming, niece of James Bond creator Ian Fleming, will be instore reading from Devil May Care, the new Bond novel by Sebastain Faulks, and talking about all things Bond. Join us on the first floor at 6:30 p.m. for an insight into this fasciniating man.

For more information on all of these events, contact Customer Services at 020 7851 2400.

Borders, meanwhile, have their own festivities planned for later in the week…

Bond’s Back: Borders celebrate the release of the latest Bond novel with an action-packed day

Borders will celebrate the launch of the brand new James Bond novel Devil May Care in style this weekend with a series of activities in its bookstores that are intended to leave customers in double-o heaven!

To mark the centenary of the birth of Bond creator Ian Fleming, author Sebastian Faulks has been commissioned by The Ian Fleming Estate to write a brand new action-packed Bond adventure. Borders are celebrating its release of Devil May Care with their very own James Bond Day on Saturday 31st May.

In typical Bond-style, Borders will be offering their customers thrills that will leave them both shaken and stirred. Events to mark the launch of the novel will be taking place in stores nationwide, including roulette wheels and competitions for Bond-inspired breaks and DVDs.

There will also be some jaw-dropping activity synonymous with Bond’s extraordinary lifestyle. Customers in the London Oxford Street store and Glasgow’s Buchanan Street branch will be amazed by James Bond abseilers – in tuxedos, of course – who will scale the store’s front before presenting copies of Devil May Care to lucky customers. For every guy (or girl) who has dreamt of Bond’s fast-living lifestyle, both Oxford and Cambridge stores will also install twin-racer Aston Martin simulators running fastest-lap competitions at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

However, no Bond celebration would be complete without a stunning female presence and at 1 p.m. this Saturday Borders’ Oxford Street store will host a book signing with the stunning supermodel, Tuuli – cover girl of Devil May Care.

Dom Kippin, Borders UK Marketing, said of the activity, “James Bond is a British institution so we could not let the release of this new novel pass us by. Though we have had to go some way to match the wild antics of Bond’s thrilling lifestyle, we hope that our customers enjoy all the events that are taking place in Borders stores throughout the UK this Saturday.”

For further information on activities taking place in Borders bookstores please visit: www.borderslocal.co.uk

Other participating Borders stores will feature in-store roulette wheels, Young Bond quizzes, competitions for children and competitions for adults to win weekend breaks, DVDs and posters.

Additionally, as previously reported, Charlie Higson will be appearing at Borders Norwich on 30 May as part of his Hurricane Gold tour.

Keep watching CommanderBond.net for all the latest news about the Ian Fleming Centenary celebrations.

Access Hollywood 'Quantum of Solace' Set Visit

WARNING: Possible spoilers

Access Hollywood sent correspondent Tim Vincent to the Quantum of Solace set in Bregenz, Austria to speak with the stars of the film, and, apparently, get the answer to one single question: do James Bond and Camille kiss?

Besides that question, stemming from earlier reports that Olga Kurylenko’s Bond girl breaks tradition in that she never locks lips with 007, the set visit also included an interview with Daniel Craig on stunts, the recent series of bad accidents and more.

‘I think [getting involved in all aspects] is important,’ said Craig. ‘I mean, for me, one of the things about the books that was so great was Ian Fleming’s eye for detail. And that I feel I owe to the movie. And so we have to have meetings about which gun to use; we’re using the Walther PPK in this, but we also use other guns and we set them out and compare them and see what would look good…’

‘It feels like we’re working twice as hard as last time–well, I certainly am anyway–to just make sure that while one movie is good, two movies is nice too,’ said Craig.

Craig also commented on the stuntwork that co-star Kurylenko has had to deal with for her role: ‘With Olga, she rehearsed and rehearsed and I think she’s done incredibly well, but, like for me [on Casino Royale], you get there on day one and suddenly it’s like “Oh, this is what they mean.” It’s very physically demanding and doing something once is alright, but you have to do it ten times and get it right ten times. So they’re long days. I’ve just been quietly encouraging her and she’s been getting it right so it’s not a problem.’

The Bond actor also briefly commented on the string of accidents that hit the Quantum production a few weeks ago.

‘We’re in a situation which is sort of devastating for all of us,’ he said. ‘What we do is make safe things look dangerous and sometimes accidents happen.’

To watch the entire Access Hollywood Quantum of Solace set visit, click here.

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

'Quantum of Solace' – Official Blog Report #9

The official Quantum of Solace blog has been updated today with another crew member from the 22nd James Bond 007 film: executive producer Callum McDougall.

‘My job entails basically the whole organization and operation of the film. Coordinating the day-to-day running of four or five units shooting globally across the world.’

‘We’ve shot in London. We’ve shot in Mexico,’ McDougall says from the Panama set while getting a makeup touch-up by Gemma Arterton.

‘Not many films film in Panama. It’s pretty unique in that I’ve never ever been to a country where they had basically no film infrastructure whatsoever.’

‘It’s great,’ McDougall continues. ‘We’ve had a great experience and employed a huge amount of Panamanians and a lot of people who really have no experience on films. I think everyone … has had a fantastic experience here.’

‘It’s a huge operation, but a fun operation to do.’

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

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang To Launch National Tour In November 2008

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, the stage musical based on the popular novel by Ian Fleming, is set to launch its national tour on 18 November 2008 at the Broward Center in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

Playbill reports that the stage musical, in addition to featuring a brand new creative team, will also play at the following locations: Tampa, Appleton, Baltimore, Dayton, San Antonio, Houston, Pittsburgh, Providence, Philadelphia, Orlando, Atlanta, Indianapolis, Louisville, Albuquerque, Salt Lake City, Tempe and Costa Mesa.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang features music and lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman. The production was adapted by Jeremy Sams for the London and Broadway stage previously. This upcoming tour will feature a script adapted by Ray Roderick, who will also handle directing duties.

The creative team also includes set and costume designs by Anthony Ward with additional set designs by Robert Bissinger, lighting designs by Charlie Morrison and choreography by Joanne Hunter. Further details on casting are yet to be announced.

Big League Productions, Inc. is presenting the tour by arrangement with Dana Broccoli, Barbara Broccoli, Michael G. Wilson, Frederick Zollo, Nicholas Paleologos, Jeffrey Sine, Harvey Weinstein, East of Doheny Theatricals, Michael Rose Limited and MGM On Stage.

The final Broadway Hilton Theatre performance of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was on 31 December 2005. Billed as the ‘fantasmagorical stage musical,’ Chitty began Broadway previews on 27 March of 2005 and officially opened on 28 April.

The production played 34 previews and 285 regular performances. Adrian Noble directed with musical staging by Gillian Lynne, sets and costumes by Anthony Ward, lighting by Mark Henderson, sound design by Andrew Bruce, orchestrations and dance arrangements by Chris Walker, musical supervision by Robert Scott and musical direction by Kristen Blodgette.

For more information on this upcoming Chitty Chitty Bang Bang tour, visit www.chittyontour.com.

Keep watching CommanderBond.net for all the latest on James Bond-related events happening around the world.

24-carat 'Hurricane Gold'

Even though the paperback edition of Hurricane Gold isn’t due for release until the 28th of May, Charlie Higson’s fourth Young James Bond novel is hitting the UK in a big way with an all-new very special edition…

Hurricane Gold Hits The UK

Hurricane Gold by Charlie Higson
Published in paperback on 28th May, price £6.99

The new Charlie Higson paperback, Hurricane Gold, will be launched with all the style and action you might expect from James Bond: the unveiling of a dazzling 24-carat gold book, a unique programme of activity events in bookstores, an exciting preview of the next book in the series and an extensive signing tour for the bestselling author.

In a first in publishing history, a unique 24-carat Gold Book has been specially commissioned by Puffin to mark publication. The artefact, made by renowned British ‘jeweller to the stars’ Theo Fennell, will become an attraction in the Imperial War Museum’s sell-out exhibition For Your Eyes Only: Ian Fleming and James Bond, and will also be the star of Puffin’s advertising campaign for the paperback. It will be unveiled at the Imperial War Museum on the 20th May at a photocall with Charlie Higson and Theo Fennell.

Hurricane Gold is the fourth book in the ‘Young Bond’ series aimed at 10-14 year olds, which has sold nearly three-quarters of a million copies to date. Following a young James Bond through a series of adventures, the series was commissioned by Ian Fleming Publications, and the paperback is published on the 100th anniversary of Ian Fleming’s birth. The
paperback features an extract from the hotly anticipated next Young Bond book, By Royal Command, and artwork from the forthcoming graphic novel of the first book SilverFin.

Hurricane Gold is the first Young Bond adventure set entirely away from Eton, on the island of Lagrimas Negras in Mexico. It features young James battling against evil criminals and on the trail of ancient Mayan treasure. The gold book takes its inspirations from the rumoured treasure in the story
and was designed, hand-made and crafted in Theo Fennell’s studios in London. The book opens up to reveal an inner compartment with an inlay of ebonised wood, containing a very special secret note from Charlie Higson.

Puffin also announces a series of signing sessions, talks and quizzes with Charlie Higson in bookstores and literary festivals across the UK. Details are at the end of this release.

‘Young Bond Mini Adventures’ will also be available in four Waterstone’s stores across the country. Young Bond Mini Adventures give the opportunity for Young Bond fans to take part in a range of exciting in-store activities befitting would-be secret agents, from experiencing alpine skiing via high-tech simulators, training for the rockface on a climbing wall, learning sleight of hand from one of the UK’s leading magicians, and even having a go at a casino roulette table!

Charlie Higson will be appearing at:

• Saturday 24th May 11.00am – Young Bond talk and signing at the Imperial War Museum, London SE1. Tickets £5 Booking line: 020 7416 5439
• Wednesday 28th May 2.30pm – Young Bond talk and signing at the Guardian Hay Festival, Hay on Wye
• Thursday 29th May 11.30am – Signing session at Waterstone’s, The Galleries, Bristol. Plus ‘Young Bond Mini Adventures’ activities in-store
• Friday 30th May 11.30am – Signing session at Borders, Norwich
• Saturday 31st May 12.30pm – Signing session at Waterstone’s, Milton Keynes. Plus ‘Young Bond Mini Adventures’ activities in store
• Friday 6th June 4.30pm – Signing session at W H Smith, Arndale Centre, Manchester
• Tuesday 10th June 7.00pm – ‘Writing Bond’ panel discussion chaired by author and journalist Ben Macintyre. Tickets £15, concessions £12 Booking line: 020 7416 5439
• Sunday 15th June 11.00am – Father’s Day Bond Quiz at Richmond Library, Little Green, Richmond
• Saturday 21st June – Borders Book Festival, Melrose, Scotland
• Friday 18th July – Theakstons Old Peculier Crimewriting Festival, Harrogate, Yorkshire

Keep watching CommanderBond.net for all the latest Hurricane Gold and Young Bond-related news.

'Devil May Care' Hype In Full Bloom

Last month, CommanderBond.net exclusively revealed the promotional poster for Sebastian Faulks’ upcoming James Bond novel, Devil May Care. Last week, it was revealed that the poster will go on display in over 1,000 UK public transport stations as part of an epic marketing blitz to promote the book.

Now, the official Devil May Care Myspace.com blog has updated with a fascinating look at the surprisingly complex process it took to create the poster.

According to the blog’s intrepid reporter, one Candy Goodwood, “The ad for Devil May Care had to look slick, confident and classy. No complicated messages, no clever lines – just the simple announcement that Bond is Back.”

“You’ve probably guessed by now that the poppy is a symbol from the book,” Candy continues. “It’s what gives the striking red of the cover and what had to be used to create the look we were going for. Getting poppies in February, however, is easier said than done. These particular poppies had to be specially imported from Italy. So, on the day the shoot was due to take place, Marketing Director Jane ‘Moneypenny’ Rose, Creative Director Rob Williams and Art Director Jim Stoddart, turned up at the photographer’s studio bright and early to receive the delivery of 300 poppies.”

Ultimately the flowers arrived – albeit closed. Images from the shoot can be found online at Flickr.

“After a few stamped feet / sobs / general exclamations of ‘what are we going to do?’ and ‘whose idea was this?’ it was realised that closed poppies can be manually peeled open one by one. So, that’s what they did … It took three long hours.”

“Once the poppies were ready for action they were carefully laid out with the book, as per the original drawing done by Rob Williams. Hours were spent carefully laying down different numbers of poppies to see what looked best.”

“What you’ll know if you have actually seen the advertising around, is that we didn’t in the end use the full flowers. It was the petals themselves which gave the greatest impact. So it was back to the flowers, in order to rapidly start taking them apart. One step ladder and vertigo-stricken-Jane Rose later, and petals were tumbling down over the book while the photographer tried desperately to catch them. Unfortunately the speed of falling poppies isn’t something that can be controlled, so it was a few goes before they got what they needed.”

The result is strikingly simple and beautiful. The poster wonderfully complements the novel’s artwork, which itself, took two months to complete.

Head on over to the Devil May Care Myspace.com blog for the full report.

Meanwhile, Devil May Care continues to climb the charts with eight days until its release. At Amazon.co.uk, the novel sits pretty at #14 on the charts. Waterstone’s, meanwhile, rank the book at #6 among its pre-orders.

Keep watching CommanderBond.net for all the latest Devil May Care news.

'Live and Let Draw' James Bond Competition

A competition mixing 007 and drawing is being held in order to fill main gallery of the Mississippi Arts Center.

The Clarion Ledger reports that winning entries in the Greater Jackson Arts Council’s Live and Let Draw Competition: James Bond Invitational will go on display this August.

Juried entries will go on display in an exhibition at the Mississippi Arts Center and also be featured at the arts council’s annual Storytellers Ball (to be held 21 August–with the equally Bondian theme, ‘Shaken, Not Stirred’), kicking off the 2008-2009 arts season.

The top prize is $1,000 with additional prizes of $300, $200 as well as some honorable mentions for a total value of $2,100 in cash and gift certificates. The hope is to make this first-time contest an annual tradition.

In addition to the above awards, a $500 people’s choice award will be voted on and announced at the Storytellers Ball.

The deadline for entries is 30 June for two-dimensional works–paintings, drawings, mixed media, photography or more–in the spirit of the James Bond theme. Entries can have three-dimensional qualities, but must hang on the wall for display. Artists can submit photos, digital prints or digital files (no slides or original artwork); there’s a $10 entry fee per piece.

‘My thought was, what could we do in the gallery during that time? Being an artist myself, I thought, what a wonderful excuse to give back to the artists of Mississippi and have a competition,’ said Sylvia Hale Pooley, development and special events manager for the Greater Jackson Arts Council.

‘Since this building is now under the watchful eye of the Arts Council and we’re in the process of the master plan for the rehabilitation and transformation of the arts center of Mississippi into a community arts center, we definitely want to try to start showcasing the building,’ said Janet Scott, arts council executive director.

‘Our moniker is, “Be part of the story,” and … we try to incorporate everything we do to be a part of the cultural story in Jackson and Hinds County.’

The Live and Let Draw 007 exhibition will be on display from 4-30 August. An artists reception for the show will be open to the public from 2:00 to 4:00pm on 7 August. Awards will be presented then.

For further information on this James Bond-themed art competition, phone Sylvia Pooley at 601-960-1557. Entry forms may be downloaded at jacksonartscouncil.org.

Keep watching CommanderBond.net for all the latest on 007-related events happening around the world.

Ian Fleming's 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang' Flies Into Bletchley Park

In February of this year, CommanderBond.net first reported that Bletchley Park would be the site of two events later this year as part of the Ian Fleming centenary celebrations: ‘From Bletchley, With Love’ and ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’.

Further details on the second of those two events, ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’, have now been made available. The latest press release announcing a series of limited edition stamps follows.

Bletchley Park Post Office Goes Bang Bang

On 1st June Chitty Chitty Bang Bang ‘flies’ into Bletchley Park. Ian Fleming’s magical car will be where its creator once helped to crack the Enigma code during World War Two. To celebrate Bletchley Park Post Office is issuing a sheet of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang stamps. Each stamp features a different picture of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang flying around Bletchley Park.

The sheets will be a limited edition of 500 and are priced at £35 plus £3.50 post and packing. They will be available on the day from Bletchley Park or can be pre-ordered from the web site at Bletchleycovers.com.

The special weekend at Bletchley Park is one of two Ian Fleming centenary events being held there. The second features Fleming’s other creation “James Bond”. During WW2 Fleming worked closely with Bletchley Park’s code breakers providing inspiration for his 007 stories.

Bletchley Park Post Office was the Park’s undercover mailroom and now publishes very collectable first day covers and stamp sheets.

The original press release announcing ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’ at Bletchley Park:

Celebrate Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at Bletchley Park

Tourism South East together with Destination Milton Keynes would like to invite you and your family to a special one-day event at Bletchley Park on Sunday 1st June 2008. The event is designed to celebrate the 100th centenary of the birth of the famous writer Ian Fleming, who worked at wartime Bletchley Park.

The author is not only famous for his James Bond novels, but also as the creator of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. The original car which was used in the 1968 film starring Dick Van Dyke will be on show at the event to celebrate its own 40th birthday.

There will be a competition on the day for two people to win the chance to ride around Bletchley Park in the car, known fondly as our Fine Four-Fendered Friend.

Attractions at the event will include a Victorian fun fair and craft stalls, as well as Punch and Judy and much more. Every half an hour, there will be guided tours of Bletchley Park, which is famous for being the UK’s codebreaking centre during World War II.

Destination Milton Keynes is the main sponsor of the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang car and is keen to encourage journalists to visit the area and to the event. Other local attractions will also have stands at Bletchley Park on 1st June 2008. These include Bekonscot Model Village and Railway, as well as the Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway. Milton Keynes’ Sno!Zone will also be bringing along its mascot, Percy the Penguin together with an ice box with snow play area for kids, free prizes, face painting, free tobogganing and much more.

The event is open between 10.30am and 5pm. Entry costs £10 per adults; £8 for over-65s; £6 for 12-16 year olds; and under-12s go free. Car parking costs £3 per car. Admission fees also serve as an annual season ticket to return to Bletchley Park throughout the year.

Keep your eyes on the CBn main page for all the latest details and coverage on all the Ian Fleming centenary events and James Bond-related releases.

To keep track of all the upcoming 007 releases, events, television shows, and more–just keep your eyes on the CBn Calendar, located on the right panel of our main page.

Brown's Hotel Launches Exclusive Ian Fleming Centenary Package

As the 28th of May draws nearer, details on yet another special event tieing into the Ian Fleming centenary have been revealed:

Brown’s Hotel Launches Exclusive Ian Fleming Centenary Package

To celebrate the 100-year anniversary of Ian Fleming’s birth and the launch of The Imperial War Museum’s new exhibition, ‘For Your Eyes Only: Ian Fleming and James Bond’, Rocco Forte’s Brown’s Hotel is offering a special package, The Ian Fleming Centenary stay.

There’s nowhere more appropriate that Brown’s Hotel in which to pay homage to one of literature’s great characters; John Gardner liked the hotel so much he included it in his Bond novel Icebreaker, and the sexy and stylish Donovan Bar offers a wide range of decadent Bond cocktails. Things have certainly been shaken, and perhaps a little stirred, since the recent £24 million renovation of Brown’s Hotel; its re-launch was a decidedly glamorous affair with even famed Bond actor Roger Moore in attendance.

Now guests can sample the Bond lifestyle for themselves with this stylish weekend get-away…

Highlights of the Ian Fleming Centenary package include:

• Overnight accommodation in a luxurious room or suite
• Full English breakfast (which is reputed to be Bond’s favourite meal of the day)
• Two tickets to ‘For Your Eyes Only: Ian Fleming and James Bond’ – the new exhibition at The Imperial War Museum, London*
• Two Bond cocktails in The Donovan Bar
• An exclusive, hardback copy of Ian Fleming’s Casino Royale
• Complimentary use of gymnasium to buff up those muscles

*Tickets to the ‘For Your Eyes Only: Ian Fleming and James Bond’ exhibition are subject to availability and time restrictions may apply. To book these tickets, clients must contact the hotel directly to arrange.

Prices start from £315 per night, excluding VAT, for two people sharing. Available Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, from 18th April to 28th December 2008, subject to availability.

For further information on the Ian Fleming Centenary package, phone 0870 460 8040 or visit the official website.

Stay tuned to the CommanderBond.net main page for complete coverage of the Ian Fleming centenary and all James Bond-related events.