'Defiance' Is Next Project For Daniel Craig

According to a new report from Dark Horizons, Daniel Craig will be starring in Edward Zwick’s WWII Polish Resistance epic Defiance.

Defiance tells the true story of four brothers in Nazi occupied Poland who flee to the Belarussian forest with a band of Jews and join forces with Russian Resistance fighters.

Craig is expected to complete filming for Defiance before moving onto his second James Bond 007 film, Bond 22, due in November 2008. Other upcoming projects for Craig include The Golden Compass, I, Lucifer and Blindness.

Director Edward Zwick is best known for his previous work on Glory and The Last Samurai. His most recent film was last year’s Blood Diamond.

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John Barry Appearance At Upcoming London Philharmonic Orchestra Concert

John Barry, who composed the scores for 11 James Bond films, (starting with 1963’s From Russia With Love and finally ending with 1987’s The Living Daylights) is set to make a special guest appearance at an upcoming London Philharmonic Orchestra concert taking place this upcoming June.

The concert will be taking place at the Royal Festival Hall in London on Thursday, 21 June 2007 at 7:30 PM. ‘Join the London Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Nicholas Dodd, as they perform a programme of work from the five time Academy award-winning composer.’ Jarvis Cocker is the other special guest of the night.

Tickets for the event cost £25, £35, £45 and £55. To purchase tickets or for further information, click here to visit the official website.

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James Bond Gear Fetches High Prices At Bonhams Sale

According to a report from Easier Motoring, several Aston Martin and James Bond 007 items fetched high prices this past Saturday at Bonhams’ eighth annual Aston Martin sale at the Works Service facility in Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire. The sale realised over £2.3-million with 94% of all lots selling.

Looking specifically at the Bond-related gear, the top seller was a Aston Martin gear lever knob with ejector seat button from the special effects DB5 car used in Goldfinger and Thunderball, fitted after filming when the car toured as an exhibition piece. In 1968 the car returned to the factory to be rebuilt as a standard DB5, and the gear knob was removed and retained by an employee at Works Service. Initially estimated at £1,500 – 1,800, this ultimate DB5 accessory finally sold for £41,100.

Other 007 items included a signed photograph of Sean Connery with the DB5 which sold for £13,800 (more than ten times the estimated price) and a scale model of the DB5 signed by ‘Pussy Galore’ actress Honor Blackman for £7,475 (initially estimated at £150 – 250).

James Knight, Group Head of Bonhams Motoring department said: ‘The single marque sales concept that Bonhams pioneered continues to be popular with our motoring clients. Sales figures for our Aston Martin auction increase year on year and world record prices continue to be broken. Bonhams’ multi-million pound sales totals during the last fortnight are strong indicators that the market is healthy.’

For further information on the sale, including details on the Aston Martin products featured, click here.

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May 007th Podcast online… Finally

I know what you’re thinking. the CommanderBond.net Podcast needs to be a bit more….Austere. A bit more sombre, staid, steady, stern, unhumorous, unsmiling, weighty. Well, cherub, we’ve just launched a new global news service that quite literally squeezes one out over BBC, CNN, Al Jazeera and others of their ilk. Bringing the Bond news that matters directly to your respective shell-likes, CBn International is the world’s first dedicated global audio news service purely dedicated to Bond.

Unfortunately, in my quest to bring sobriety to the monthly podgasm, certain “measures” had to be taken against guest host Evan Willnow, who—I think you’ll agree—set Anglo-American relations back a few decades with his God-awful English accent last month. Hear how retribution was served in this month’s edition.

Additionally, I bring you the skinny on Bond 22, news on the lovely works of the lovely Mr Higson (we love him), a sneaky sample of a Bond Theme remix I’m currently tinkering with (shameless plug), and the final box office update of Casino Royale. All in an authentic English accent. FACT.

If you’re subscribed via iTunes like the faithful little strawberry you are, under your Podcast section, click the ‘Update’ button to have the new episode downloaded automatically for you. If you have iTunes installed correctly Click here to subscribe. Or you can find details on how to do this here.

Please don’t forget to 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 in a quite large font), to spread the word. It would be much appreciated!

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

Leave feedback on this latest podcast episode in this thread of the CBn Forum.

Chris Cornell On Creating 'You Know My Name'

In a new interview posted at SongwriterUniverse Magazine, Chris Cornell discussed how he came to work on the title song for Casino Royale, ‘You Know My Name,’ which is included on his upcoming album, Carry On.

When asked how the project came up in the first place, Cornell said: ‘Lia Vollack (President of Music for Sony Pictures) was heading the soundtrack and she called. She said they needed a song and singer that would reflect the dramatic new direction of James Bond, with Daniel Craig starring. They wanted a strong male singer–they wanted a song that would be remembered. I was a James Bond fan–as a kid I really liked the Bond films which starred Sean Connery. More importantly, I’m a big Daniel Craig fan. I had seen many of his films, and I knew he would be great as James Bond.’

Additionally, Cornell explained that the fact that Paul McCartney had previously written and performed 1973’s ‘Live And Let Die’ was also a factor in his decision. And I also liked the idea of doing a James Bond theme song for another reason. ‘I’m a Paul McCartney fan … so it was thrill that I could do a Bond theme, like my hero Paul McCartney had done earlier.’

‘David [Arnold] and I met, and I saw the rough cut of the film in Prague. David suggested that we write a song that echoed the film score. I started writing ‘You Know My Name’ and I gave him a call. It had lyrics first–the melody hadn’t been written yet. Then David came up with some musical ideas. I wrote most of the lyrics–he came up with some of the lyric lines–and we did a demo. Then David and I produced [the full version] and we played all the instruments except for drums. It was just a few guys in the studio playing all the instruments. We recorded it at George Martin’s studio in England–it was the perfect place and experience to make a James Bond record.’

Cornell mentions that he wrote ‘You Know My Name’ while working on other songs featured on his Carry On album, so he feels it fits well with them. ‘Writing for a James Bond movie allowed me to go to into an imaginary world. And now that I’m on tour, I’m having a lot of fun singing this song live.’

Visit SongwriterUniverse Magazine for the entire interview with Chris Cornell.

Stay tuned to CBn for all the latest Casino Royale coverage.

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Len Deighton Praises 'The Battle for Bond'

The Battle for Bond, due in July from Tomahawk Media, is one of the most eagerly anticipated James Bond books in ages.

Author Robert Sellers recently informed CBn that friend of Ian Fleming and noted spy novelist Len Deighton had praised the forthcoming book:

The seemingly endless legal battles that Kevin McClory waged against the James Bond producers split the film world, and the publishing world, into two camps. Bitter arguments, unscrupulous bids for credits and recognition, as well as buckets of money, poisoned lifelong friendships and fostered strange and unlikely alliances. No one had the complete story but everyone had an unshakeable opinion. I knew most of the leading players in this sad drama and this book recalled many memories best forgot. Anyone with a desire to go into the entertainment world should read this exciting, gripping but in the end, melancholy story: it should be enough to change their mind forever.

Len Deighton

Pre-order The Battle For Bond: The Genesis of Cinema’s Greatest Hero from Amazon.co.uk.

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Lotus Esprit Prop Car From 'The Spy Who Loved Me' To Hit The Auction Block

Autoblog reports that a completely refurbished Lotus Esprit prop car from the 1977 James Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me will hit the auction block next week at the Coys Monaco sale. It is expected to fetch anywhere from £30,000 to £40,000.

The official listing at the Coys Monaco website:

Penned by Giugiaro, the Esprit initially appeared as a one-off design concept at the 1972 Turin Show, and the production car was little changed. Beneath the ultra modern and sharp-edge styled fibreglass body, which was moulded in two halves with the join cleverly concealed by waistline trim, was the Lotus trademark of a steel backbone chassis, but with a mid-mounted in-line slant-four cylinder engine cradled in a tubular frame.

Using Vauxhall’s 1,973cc alloy block, the motor sported a lotus twin camshaft cylinder head which with twin Dell’Orto carburettors produced 160bhp and 140lb.ft–good for 0-60mph in 7.5 seconds and 135 mph. Roadholding and traction were extraordinary via front and rear coil spring/double wishbone suspension, with the driveshafts acting as the upper links, brakes were solid discs all round, in board at the back. The majority of these S1 cars–of which 718 were produced before replacement by the first S2 in 1976–were exported to the USA, with British buyers having to wait over 12 months after the launch before the Esprit became availible to them. However, those working for Queen and country and holding a valid 00 licence to kill were attritutes which allowed one to “Q” jump!

The Lotus was to make its first appearance in the James Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me starring Roger Moore. Q’s modifications meant that the Lotus was able to turn into a Submarine and thus had the optional extras of four water propellers, retracting road wheels, hydrovanes, and impressive offensive armament, a periscope and all that was necessary for survival beneath the sea’s surface. The convincing underwater sequences in the film were largely filmed in tightly controlled condictions in a huge studio water tank. Lotus have confirmed that this car or shell was one of two complete cars and two “kits” plus extra body shells, used in the film. The first owner purchased this Lotus shell in Bahamas in 1988 and decided to prepare it as it had been used in the film, in the underwater sequence. Lotus supplied photographs and technical informations on how the car was prepared for filming, and the vendor duly returned it to the specifications in which it appeared in the film.

While this remarkable car “prop” does not have engine or running gear it remains a rare and eye-catching exhibit; In The Spy Who Loved Me, James Bond (Roger Moore) modified Lotus provides much of the film’s excitement. It was used by the film-makers as an updated version of the Aston Martin with the additional impressive feature that this car turns into a submarine. As a road car it is involved in an entertaining chase around Sardinia pursued by a missile-launching motorbike, Jaws (Richard Kiel) and a car full of Stromberg’s henchmen, and finally by Stromberg’s mistress Naomi in a helicopter. In an effort to evade Naomi, Bond accompanied by Russian agent Anya Amasova (Barbara Bach) drivers the car off a jetty into the sea where it trasforms into a submarine. Bond uses one a remarkable Lotus’ many features–a missile-launcher–to dispose of Naomi and proceeds to take a closer look at Stromberg’s underwater base. Having utilized the submarine Lotus’ arsenal of weapons including ink jets, torpedoes and mines to fight off Stromberg’s hostile drivers. Bond drivers the car up a beach to the amazement of the many holiday makers.

On the 8th of February 2002 it’s current Italian owner purchased this unique gadget from another well known Italian collector during a Christies sale dedicated to 007 for approximately £35.000. More recently the car has served as a touring exhibit dedicated to James Bond where it has been shown alongside an Aston DB5 and Citroen 2CV replica from the film, For Your Eyes Only, (also offered in this sale).

Perhaps the ultimate collectible for any James Bond fan.

The sale will take place on Monday 21, May 2007 in Monte Carlo, Monaco. Visit the official website for further information.

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Casino Royale And James Bond DVDs Win At Saturn Awards

Back in February, CBn reported that Casino Royale had been nominated in five different categories for this year’s Saturn Awards, including:

• Casino Royale – Best Action/Adventure/Thriller Film
• Daniel Craig – Best Actor
• Eva Green – Best Supporting Actress
• Neal Purvis, Robert Wade, and Paul Haggis – Best Writing
• David Arnold – Best Music

According to an update from Variety, Casino Royale won the award for the Best Action/Adventure/Thriller film, while last year’s release of the ‘Ultimate Edition’ James Bond 007 DVDs took the award for Best DVD Collection.

The winners were announced at this year’s 33rd Annual Saturn Awards on Thursday, 10 May 2007 in Universal City. Click here to see the full list of winners.

In the past, Die Another Day received four nominations: Best Action/Adventure/Thriller film, Pierce Brosnan, Halle Berry, and Toby Stephens. Brosnan won the award in 1998 for Tomorrow Never Dies.

Stay tuned to CBn for all the latest Casino Royale coverage.

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007 Film Stars To Attend AdventureCon 1-3 June '07

Three stars from the James Bond films are set to attend AdventureCon, Tennessee’s largest toy and comic collectors event, which is taking place from 1-3 June 2007 (Friday through Sunday).

The 007 stars line-up includes Richard Kiel (The Spy Who Loved Me and Moonraker), Caroline Munro (The Spy Who Loved Me) and Jeremy Bulloch (The Spy Who Loved Me and For Your Eyes Only). All three of the Bond guests are scheduled to attend each day of the event.

Show times are Friday 12pm to 7pm, Saturday 10am to 6pm and Sunday 11am to 5pm. AdventureCon is located at the Knoxville Convention Center, 701 Henley Street, Knoxville, Tennessee 37902. For further information or to purchase tickets, phone 800-605-1095 or click here to visit the official website.

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Virgin Media To Offer All The James Bond Films On Demand

According to a press release from Virgin Media, as of 16 May 2007, the company will be making available all the James Bond films–from 1962’s Dr. No to 2006’s Casino Royale–on demand…

Virgin Media licensed to thrill – Complete James Bond collection available on demand

From 16 May Virgin Media customers will have instant access to a whole lot of Bond! Not only will Casino Royale premiere on Virgin Media’s TV on demand service, but the entire 007 back catalogue will be available at the push of a button.

For the first time ever in the UK, all 21 James Bond movies will be exclusively available to view anytime – from 1962’s Dr No through to last year’s box office smash Casino Royale.

With TV on demand customers call the shots. They can start the film whenever they choose and pause, fast forward or rewind it just like a DVD. So if viewers feel like a spot of Octopussy at 2am, or maybe some Moonraker at midday, they can get an instant fix from just £2.50 per film for a 24-hour rental.

All Virgin TV packages include access to TV on demand – a huge library of entertainment that includes over 500 films from FilmFlex, all stored on the network and available anytime.

For Bond bliss, viewers simply go to movies on demand, make a selection via their remote control and an on-screen menu and then sit back and enjoy. There’s no waiting for downloads and no more cries of “there’s nothing on the telly tonight!” -with Sir Sean, George, Sir Roger, Timothy, Pierce and Daniel waiting to thrill.

Ernie Cormier, chief commercial officer of Virgin Media said: “Everyone has a favourite Bond film and we’re offering a huge slice of 00-heaven around the clock. Customers can dip into the line-up one at a time or even pig out with a Bond marathon.

“There’s over 41 hours of action to pick from and it’s just a fraction of our huge on demand library, which is growing all the time.”

44 Years of Bond films from Virgin Media (with love)

• Over 40 hours of electrifying undercover spy activity
• All six Bonds in your living room, from Sir Sean to Daniel Craig
• Over 40 baddies trying to dish out death to 007
• 40 official Bonds girls in one place
• Over 80 famous modes of transport: from the Sixties Sunbeam Alpine and Aston Martin, to BMW sports cars and 21st Century thrills of the Vanquish
• On demand access to a film series that’s a grossed over $4 billion worldwide (Casino Royale was the biggest ever box office opening in the UK and set a worldwide record for a James Bond film)

To find out more about Virgin Media’s products and service visit www.virginmedia.com or call 0800 052 2525.

—–

The Bond collection will be available on Virgin Media from 16 May with prices from £2.50 for a classic Bond title and £3.50 for Casino Royale.

Virgin Media is an innovative and pioneering UK entertainment and communications business. For the first time consumers can get everything they need from one company – the UK’s only quad play of TV, broadband, phone and mobile plus the most advanced TV on demand service available, the UK’s first high definition TV service and V+, our high specification personal video recorder. We’re the UK’s most popular residential broadband provider, the largest virtual mobile network operator and the second largest provider of pay TV and home phone.

Virgin Media owns two content businesses – Virgin Media Television (VMTV) and sit-up. VMTV owns seven entertainment channels – Living, Living 2, Bravo, Bravo 2, Challenge, Trouble and Ftn – and is a 50% partner in UKTV which consists of ten channels including UKTV Gold and UKTV History. sit-up runs retail TV channels bid tv, price-drop tv and speed auctiontv.

Virgin Media is the largest Virgin company in the world and has almost 10 million customers. To find out more visit www.virginmedia.com/presscentre.

FilmFlex is the UK’s leading ‘on demand’ film service available to Virgin Media subscribers.

All films are licensed from MGM International Television.

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