Leon Paul: Fencing Suppliers for 007

Pierce Brosnan and Leon Paul

Leon Paul are proud to have helped in the making of one of the greatest sword fight scene in the history of film. Leon Paul provided specialist sword fencers and armourer to work with sword master Bob Anderson, Ex-British national coach and the sword fight coordinator for Lord of the Rings, Zorro and Star Wars. The fencers and armourers were involved in training the actors and choreographing the moves and stunts and designing the layout of the fictional fencing club, Blades. Leon Paul also provided Specialist equipment including a metallic piste, specialist clothing and all while masks work by Pierce Brosnan and Toby Stephens.

Take a stab at LeonPaul.com for a look at their sharp contribution to Die Another Day. Get the point?

To discuss this news visit this thread on the CBn Forum.

MiniChamps to Release More 1:43 Die Cast Bond Vehicles

As we know, ‘MiniChamps’ (1:43) and ‘The Beanstalk Group’ (1:18) produced the die cast model cars from Die Another Day…

ASTON MARTIN VANQUISH driven by Bond

JAGUAR XKR driven by Zao

FORD THUNDERBIRD driven by Jinx

Now it seems MiniChamps will now produce 1:43 versions of the James Bond 1:18 die cast model cars previously made by AUTOart. Beginning this month MiniChamps will release two versions the Lotus Esprit from The Spy Who Loved Me…

LOTUS ESPRIT SUBMARINE (Jan 20)

LOTUS ESPRIT TYPE-79 CAR VERSION (Jan 27)

In the works for re-release later this year are the…

TOYOTA 2000 GT CABRIO from You Only Live Twice – (speculated, seeing as the picture is up on their site, but no text about it as of yet.)

ASTON MARTIN DB5 from Goldfinger – (This could be good news for some collectors; seeing as the AUTOart 1:18 DB5 sells for up to $400 on eBay.)

Perhaps in the later part of 2004 or early 2005 we’ll get the last two 1:43 re-productions…

LOTUS ESPRIT TURBO from For Your Eyes Only

BMW Z8 from The World is Not Enough

Does MiniChamps have any NEW Bond cars in the works? Will they get a deal to produce the cars in Bond 21 (2005)? Guess we’ll just have to wait and see.

To discuss this news visit this thread on the CBn Forum.
Thanks to ‘MBA Gyrojet’ for tip-off.

Benson's 'Red Tattoo' Published in Japan

Author Raymond Benson’s sixth original James Bond adventure The Man With The Red Tattoo has been published in Japan as a “Hayakawa Pocket Mystery” and can be ordered from Amazon.co.jp. Red Tattoo sees 007 traveling to Japan to do battle with terrorist Goro Yoshida who threatens to use chemical warfare against world leaders at a G8 summit.

Other Benson titles that have been translated into Japanese are Zero Minus Ten, Tomorrow Never Dies, The World is Not Enough, and Die Another Day.

The Man With The Red Tattoo was first published by Hodder & Stoughton in May 2002. It was Benson’s last original James Bond novel. He announced his retirement from the series in early 2003.

For an entertaining account of Benson’s research trip to Japan visit Her Majesty’s Secret Servant and read From Nippon With Love by James McMahon.

XBOX Magazine Includes EoN Demo

In February’s issue of XBOX Magazine they have included on their monthly “demo disk” a demo of not one, not two… but three levels of EA’s James Bond: Everything or Nothing!

What more could you possibly want in a video game than big guns, huge explosions, and hot Bond girls? How about vehicles? It seems EA has been thinking right along those tracks.

Both Agent Under Fire and especially Nightfire were solid first-person shooters, but for this adventure we’ll be seeing and hearing a lot more of Mr. Brosnan – quite literally – as the perspective has been changed to a third person view and Brosnan is lending his voice to the project this time. And to cap it all off, EA is pulling out all the stops by including one of the most infamous Bond villains of then all, Jaws, and he will be voiced by none other that Richard Kiel.

There’s a multitude of fun Bondian things to do in the game (not to mention in the demo)…

X-Box Demo:

• Demo level: A Long way down
  Mr. Bond has to rappel from a building while being chased by bad guys with guns, as the building explodes. Just so he can hit ground and proceed to shoot more pesky foes.
• Demo level: The Pontchatran Bridge
  My favorite of the 3 demo levels. Jaws is off in a tanker truck to blow up a city and Mr. Bond has to hunt him down on a Triumph Daytona 600 Motorcycle the while henchmen on motorcycles pursue and fire at him. But they won’t last long because Q has equipped Bond’s motorcycle with a missile firing system and flamethrower.

On this level M delivers some clever lines.

• When blowing up a motorist: “Careful James, your target is Jaws not innocent motorist.”
• When blowing up a motorist who seems like he’s out to get you: “Careful James, your target it Jaws not reckless drivers.”
• When you fail the mission: “You failed 007; Jaws will sink the city along with your reputation. Return to MI6 at once.” [wav file: here]

• Demo level: Bazaar (multiplayer co-op)
  Third person multi-player? I hope there’s a way to change this to first person on the actual game.

Control seems pretty tight: the vehicle felt good, and targeting is made pretty easy by holding down the left trigger. As good as Nightfire was, Everything or Nothing is cranking everything up.

With no new Bond film in sight for a while, this should help fill the void until Brosnan brings Bond back to the big screen again.

Mingle with James Bond's Cars

“Classic Cars Live!” (the renamed London Classic Motor Show) will be at Alexandra Palace, London, on March 20 and 21 and will be bringing a few of Bond’s cars with them. For More information about the show please visit classiccarslive.com.

The handfull of Bond’s cars that will be “attending” the show include:

• Sean Connery’s Aston Martin DB5 from Goldfinger: complete with bullet-proof screen, revolving number plates, oil and water sprays, ejector seat and front-mounted machine guns. Although the original Goldfinger car has long since disappeared, this replica (owned by the ‘Cars of the Stars’ museum in Keswick) has had its own screen career in somewhat lesser films.
• Roger Moore’s Lotus Esprit Turbo used in For Your Eyes Only.
• Pierce Brosnan’s Aston Martin Vanquish from Die Another Day.
• Bond Baddie Zao’s Jaguar XK8 Convertible from Die Another Day.

At Last! Gardner Omnibus Sees Publication

Twice delayed from its original June 9, 2003 release date, the Coronet omnibus edition of John Gardner’s first three James Bond novels License Renewed, For Special Services, and Icebreaker has finally been published and can be ordered from Amazon.co.uk, although quantities may be limited. The cover art is the same art Coronet used on a previous edition of For Special Services. No word on whether Coronet plans to reprint other Gardner titles. The last time these three books appeared in print in the UK was in 1995. Gardner’s work remains out of print in the U.S.

• LICENSE RENEWED, first published in 1981, sees OO7 returning to service in the 1980s to battle a tyrannical Scottish Laird. Locations include: Dublin, London, Scotland, Paris, and Perpignan.
• FOR SPECIAL SERVICES, first published in 1982, features the return of SPECTRE as Bond and Felix Leiter’s daughter go undercover for the U.S. government. Locations this time: New York, Washington D.C., Texas, Missouri, Colorado, and Louisiana.
• ICEBREAKER, first published in 1983, sees 007 battling a neo-Nazi army deep in the Arctic Circle. Other locations include Libya, Helsinki, the USSR, and Heathrow Airport. This is a favorite book among Bond fans.

Product Details:
Paperback 780 pages (31 January, 2004)
Publisher: Coronet; ISBN: 0340830840
Category(ies): Fiction , Crime, Thrillers & Mystery

Inside The Minds of The Producers

An interview with Bond Producers Michael Wilson and Barbara Broccoli that was done during the filming/release of ‘Die Another Day’ surfaced on about.com recently.

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Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli are the producers now in charge of the James Bond franchise. Broccoli, of course, is the daughter of the late Albert R. Broccoli, who originated the series for film. Wilson is Albert’s stepson.

Was this Bond film an attempt to change directions?

Michael G. Wilson: We always start out thinking we’re going to make a different picture and some succeed more than others. For instance, in the last film, we had Bond fall in love with a girl, she turned out to be the villain and he had to kill her. We thought that was different. But this one, of course, I think it’s probably the pacing and look that Lee brings to it that gives it a feeling of being different. Of course Pierce being captured and tortured is obviously a departure from what we’ve seen before.

Barbara Broccoli: It’s a little bit darker than some of the other ones, but the tone is usually set by the story and this story, once we embarked on the story, it came out a little bit darker.

Why have recent Bond films been about personal vendettas?

MW: I think it’s always about Bond’s story. We try to find a good story about Bond to start with.

BB: I think particularly with Pierce, he can play the role and mine that kind of emotional territory very well. He’s very emotionally engaging and I think we’ve tried to make them more personal because we think it’s very effective overall.

There was talk of Blofeld’s daughter at one point. When was that idea thrown out?

MW: I thought it was Goldfinger’s daughter.

BB: We’ve never considered having people’s daughters.

MW: I would say that 90 percent of the rumors are not leaks. 90 percent are just inventions of people with very active imaginations.

So, the Connery cameo then?

MW: We just heard we’d shot something and then cut it out of the movie.

BB: When we’re meeting and developing these stories, people will come in and go, “I’ve got a great idea. We could have Oddjob’s son.” And people are constantly suggesting those things.

MW: But do you really think we could have shot with Sean Connery at Pinewood Studios and you guys wouldn’t know about it?

BB: How stupid would we be to hire him and then cut him out?

Barbara, did your father know this series would last so long?

BB: Well, he and Fleming- – Well, first of all, he and Harry [Saltzman], when they went to make a deal at United Artists, made a deal for a film series because there was a series of books. They had intended to make a series of films. I know that when Dad talked to Fleming at one time, Fleming said, “These movies will go on beyond me. You will have to invent things beyond me.” So, I think Fleming knew that. They had great faith in this character. They thought it had great appeal and they were right.

Are you thinking about Bond actors beyond Mr. Brosnan?

BB: It’s like asking a bride when she’s going up the aisle who her next husband is going to be. That’s how I feel. He’s James Bond. We like it that way. When he’s not anymore, then we’ll think about it.

In Q’s workshop, are those the actual props from previous Bond films?

MW: Yeah, those are them. They’re in our archive and a lot of them are in the museum.

Will you ever do a serious version of Casino Royale?

BB: It’s the Bond coming of age story, basically, so it’s a bit hard to do. I wish it had been done faithfully because it was done as a spoof, which is unfortunate. It’s a great novel, but it’s a bit hard for us at this time to go there, having had this cinematic character over the last 40 years. But who knows?

What about using the non-Fleming books?

MW: I don’t know. We look at them. I’ve read most of them but I haven’t gotten inspired.

Is there still room for Bond in the world of XXX?

MW: That’s for the audience to decide. I think so.

BB: To be honest, you can’t really worry about it. There’s always going to be movies out there that are going to be competitors. That’s the nature of the business and it’s good for the business.

Michael, why did you stop writing the films?

MW: Oh, I think you can only do so much. I don’t think you can keep going.

Would you consider a Jinx series?

MW: Possibly, yeah.

BB: We loved working with Halle. We’d love to do a movie with her. She’s great. She can do anything.

You can discuss this interview here in the CBn Forums.

'Some Age, Others Mature.'

Sean Connery’s alter ego’s signature drink may have been a vodka martini – shaken not stirred – but in real life it appears the James Bond actor prefers a dram of whisky. After years of being pursued by various distillers, Scotland’s most famous actor has agreed to front a major campaign for Dewar’s, the world’s fourth-largest whisky brand.

Dewar’s was formerly a major brand in the UK, but was de-listed in 1980 by its former owner, Diageo. The brand was then bought for $1.4 billion by Bacardi in 1998 and has re-established itself in the market abroad where Dewar’s is now a major success. It is ranked No1 in the United States, ahead of the likes of Johnnie Walker. About 98 per cent of its business is export, and it sells 48 million bottles annually.

This is the first time Sir Sean Connery has agreed to promote his country’s most well-known export and after 18 months of negotiations the deal to was finally settled — Connery is costing Dewar’s $1 million.

Neil Boyd, the global brand director of the Aberfeldy-based company, said the company was thrilled to be associated with Sir Sean. “Celebrity endorsements are very fashionable just now. The public seem very interested in their lifestyles and what they do. And it’s an effective promotion for a brand. It took a lot of chasing and a lot of hard negotiations. As celebrities go, he is one of the biggest names.”

The advertising campaign, which will run until March 2006, will feature television and cinema commercials with subtitles. Alongside poster advertising, with the signature line: “Some age, others mature”.

The new advertisement, which is reminiscent of the current Bill Murray film Lost in Translation, cannot be shown in the UK for contractual reasons. But will instead Dewar’s promotions will focus on the emerging markets of Lebanon, Greece, Mexico, Venezuela, Russia, Thailand, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.

The tv and cinema commercial, which is 45-second long, splice images of a young Connery appearing in the 1964 Hitchcock film ‘Marnie’ with current footage of the 73-year-old actor, who berates his former self for not drinking Dewar’s 12-year-old.

At the same time, there is a knock at the door and the camera pans to a dark-haired girl in a long, split dress, saying: “Sean, Sean, are you in there?”

Old Sean looks at young Sean and says: “Shall you get it or I?”

Old Sean motions towards the door and says to the camera: “Some age, others mature. Dewar’s 12 Scotch Whisky.”

You can discuss this news here in the CBn Forums.

MGM Begins Moratorium on DVDs

As of January 19, 2004, all Region 1 (USA) James Bond films previous to Die Another Day, will once more have a moratorium over them. The film sets will no longer be produced for purchase. However, there is a small window of opportunity for fans to complete their collection.

In previous years, stores had to return their unsold merchandise as of the moratorium start date. However, the rules for this year’s moratorium are different. The stores are being allowed to keep and sell the stock that they have.

With careful searching, Bond fans should be able to find the sets on the shelves for the next few months. Keep in mind though, once the stores sell out, there are no more sets to be had.

Thanks to the Killkenny Kid for tipping us off to this news story.
To discuss this story in the forums click here.

James Bond's Martini Mystique

Human invention has launched untold thousands of cocktails, but only one has developed a genuine model standard by which all others are judged. Immune to shifting taste and fashion, the martini has not only endured, it has prospered. The martini is an honest drink, tasting exactly like what it is and nothing else. The classic martini is a no-nonsense drink that, after sip or two, will make you forget the events of the day and put you in the right mood. But drink too many, and you’re on the floor. It is, in more ways than one, a power drink.

Who invented this drink we now call the Martini? That fact that may never be known. Unfortunately history is not as clear as a Martini. But what we do know is that the Martini is a symbol of high status and cool excess… and it has been the power drink of the rich and famous: Frank Sinatra, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Richard Nixon, Mae West, Ernest Hemingway, W.C. Fields, Winston Churchill, and of course… James Bond.

It’s no wonder that the martini is Bond’s signature drink. James Bond IS the human embodiment of the Martini – refined, dashing, particular, and packs a devastating punch. “Shaken not stirred.” These three simple words speak volumes about the gentleman-spy. Bond is not only fond of the high life—fast cars, fine food and even finer women—he also realizes that to live life to the fullest, one has to be demanding about the details and extremely precise about ones cocktail.

Today, there are conflicting views as to what qualifies as a martini and what doesn’t. The classic martini calls for gin, but vodka (Bond’s preference) is perfectly acceptable. When ordering, you can also ask for your martini “dry” (less vermouth), “sweet” (more) and “dirty” (with one part olive brine in the mix). Then there are the fruity and chocolate-flavored variations of the 1990s thought to be imposters dressed as martinis. But the classic Martini has been an “inspiration” to these more “eccentric” Martinis’. Like the Cosmopolitan, all have a refined Martini taste but still derive from the classic Martini.

The perfect Martini is all about ratios… and ice. For a perfect Martini chill your stemmed glass and shaker in the freezer. Put two hard-frozen ice cubes into your shaker before mixing, add your ingredients (recipes at the end of article) and shake about eight times (or should you stir?). Pour through a cocktail strainer into your chilled glass. Garnish with an olive, wedge of fruit, or other item… and Voila! Welcome to the world of movie stars, kings, and secret agents!

And what about shaking versus stirring? Followers of Bond’s “shaken not stirred” motto cite that vermouth and gin blend more smoothly when given about eight, firm shakes in a chilled martini shaker with cold, hard ice. Meanwhile, champions of stirring claim that shaking “bruise” the gin&mdashor cloud the drink with impurities such as shards of ice. A suggestion: go to a bartender you trust, order two martinis&mdashone shaken, the other stirred—and see which you prefer. It’s all about personal preference. As Bond himself would probably tell you, you should know what you want, and not be shy about asking for it. Bond even went as far as to invent his own variation of that Martini: In “Casino Royale”, Bond tells the beautiful double agent Vesper Lynd about his special Martini made with gin and vodka and is suddenly inspired to name it after her. The birth of “The Vesper”.

Martinis are about style, taste and attitude. From the way it’s shaken, to the glass it’s poured into, each element adds flavor. Whether you prefer vodka or gin, cosmopolitans or chocolate martinis… let your martini entertain your style!

To discuss James Bond’s signature drink or your own signature drink please visit this post on the CBn forums.

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If you want to mix your own martini at home and perhaps enjoy it while watching a Bond film—check out the recipes below:

Medium-dry Vodka Martini (James Bond’s choice in the films)

• 4 parts Vodka
• 1 part Vermouth
• 1 green olive

The ‘Vesper’ Martini (Fleming’s choice)

• 3 parts Gin
• 1 part Vodka
• 1 part Vermouth
• 1 Lemon wedge

Vanilla Vodka Cosmopolitan Martini (Athena’s choice)

• 3 parts Vanilla Vodka (Stoli)
• 1 part Triple Sec
• 1 part Cranberry juice
• Splash of Lime juice
• 1 Cherry or Lime/Orange wedge

Apple Martini

• 3 parts Vodka
• 1 part Sour Apple Schnapps
• 1 thin slice of Apple

Chocolate Martini

2 parts oz Vanilla Vodka

1 part Godiva Liqueur

1 Cherry

optional: swirl the glass with raspberry syrup and/or dip rim of glass in shaved chocolate