Focus on Felix

Posted July 4, 2025 by AI

Felix Leiter’s on-screen life is as long as 007’s, appearing in the very first film, Dr. No. (1962). Played by Jack Lord, Felix is a man of mystery, sporting sunglasses when tailing 007 (Sean Connery) upon his arrival at Kingston Airport. After Bond is jumped in a bar by Jamaican fisherman Quarrel (John Kitzmiller) and the bar owner, Leiter holds Bond at gunpoint, announcing his CIA credentials and revealing Quarrel as a fellow agent. Later, Leiter assists Bond with his mission, helping him and Honey Ryder following their escape from Dr. No (Joseph Wiseman)’s hideout.

Leiter returned in Goldfinger (1964), now played by Cec Linder. He is the first to point out Auric Goldfinger (Gert Fröbe) at Bond’s hotel in Miami, and later plays a crucial role in foiling the attack on Fort Knox. In Thunderball (1965) Leiter (Rik Van Nutter) rescues Bond from an underwater cave and calls in the US Navy to battle Emilio Largo (Adolfo Celi)’s frogmen.

Played with a lighter, more exasperated touch by Norman Burton in Diamonds Are Forever (1971), Leiter helps Bond infiltrate a diamond smuggling ring. Leiter saves Bond’s life by swapping real diamonds for fake ones and does significant work investigating American billionaire Willard Whyte (Jimmy Dean). He also launches the helicopter attack that destroys Blofeld’s (Charles Gray) base on an oil rig.

With a new Bond, Roger Moore, came a new Felix. David Hedison, an old friend of Moore’s, played the character in Live And Let Die (1973). Investigating Harlem drug dealer Mr. Big (Yaphet Kotto), Leiter takes Bond to the Fillet of Soul restaurant, a front for Big’s drugs racket, and smooths things over with the Louisiana police after 007 causes carnage with a speedboat. He later plays a key part in the destruction of Big’s heroin operation.

After John Terry played the character in The Living Daylights (1987), Hedison returned to the role in Licence To Kill (1989), this time playing opposite Timothy Dalton. Rather than assisting Bond, Leiter becomes the catalyst for the plot, after his wife Della (Priscilla Barnes) is killed by drug dealer Franz Sanchez (Robert Davi) on their wedding day, causing 007 to seek revenge. Sanchez tortures Leiter by lowering him into a shark tank and leaving him to die. Fittingly, Bond sets fire to Sanchez with Leiter’s best man present — an engraved cigarette lighter.

Leiter did not appear at all during Pierce Brosnan’s era but returned in Casino Royale (2006), played by Jeffrey Wright. Leiter first meets Bond (Daniel Craig) at the Casino Royale in Montenegro. After 007 has lost the funding of treasury agent Vesper Lynd (Eva Green) to stay in the high-stakes poker game, Leiter gifts Bond $5 million to buy back in. The catch is the CIA will get to bring in Bond’s target Le Chiffre (Mads Mikkelsen) once Bond has won the game.

In Quantum Of Solace (2008), Leiter works with CIA colleague Gregg Beam (David Harbour) to obtain American oil rights in Bolivia from exiled General Medrano (Joaquin Cosio). The corrupt Beam, working in cahoots with Quantum’s Dominic Greene (Mathieu Amalric), arranges for Bond to be killed but Felix warns 007 with seconds to spare, allowing Bond to escape.

In No Time To Die (2021), Felix, working with partner Logan Ash (Billy Magnussen), lures Bond out of retirement to track down MI6 scientist Valdo Obruchev (David Dencik) who had worked on Project Heracles, a deadly DNA weapon that spreads like a virus. Bond captures Obruchev in Cuba and brings him to Leiter and Ash on a boat, demanding to know who the scientist was working for.

When it becomes clear that Obruchev is working for Ash, the latter pulls out a gun and shoots Leiter in the stomach, blowing the vessel up with a limpet mine. As the boat floods with water, Bond tries to haul Felix to safety. “It’s a good life,” says Felix. “The best,” retorts Bond. As the water rises, Felix slips away from a distraught Bond.

Bond later avenges Leiter’s death, crushing Ash to death with an upturned vehicle — after an injured Ash implores him “Why don’t you help me out, brother?” Bond simply replies, “I had a brother. His name was Felix Leiter.”

On Her Majesty’s Secret Service: Remastered & Expanded 2-CD Release

Posted July 1, 2025 by AI

A remastered and expanded 2-CD re-issue of composer John Barry’s original motion picture score to On Her Majesty’s Secret Service is available now, exclusively at 007Store.com for the first 90 days of release.

Produced by Albert R. Broccoli and Harry Saltzman and directed by Peter Hunt, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service stars George Lazenby as James Bond 007. With four Bond scores already to his credit, John Barry returned to compose and conduct the music for this sixth film in the series.

This expanded release includes the songs “We Have All The Time In The World,” performed by Louis Armstrong, and “Do You Know How Christmas Trees Are Grown?,” performed by Nina, with lyrics by Hal David. The album is produced and mixed by Neil S. Bulk and mastered by Doug Schwartz from the original 3-track ½″ masters, with “We Have All The Time In The World” mixed from the original 1″ 8-track tapes. Two cues unavailable on the stereo tapes appear in the bonus section, processed into stereo by Chris Malone.

The release includes art direction by Dan Goldwasser and a new front cover designed by Jim Titus. Exclusive liner notes are provided by journalist and author Jon Burlingame, with an introductory note by composer David Arnold.

Available now at 007Store.com

Denis Villeneuve to direct next James Bond film

Posted June 26, 2025 by AI

Amazon MGM Studios announced that Denis Villeneuve will direct the next James Bond film. Tanya Lapointe will serve as executive producer. As previously announced, Amy Pascal and David Heyman will serve as producers.

Villeneuve commented, “Some of my earliest movie-going memories are connected to 007. I grew up watching James Bond films with my father, ever since Dr. No with Sean Connery. I’m a die-hard Bond fan. To me, he’s sacred territory. I intend to honour the tradition and open the path for many new missions to come. This is a massive responsibility, but also, incredibly exciting for me and a huge honour. Amy, David, and I are absolutely thrilled to bring him back to the screen. Thank you to Amazon MGM Studios for their trust.”

Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, commented, “We are honoured that Denis has agreed to direct James Bond’s next chapter. He is a cinematic master, whose filmography speaks for itself. From Blade Runner 2049 to Arrival to the Dune films, he has delivered compelling worlds, dynamic visuals, complex characters, and – most importantly – the immersive storytelling that global audiences yearn to experience in theatres. James Bond is in the hands of one of today’s greatest filmmakers and we cannot wait to get started on 007’s next adventure.”

Pascal and Heyman commented, “Denis Villeneuve has been in love with James Bond movies since he was a little boy. It was always his dream to make this movie, and now it’s ours, too. We are lucky to be in the hands of this extraordinary filmmaker.”

A View To A Kill — Ten Iconic Moments

Posted June 13, 2025 by AI

SNOW BUSINESS

On a mission in Siberia to recover a microchip that can withstand an electromagnetic pulse, James Bond (Roger Moore) comes under attack from Soviet troops. 007 escapes in a motorised toboggan but when the front ski is shot off, he turns it into a monoski, escaping and defeating his assailants on an improvised snowboard.

BTS: While snowboarding had been featured in a short French film, A View To A Kill marks the first time the sport appeared in a major feature.

LEAP OF FAITH

After killing Bond’s contact, Aubergine (Jean Rougerie), assassin May Day (Grace Jones) escapes up the Eiffel Tower with Bond in hot pursuit. To evade the secret agent, May Day, dressed in all black, makes a death-defying leap from the tower, skydiving onto a wedding boat.

BTS: Stunt performer B.J. Worth performed the skydive — he only had three and a half seconds before he had to open up the parachute.

TAXI!

Bond does not give up easily, chasing May Day through Paris traffic in a ‘borrowed’ Renault taxi cab. During the hunt, Bond leaps the car onto a moving bus, has the roof destroyed by a barrier and loses the rear end in a collision. The battered vehicle is abandoned on the Pont Alexandre III.

BTS: English Director John Glen and French stunt coordinator Remy Julienne communicated about the sequence through drawings to overcome their language barrier.

MASTER AND SERVANT

To infiltrate Max Zorin’s (Christopher Walken) operation, Bond poses as inexperienced horse trainer James St. John Smythe, with MI6 agent Sir Godfrey Tibbett (Patrick Macnee) going undercover as his harried manservant. Expecting their room to be bugged, 007 plays a tape recording of Bond berating his butler, allowing him to slip out on covert missions.

BTS: Roger Moore and Patrick Macnee often improvised the banter between Bond and Tibbett.

CUT TO THE STEEPLECHASE

Having discovered 007’s identity, Zorin forces Bond into a deadly steeplechase, riding a wild horse named Inferno. But, as Bond negotiates the course, Zorin plays dirty, booby-trapping the fences. He sees salvation in Tibbett driving his Rolls Royce, only to discover his manservant has been killed by May Day.

BTS: Horse racing played such a big part in the film as Albert R. “Cubby” Broccoli was passionate about breeding and racing horses, and had his own stable.

ROLLING THE ROLLER

Moore becomes a captive of Zorin, who forces Bond into the Rolls Royce alongside Tibbett’s corpse and instructs May Day to push the Rolls Royce into a lake. From under the water, Bond notices that Zorin and his henchman are waiting on the water’s edge in case he swims to the surface. With no Q Branch gadgetry to save the day, Bond relies on his wits and stays alive by breathing from one of the Michelin tyres.

BTS: Patrick Macnee drove producer Cubby Broccoli’s Rolls Royce throughout the film — but it is a double that is rolled into the water.

UP IN THE AIRSHIP

Zorin holds a meeting with his cartel of microchip manufacturers, unveiling Project Main Strike, his plot to gain control of the microchip market. When one of Zorin’s potential partners baulks at Zorin’s $100 million buy-in fee, Zorin asks May Day to escort the backer out of the meeting room. May Day shows the man down the stairs and out of the door, as the meeting is revealed to be taking place on Zorin’s blimp, high above San Francisco.

BTS: The scene ends with May Day, looking over the Bay Area, remarking “Wow, what a view!”, “To a kill,” says Zorin. The title has been uttered out loud in 18 official Bond films and written down in one (From Russia With Love).

MASTER CHEF

Surviving an attack by Zorin’s henchmen, Bond offers to cook for Stacey Sutton (Tanya Roberts) in her mansion house kitchen. With only a few ingredients in the house, he rustles up a quiche de cabinet. “What is it?” asks Stacey. “An omelette,” Bond replies.

BTS: Other films in the series featuring 007 in a kitchen include Live And Let Die (he makes coffee) and No Time For Die (crêpes).

MAY DAY! MAY DAY!

After being double-crossed by Zorin and left to die, May Day switches sides and aids Bond, sacrificing her life by ensuring the bomb designed to trigger the earthquake goes off harmlessly. Her last words are a simple instruction to Bond: “Get Zorin for me!”

BTS: Grace Jones was unaware that the hot electric sparks going off as she escaped from the flooded mine were real. Her screams in the scene are authentic.

THE BATTLE ON THE BRIDGE

Bond ties Zorin’s airship to the Golden Gate Bridge, stopping the dirigible in its tracks. Zorin emerges from the airship gondola brandishing a fire axe. Following a brief scuffle, Zorin’s grip on the bridge’s framework falters and he plummets to his death in the Bay below.

BTS: The production eventually built three versions of the Golden Gate Bridge; two on the Pinewood backlot and one on the soundstage.

Zorin and May Day — The Diabolical Double Act

Posted June 7, 2025 by AI

Max Zorin and May Day hold a unique place in the rogues’ gallery of 007 villains. Zorin (played by the Academy Award-winning Christopher Walken) is a French industrialist with a plot to seize the burgeoning world of technology through his own brand of ruthless determination and original thinking — or as he calls it, “intuitive improvisation”.

Perfectly embodied by actor-singer-performance artist Grace Jones, May Day is Zorin’s bodyguard, karate instructor and lover, blessed with a killer instinct. Together, they make perfect partners in crime, sharing super-strength, animalistic passion, and a complete lack of feeling for human life.

With his mother part of a programme to create a generation of “super children” through injections of steroids, Zorin grew up to be extremely intelligent but the side effects from the steroids also added a psychotic thirst for murder. This fascination with steroids plays into his obsession with horse racing, using electronically triggered steroids to increase performance and guarantee victory.

Wealthy and successful, Zorin uses his debonair charm and acumen as a cover to mask his secret identity as a KGB operative, providing the Russians with state-of-the-art technology, all the while forming a microchip production and distribution cartel. A highly trained enforcer with the strength to lift KGB agents over her head, May Day will stop at nothing to help Zorin achieve his goals, be it garrotting Bond’s associates or leaping from the Eiffel Tower to evade 007.

Ultimately, Zorin severs all ties with the KGB and launches his master plan, dubbed Project Main Strike. His plot involves engineering a massive double earthquake that will flood the entire San Francisco Bay Area, wiping out all the computer companies in Silicon Valley, and leaving the Zorin Microchip Cartel to become the global market leader.

As Project Main Strike swings into action, Zorin becomes even more crazed, manically killing his own workers with a machine gun. To suit his ends, Zorin betrays May Day, prematurely flooding the mine, his former bodyguard swept away by the gushing flood water.

Incensed by Zorin’s betrayal, May Day switches allegiance to 007, using her power to extricate the bomb and helping Bond to load it on a mine cart. When the device gets stuck on the track, she sacrifices herself, shouting back to Bond: “Get Zorin for me!” Emerging into the daylight, she shares a moment with Zorin as he escapes in his airship, defiantly staring at her former lover as she foils his plan.

As Zorin’s airship takes off, Bond grabs hold of a mooring rope and is flown above San Francisco skyscrapers and out toward the Golden Gate Bridge. When 007 ties the mooring rope to the bridge, bringing the airship to a halt, Zorin emerges from the cabin and attacks Bond with a fire axe. During the hand-to-hand combat, Zorin loses his grip on the framework and plummets to the sea below, Bond making good on May Day’s final words.

First Trailer For New 007 Video Game Released

Posted June 4, 2025 by AI

IO Interactive, the award-winning studio behind the internationally acclaimed HITMAN franchise, in collaboration with Amazon MGM Studios, has today officially unveiled 007 First Light a new, standalone, story-driven action-adventure game offering a fresh reimagining of James Bond’s origins. Set for release in 2026, 007 First Light will be available on PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 5 Pro, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store.

007 First Light introduces players to a young Bond, a talented but rebellious Royal Navy air crewman whose sharp instincts and heroism see him recruited to MI6. The game follows his entry into the agency’s legendary, newly re-established elite double-0 programme, marking the beginning of his journey to becoming 007.

For the first time, fans will be able to experience Bond’s early days within MI6, exploring how a promising 26-year-old recruit is forged into a fully fledged spy. Set against an immersive backdrop of global espionage, players will travel to exotic locations, encounter formidable allies and enemies, and navigate challenges with brute force, cunning guile, or charming wit – the choice is theirs.

A third-person action-adventure title, 007 First Light blends IO Interactive’s hallmark stealth and combat mechanics with the rich narrative world of Bond and MI6. Players will be able to leverage Bond’s unique skills, navigate complex relationships, and utilise the latest technology from Q Branch in his ascent to becoming 007. The game also introduces a host of new characters, including Bond’s mentor John Greenway and the enigmatic Isola, alongside familiar faces such as M, Q, and Moneypenny.

The game is available to wishlist now for PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 5 Pro, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2 and for PC on Steam and Epic Games Store and Amazon.com. Players who sign up for an IOI account now will receive two exclusive in-game items for 007 First Light at the game’s launch, along with additional rewards in the future.

For further updates and information, please visit the official website 007FirstLightGame.com, or follow on X, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.

Goldfinger Remastered Soundtrack Announced

Posted May 29, 2025 by AI

A remastered and re-sequenced edition of Goldfinger’s original film score will be released on limited edition coloured vinyl this summer. Pre-orders begin June 1, 2025, with two exclusive variants available from 007Store.com and La-La Land Records.

Directed by Guy Hamilton, 1964’s Goldfinger marked Sean Connery’s third outing as 007. The orchestral score, which was composed, arranged and conducted by John Barry, helped define the sound of the James Bond franchise. The iconic title song, performed by Shirley Bassey and with lyrics by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley, continues to be a fan favourite more than 60 years after the film’s release.

Produced by Neil S. Bulk, restored by Chris Malone and mastered by Doug Schwartz, the 180-gram LP features a revised track listing that blends the original UK and US album sequencing, offering the most complete vinyl edition to date. Housed in a gatefold cover, the album includes an eight-page booklet with liner notes by journalist Jon Burlingame and artwork by Jim Titus.

The album is also available in two exclusive variants: the “Fort Knox Bullion” edition which is only available at La-La Land Records, and a “Body Paint Gold” edition (which is limited to just 300 copies) and is exclusive to the 007 Store.

Track listing:
Side A – 18:32

Main Title – Goldfinger – 2:51
Into Miami – :58
Golden Girl – 2:10
Alpine Drive – Auric’s Factory – 4:28
Death of Tilly – 2:05
Oddjob’s Pressing Engagement – 3:07
The Laser Beam – 2:53

Side B – 22:38

Bond Back in Action Again – 2:31
Pussy Galore’s Flying Circus – 2:48
Teasing the Korean – 2:15
Gassing the Gangsters – 1:04
Goldfinger (Instrumental Version) – 2:09
Dawn Raid on Fort Knox – 5:48
The Arrival of the Bomb and Countdown – 3:29
The Death of Goldfinger – End Titles – 2:34

Pre-order from 1 June 2025 at 007Store.com and La-La Land Records.

The 2025 Father’s Day 007 Gift Guide

Posted May 23, 2025 by AI

From drinkware to desk accessories, the official 2025 James Bond gift guide has your Father’s Day gift buying sorted.

For the Bar

A 007 stainless steel cocktail shaker makes a solid addition to any bar, available as a personalised edition. Marble drinks coolers, shaped like dice from the Isthmus Casino, are designed for whisky or rum. The CASINO ROYALE cut-glass tumbler from Cumbria Crystal adds a finishing touch. Complete the setup with a set of 007 or SPECTRE coasters.

For Listening

The remastered Bond film soundtracks offer an updated listening experience. Expanded content and story booklets are included, designed for collectors and fans of the scores.

For Everyday Style

A range of socks marks key moments and motifs from the films. Choose from a set or single pairs, designs include the Goldfinger DB5 and Flying Circus, or embroidered heraldry symbols from the archives.

For the Desk

The new 007 quote rollerball comes in a presentation tube. The Goldfinger fountain pen by Montegrappa offers a more substantial option. For organisation, choose a set of 007 and SPECTRE paperclips or the For Your Eyes Only notebook.

For the Home

Fine bone china mugs bring Bond to your morning routines. Designs feature the Union Jack 007, the SPECTRE logo, Bond villains and Q quotes from the films.

For Collectors

The latest Be@rbrick editions from MEDICOM Toy celebrate Thunderball and Moonraker. Other options include Jaws’ polished metal teeth and a Day of the Dead Smoke Globe from Spectre.

For the Course

A Penfold golf set, including Hearts balls and accessories, references the infamous Goldfinger match. A 007 cap or polo from the official range completes the look.

Accessories

For travel or light sleep, the Slumber Inc Sleep Mask takes inspiration from Diamonds Are Forever. A 007 keyring adds character to any set of keys, options include the Thunderball Jetpack Bond, Aston Martin car collection, Safin’s mask, the Golden Gun, and more. Barton Perreira sunglasses offer a hand-built option for summer, while the Thunderball anniversary tote bag is made for easy days out.

Personalise It

Add a name or monogram to select travel and home accessories, from the leather luggage tag and card wallet, to the zipped leather case sized to hold cufflinks or an Omega. For game night, the personalised poker set brings a custom touch.

Cufflinks

A pair of cufflinks finishes the look. Choose from Scaramanga’s golden guns, gold bullion bars, enameled doves, or the SPECTRE symbol in black metal.

Browse the full collection at 007Store.com.

Amy Pascal and David Heyman to Produce Next James Bond Film

Posted March 25, 2025 by AI

Today, Amazon MGM Studios announced that producers Amy Pascal (best known for her work on the Spider-Man franchise) and David Heyman (who produced all eight Harry Potter films) have come aboard to produce the studio’s upcoming James Bond film.

“We are approaching every creative decision with James Bond, which Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson have so masterfully steered, with the greatest sense of responsibility,” said Amazon MGM Studios’ Head of Film, Courtenay Valenti. “Part of an elite group of producers who have developed and managed massive film franchises to box office success and critical acclaim, Amy Pascal and David Heyman are two of the most accomplished, experienced, and respected film producers in our industry. We are honoured to be working with them on James Bond’s next chapter and are excited to deliver to global audiences storytelling that upholds the impeccable legacy of this beloved character.”

“James Bond is one of the most iconic characters in the history of cinema,” said Amy Pascal and David Heyman. “We are humbled to follow in the footsteps of Barbara Broccoli and Michael Wilson who made so many extraordinary films and honoured and excited to keep the spirit of Bond very much alive as he embarks on his next adventure.”

Doja Cat, Raye, and BLACKPINK’s Lisa Honour 007 with Oscars Medley

Posted March 4, 2025 by AI

At the 97th Academy Awards, Die Another Day’s Halle Berry paid tribute to all the recipients of the recent Governors Awards and introduced a musical medley to honour Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli’s Irving G Thalberg Award. Reflecting on their contributions, Berry remarked, “I had the great pleasure of working with Barbara and Michael on Die Another Day. And let me tell you, they don’t just produce Bond films—they have been the heart and soul of the franchise for decades. Every generation has its Bond. The world changes, and so does he. But that signature mix of danger, style, and intrigue… well, that’s timeless.”

The performance opened with actress Margaret Qualley leading a dance routine. Lisa of BLACKPINK followed with a rendition of Live and Let Die, the theme originally performed by Wings for Roger Moore’s 1973 debut as 007. Doja Cat performed Diamonds Are Forever, the John Barry composition from the 1971 Sean Connery-led Bond adventure. The medley reached its finale with British singer-songwriter Raye performing Skyfall, Adele’s Oscar-winning theme from Daniel Craig’s 2012 outing as Bond.

Amazon MGM Studios Announces New Joint Venture with Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli

Posted February 20, 2025 by AI

Amazon MGM Studios, Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli today announced that they have formed a new joint venture to house the James Bond intellectual property rights, and those parties will remain co-owners of the franchise. Under the terms of the new venture, Amazon MGM Studios will gain creative control of the James Bond franchise following closing of the transaction.

“Since his theatrical introduction over 60 years ago, James Bond has been one of the most iconic characters in filmed entertainment,” said Mike Hopkins, Head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios. “We are grateful to the late Albert R. Broccoli and Harry Saltzman for bringing James Bond to movie theatres around the world, and to Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli for their unyielding dedication and their role in continuing the legacy of the franchise that is cherished by legions of fans worldwide. We are honoured to continue this treasured heritage, and look forward to ushering in the next phase of the legendary 007 for audiences around the world.”

“With my 007 career spanning nearly sixty incredible years, I am stepping back from producing the James Bond films to focus on art and charitable projects. Therefore, Barbara and I agree, it is time for our trusted partner, Amazon MGM Studios, to lead James Bond into the future,” said Wilson.

“My life has been dedicated to maintaining and building upon the extraordinary legacy that was handed to Michael and me by our father, producer Cubby Broccoli. I have had the honour of working closely with four of the tremendously talented actors who have played 007 and thousands of wonderful artists within the industry. With the conclusion of No Time To Die and Michael retiring from the films, I feel it is time to focus on my other projects,” commented Broccoli.

In 2022, Amazon acquired MGM, including a vast catalog with more than 4,000 films and 17,000 TV shows. Since the MGM acquisition, Amazon has held rights to distribute all of the James Bond films, and as a result of this transaction will have creative control over future productions.

In Conversation With Composer, David Arnold

Posted February 6, 2025 by AI

David Arnold composed the scores for Tomorrow Never Dies, The World Is Not Enough, Die Another Day, Casino Royale and Quantum Of Solace. In December, he received the Music Publishers Association’s Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Award in Film & Television Music.

“David Arnold’s contribution to music for film and television has left an indelible mark on our industry. His work, particularly on the Bond films, is a testament to the power of music to fuel storytelling,” said Paul Clements, CEO of the MPA Group.

How did you first become involved with Bond?

I saw my first Bond film when I was eight. It was You Only Live Twice. That’s when I became involved because culturally Bond was a huge part of growing up in the UK, so you couldn’t help but feel somehow attached. I wasn’t professionally involved in the films themselves until 1997, when Tomorrow Never Dies was in search of a composer and I had scored a few big movies and also released an album of Bond theme cover versions which was something I’d always wanted to do. I think that combination of displaying my understanding of Bond music and handling big movies made the choice a little easier for Michael and Barbara to make. It didn’t hurt that John Barry was so kind about what I was doing also.

You worked across two eras of Bond, how did the change in actors and storylines impact the scores composed for the different eras?

Pierce’s Bond was very different to Daniel’s Bond and yet they were both still James Bond. I think I kept the heart of the character front and centre, but the edges were changed to suit each approach…Pierce was lighter in tone at certain points where Daniel was darker in equal amounts. I just wrote for what was in front of me without, hopefully, losing who the character truly was despite such varied casting.

How do you approach composing tracks for action as opposed to romance for Bond?

In action, Bond is about propulsion, the setting up of expectation, danger and risk. There has to be a lot of energy in the music to reflect on screen action. That doesn’t mean you lose the emotional core, it just means you have to find it in different ways without ever losing the character. Never put the audience ahead of Bond. Never let them know what’s going to happen until it happens. Romantic scenes are generally where I search for the truth in the moment; to allow Bond a level of vulnerability, but to never lose the fact that in most cases, the peace he may be searching for is going to be just beyond his reach. So love themes are generally optimistic, slightly less hopeful and have a yearning for what might be but probably never will. In the case of Casino Royale and Vesper though, it was about finding something actually real for the first time since On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, so it was sincere and honest and vulnerable as a result.

Which classic Bond moments were the most exciting to compose for?

I always loved the travelling moments. The scenes where we have a long shot of the Aston, or a plane or a train, arriving in a new location with all the promise of what may be in store. I also really love writing the love themes as they’re so much more complex emotionally than just action.

Which is your favourite Bond track that you didn’t compose?

John Barry’s theme for On Her Majesty’s Secret Service is a stone-cold killer tune.

Which five Bond tracks that you did compose are you proudest of?

Surrender, Night at the Opera, Elektra’s Theme, Miami International, City of Lovers.

In December, you were honoured with the Music Publishers Association’s Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Award in Film & Television Music. How did it feel to be recognised for this?

Not quite old enough to warrant such an honour but I was grateful nonetheless. I’m always slightly embarrassed and unworthy, but I was truthfully extremely grateful and my thoughts were with everyone who had been a part of that journey that I’ve been so fortunate to be on.