OMEGA Release New Watch Inspired By Bond

Posted by

At an event last night at London’s Tate Britain gallery, Swiss watchmaker OMEGA unveiled a new timepiece that celebrates the rank and regalia of James Bond. Known as the Seamaster Diver 300M “Commander’s Watch” Limited Edition, OMEGA President and CEO Raynald Aeschlimann revealed the watch alongside Bond film producer Michael G. Wilson and Samantha Bond (Moneypenny).

2017 marks three noteworthy anniversaries for Albert R. Broccoli’s EON Productions and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios’ (MGM) Bond franchise including: the 50th anniversary of You Only Live Twice; the 40th anniversary of The Spy Who Loved Me; and the 20th anniversary of Tomorrow Never Dies. In each of these films, James Bond can be seen wearing his official military uniform.

To celebrate these anniversaries, OMEGA have created a unique watch design inspired by the red, white and blue colours of the Royal Navy as well as the Commander’s insignia itself. Presented on a NATO strap with an additional metal bracelet, the stainless steel version is limited to 7,007 pieces and the 18K yellow gold version to just seven pieces.

OMEGA has been the choice of James Bond since 1995, when the spy first wore a Seamaster watch in the film GoldenEye. Since then, the character and OMEGA have shared every on-screen adventure together. A Seamaster Diver 300M “Commander’s Watch” Limited Edition will be on display at Bond In Motion in London alongside Commander Bond’s costume from Tomorrow Never Dies.

Focus Of The Week: The Spy Who Loved Me

Posted by

The Spy Who Loved Me became Albert ‘Cubby’ Broccoli’s first Bond film as sole producer. Its success helped define the legacy of one of the film industry’s most beloved figures.

In Spring 1975, Broccoli, Harry Saltzman and Director Guy Hamilton began preparing the tenth Bond film. For the first time, the filmmakers only had a title, as Ian Fleming did not wish this novel to be used for a film plot. Many talented writers worked at developing a story, including Richard Maibaum, author Anthony Burgess and writer/director John Landis.

Delays to pre-production, partly due to Harry Saltzman having to sell his share of EON Productions to United Artists, meant Guy Hamilton left the project. Broccoli sought out You Only Live Twice Director Lewis Gilbert. Gilbert brought in Christopher Wood to complete the screenplay. He also brought John Glen on board as an editor and additional unit director. Gilbert introduced the key script element of Bond killing Anya Amasova’s lover, helping to create a solid story underpinning the action.

German actor Curt Jurgens landed the role of antagonist Karl Stromberg. An assistant saw Richard Kiel on an American TV series and suggested him for the part of Jaws. The filmmakers searched for an appropriate actress to play Anya Amasova. When United Artists Executive Danton Rissner asked if there was a small role for his friend Barbara Bach, he was surprised to discover that Broccoli wanted her to take the lead.

A TV advert for Canadian Club featuring a skier sailing off El Capitan in California and then unfurling a parachute to land safely inspired the opening sequence. Research showed the ad was faked, but the parachutist, Rick Sylvester, said the stunt could be done on Baffin Island. Weather threatened to put an end to the stunt, but finally the winds died down and the clouds parted. Out of the three cameras rolling, fortunately one captured the shot.

In Egypt, despite filming at some of the greatest temples along the Nile, the day-to-day needs of the production were often difficult to meet. Broccoli earned great goodwill by finding the supplies to cook a homemade pasta dinner for the cast and crew.

Sardinia provided the perfect backdrop for second unit director Ernie Day to film much of the car chase with the Lotus Esprit. Special Visual Effects Supervisor Derek Meddings made a shell car to be fired into the sea from an air cannon. In the clear waters of the Bahamas, three additional cars showed the Lotus transforming into a submarine. Perry Oceanographics built a fifth effects Lotus, a true submarine in the shape of an Esprit, for the Nassau shoot. Meddings supervised a cable pulling a final Lotus body onto a Sardinian beach to end the scene. Meddings also built models of the Liparus supertanker and Stromberg’s Atlantis laboratory, both shot in the Bahamas.

At Pinewoood, Production Designer Ken Adam broke new ground with sets that deftly combined sweeping curves, burnished metal finishes and beautiful antiques. Yet no stage or location could be found for the interior of the Liparus, so Adam designed a permanent stage at Pinewood. Built in only 13 weeks, including the interior tanker set, the 007 Stage became the largest film stage in the world.

John Barry was unavailable to score the film and suggested Marvin Hamlisch. Hamlisch wanted to create a big sound in keeping with the 007 style created by Barry. The title song was named “Nobody Does It Better” by lyricist Carole Bayer Sager,  a phrase that still defines Bond. The song reached #2 in the US and #7 in the UK. Both song and score earned Academy Award nominations, as did the art direction.

With a budget higher than any Bond film before it, Roger Moore’s third outing as 007 became a tremendous box office success and a touchstone film in the Bond series.

Mallorca Pays Tribute To Guy Hamilton

Posted by

An homage to the late British director, Guy Hamilton, known for his James Bond films and other movie classics, took place on the island of Mallorca this week as part of the Atlantida Film Festival. The filmmaker filmed, fell in love with and retired on the Spanish island.

Hamilton directed four James Bond films: Goldfinger (1964), Diamonds Are Forever (1971), Live And Let Die (1973) and The Man With The Golden Gun (1974).

The opening gala was held at the Bellver Castle overlooking Palma bay, various actors and filmmakers who worked with Hamilton attended, including Britt Ekland (The Man With The Golden Gun).

Sir Roger Moore, who starred in two of the James Bond films directed by Guy Hamilton, had sent a personal note to be read during the homage. The beloved British actor, who passed away on May 23, was remembered at the festival events and the opening gala. In his note Moore said: “He knew how to deliver the perfect balance of suspense, drama, surprise, action and humour. On top of all that, he was also a lovely man and we enjoyed many happy days, weeks and months together on and off set… Guy had a lovely sense of humour, and with me around he certainly needed it.”

Producer Michael G. Wilson speaking at the event said: “He will always remain in our hearts as a wonderful friend and collaborator. We thank his family for this opportunity to celebrate the life of a brilliant man and magnificent filmmaker.”

The gala also included a clips tribute and a live concert by the “Chamber Film Orchestra”, featuring some of the soundtracks of films directed by Hamilton.

Focus Of The Week: The Living Daylights

Posted by

The Living Daylights, the 15th Bond film, offered a slight change of direction for the series, exploring the character of 007 further and the dramatic potential in the James Bond stories.

Once the decision came from producer Cubby Broccoli to recast the role of James Bond, Michael G. Wilson and Richard Maibaum began working on story ideas. They turned to the Ian Fleming short story The Living Daylights as a launching point for the script. As inspiration for the character of Koskov, the writers looked to the real-life story of a KGB officer who defected to the CIA for a short time in 1985, then re-defected to the Soviet Union. Leadership changes in the Soviet Union helped define the story and the war in Afghanistan provided a unique setting.

As the script took shape, Bond screen tests continued. With some shifts to the shooting schedule, top choice Timothy Dalton was able to take the role.

Second unit filming began in Gibraltar on September 17, 1986. When Dalton later joined the Gibraltar second unit, he impressed everyone by performing many of his own stunts atop a speeding Land Rover.

Production moved to Vienna where a major press conference introduced the new James Bond to the world. Director John Glen and his crew filmed in a number of famous Viennese locations before moving to Morocco, shooting in the Forbes Museum in Tangier. They also shot exteriors in the city, including the rooftop chase when Bond eludes the Moroccan police. Filming continued in Ouarzazate, the location doubling for the Soviet airbase in Afghanistan. When the crew returned to Pinewood Studios, Prince Charles and Princess Diana paid a visit to the set in December.

In Weissensee, Austria, 007’s new Aston Martin performed a chase on an ice lake. Glen suggested that, at the end of the sequence, Bond and Kara should abandon the crashed car and use Kara’s cello case as a sled to escape across the border. The case was made of fibreglass, had skis on the bottom and control handles on the sides. Special effects supervisor John Richardson; “As long as you made sure there was nothing at the bottom of the hill they were liable to crash into, it was actually quite fun to ride it down.”

Filming wrapped at Pinewood Studios on February 13, 1987. One week later, Producer Cubby Broccoli was awarded an honorary Order of the British Empire.

Composer John Barry returned to score his 11th and final film score. Barry fittingly made a cameo as a conductor at the end of the film, an appearance that served as a coda to his career with 007.

THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS was a worldwide smash when released in the summer of 1987. Cubby Broccoli on Timothy Dalton; “I was impressed by the way Timothy took to the new James Bond. He was a rare sample of a vanishing breed: a gentleman actor with a highly tolerable ego. I think he was smart in having no preconceptions based on what Sean and Roger had done before him. He was his own man and played Bond that way. In the end, he received critical approval and most observers agreed he gave the role an exciting new dimension, which is what we set out to achieve.”

The hero cello sled that John Richardson refers to is on display with the Aston Martin V8 at the Bond in Motion exhibition, London Film Museum. londonfilmmuseum.com

Focus Of The Week: Rolls Royce Phantom III

Posted by

The Rolls-Royce is one of the most elegant and luxurious of all cars and a key vehicle in the world of James Bond. In Goldfinger (1964), Bond (Sean Connery) attaches a homing device to the trunk of Auric Goldfinger’s (Gert Fröbe) 1937 Rolls-Royce Phantom III, allowing Bond to use his Aston Martin DB5’s tracking system to follow Goldfinger from England to Switzerland. Bond soon discovers how Goldfinger smuggles his gold overseas: the bodywork of his Rolls is 24-karat gold.

The 1937 vehicle is thought to have been custom-built for the Rt. Hon Lord Fairhaven of Anglesey Abbey. With custom-made coachwork and a V12 engine, the Rolls weighs in at almost 8,000lb.

You can see Goldfinger’s Rolls-Royce at Bond in Motion londonfilmmuseum.com/

Focus Of The Week: You Only Live Twice

Posted by

Producers Albert R. “Cubby” Broccoli and Harry Saltzman wanted You Only Live Twice to surpass the expectations of an audience flush with a glut of Bond competitors in movie theatres and on television. Initially, Broccoli and Saltzman hired television writer Harold Jack Bloom to adapt Fleming’s novel. They then invited famed short-story writer Roald Dahl, who had been friends with Fleming and shared story ideas with him over the years, to write the final script. By 1966, the development of the script had become a group effort. They created the most fantasy-laden Bond adventure of the 1960s, an epic film that reflected the immense global success of 007.

To direct the film, Broccoli called Lewis Gilbert, who had recently won many accolades for Alfie (1966). Gilbert’s expertise with epic films proved he could handle a production the size of a Bond adventure.

The filmmakers hired English-speaking Japanese actor Tetsuro Tamba to play Tiger Tanaka. German actress Karin Dor took the role of the leading villainess, Helga Brandt. Two leading Japanese actresses, Akiko Wakabayashi and Mie Hama played Aki and Kissy respectively. For the important role of Blofeld, the filmmakers initially cast Czech actor Jan Werich, but shortly after filming began, Gilbert suggested replacing him with a more sinister-looking figure, and Donald Pleasence took the part. Pleasence wore a disfiguring scar on his face, with grafted skin stretched partially over one eye to complete the eerie look.

Production designer Ken Adam played a key role in the film’s development, traveling to Japan with Broccoli, Saltzman, and Gilbert for location scouting. In Tokyo, they ran into former Bond editor Peter Hunt. Seizing the moment, Broccoli talked Hunt into returning as a second unit director.

While location scouting in Japan by helicopter, the filmmakers spotted a string of volcanoes. Broccoli suggested that the villain could be hiding a rocket base inside one of them. Ken Adam soon drew up plans for the largest enclosed set ever built, Blofeld’s volcano rocket base, which would tower 120ft over Pinewood Studios in England. The set required more structural steel than the London Hilton, housed a working monorail and had a retractable roof large enough to allow a helicopter to fly in and out.

The battle in Blofeld’s volcano proved a major challenge. First, the Academy Award-winning cinematographer Freddie Young had to light an area spanning more than 450ft for the wide shots. He needed virtually every light at Pinewood Studios to do it. The script called for invading Japanese ninjas to abseil down ropes from the top of the set, a 12-story drop. Future Bond second unit director Vic Armstong, using a piece of rubber tubing around the rope to slow his descent, became the first to make the drop.

John Barry returned to score the film, penning a haunting title song performed by Nancy Sinatra with lyrics by Leslie Bricusse.

The film was a triumph at the box office and represented the culmination of a period of remarkable productivity for Broccoli and Saltzman. In just over four years and half years, the Producers had premiered five 007 adventures, creating a phenomenon unequalled in film history.

 

Sir Roger Moore Films Return

Posted by

To celebrate the life of Sir Roger Moore, special screenings of The Spy Who Loved Me and For Your Eyes Only will be taking place at cinemas from 31 May.

The newly restored 4K versions of both films will be screened in aid of UNICEF. As a Goodwill Ambassador, Sir Roger had been a dedicated and passionate supporter of UNICEF since 1991.

Producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli said: “In honour of Sir Roger Moore, we are delighted these Bond screenings will benefit UNICEF which was the charity closest to his heart.”

Gary Barber, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, MGM added “Sir Roger Moore left an indelible imprint on audiences worldwide. There is no better way to remember Roger’s legacy than bringing back his iconic performances as James Bond to cinemas across the world while aiding UNICEF, the charity he steadfastly supported.”

Details of the screenings can be found at www.parkcircus.com

007 Tributes To Sir Roger Moore

Posted by

The actors who have played James Bond have given their tributes to Sir Roger Moore following his passing on Tuesday.

Sir Sean Connery, said in a statement: “I was very sad to hear of Roger’s passing. We had an unusually long relationship by Hollywood standards that was filled with jokes and laughter, I will miss him.”

George Lazenby, who starred in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, said: “I liked Roger, he was a genuine fellow, a really good guy.”

Timothy Dalton who took over the role of 007 from Moore said: “I knew Roger as a kind and generous man. He was a wonderfully engaging and successful actor. My thoughts are with his family.”

Pierce Brosnan, posted a message on his Facebook page: “Dear Sir Roger Moore. It is indeed with a heavy heart that I hear the news of your passing this morning. You were a big part of my life, from The Saint to James Bond… you were a magnificent James Bond and one that lead the way for me, the world will miss you and your unique sense of humor for years to come. My sincerest condolences to your family and children. RIP.”

Daniel Craig shared a photograph poignantly captioned: “Nobody Does it Better.”

Sir Roger Moore 1927-2017

Posted by

Sir Roger Moore has died at the age of 89. He played 007 in seven Bond films including Live And Let Die and The Spy Who Loved Me.

Producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli have released the following statement: “We are heartbroken at the news of Sir Roger Moore’s passing. On the screen, he reinvented the role of James Bond with tremendous skill, charisma and humour. In real life, he was a genuine hero working as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador for many years dedicating his life to alleviating the suffering of children all over the world. He was a loyal and beloved friend and his legacy shall live on through his films and the millions of lives he touched. We shall miss him enormously. Our love and thoughts are with Deborah, Geoffrey, Christian his grandchildren and his wife Kristina.”

“I am deeply saddened by the news of Roger Moore’s passing. Roger was a beloved part of the MGM family for decades and leaves behind a legacy of iconic film and television performances that will be revered for generations to come. His suave sophistication in his defining role as James Bond was matched only by his generosity and kindness. He bettered the lives of countless individuals around the world through his long-standing involvement with UNICEF as a Goodwill Ambassador. Roger will be sorely missed but always remembered, and our thoughts are with his family,” says Gary Barber, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc.

A worldwide star before being cast as Bond, Roger Moore’s easy sense of grace and natural charisma made the cinematic 007 an unparalleled success in the 1970s and 1980s. Born in Stockwell, South London, Moore took a number of small acting roles before joining the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, where one of his classmates was Lois Maxwell, the future Miss Moneypenny.

After a short stint in military service, Moore starred in numerous film and television productions throughout the 50s, 60s and 70s including the memorable and successful TV series’ The Saint and The Persuaders! In 1972 he took on the role of James Bond with his first outing being Live And Let Die. He went on to star in six more Bond films, The Man With The Golden Gun, The Spy Who Loved Me, Moonraker, For Your Eyes Only, Octopussy and A View To A Kill.

He became a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF in 1991 and in 1999 he was awarded a CBE, and then in 2003 a knighthood for his charity work. Roger passed away after a short illness, he is survived by his wife Kristina and three children.

Focus Of The Week: Scaramanga

Posted by

Francisco Scaramanga (Christopher Lee) known as The Man With The Golden Gun, plans to auction the world’s most efficient solar energy system to the highest bidder. Already the world’s highest paid assassin, Scaramanga schemes to transform himself into an immensely powerful underworld figure.

Scaramanga grew up in the circus where he gained a reputation as a trick shot artist and after murdering a cruel elephant handler he decided to devote his life to the “art” of murder. The KGB recruited and trained Scaramanga, turning him into an overworked and underpaid assassin. He left the Soviets, offering his services to anyone who could afford his price – one million dollars a kill. No known photographs of him exist but he has one distinguishing feature – a third nipple.

Scaramanga kills his victims with gold bullets and uses a number of golden guns, including one made from seemingly innocuous objects – a lighter, a pen, a cigarette case, and a cuff link. Living on a remote island in Chinese waters with his valet Nick Nack (Hervé Villechaize) and mistress Andrea Anders (Maud Adams), Scaramanga hones his assassin skills by instructing Nick Nack to bring in hitmen to engage him in shootouts. They took place in a specifically designed fun house maze which contains a lifelike mannequin of Bond, the only man Scaramanga sees as a peer. Scaramanga becomes corrupt industrialist Hai Fat’s junior partner in a scheme to monopolize a new solar energy process designed by British scientist Gibson. Unknown to Scaramanga, Anders wants him dead, and she sends the British Secret Service a golden bullet inscribed “007,” hoping Bond will be dispatched to kill him. When Gibson attempts to re-defect to the British using the Solex Agitator (the key to converting solar energy into electricity), Scaramanga assassinates him. This act launches Bond on Scaramanga’s trail. Scaramanga then kills Hai Fat to consolidate his position as lone controller of the solar technology. He murders Anders for betraying him, kidnaps Bond’s assistant, Mary Goodnight (Britt Ekland), and sets up a showdown with Bond.

Bond tracks Scaramanga to his island, where a duel between the two occurs. Scaramanga leads Bond on a chase through Nick Nack’s fun house, but Bond outwits him by posing as his own mannequin and shooting him.

Chris Cornell 1964-2017

Posted by

Musician and singer Chris Cornell has died at the age of 52. Producer Barbara Broccoli says: “Chris Cornell ushered in the new era of Bond with his adrenaline fuelled song “You Know My Name” for Casino Royale. He was a gentleman and a true artist and we loved every moment of our collaboration with him. Michael and I and the entire Bond family mourn his tragic loss.”

Casino Royale Concert

Posted by

This September, at the Royal Albert Hall, Casino Royale, the 21st Bond film in the series, will be screened for the first time with the score performed live by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra as part of the venue’s ‘Films in Concert’ series. The Orchestra will be conducted by Gavin Greenaway.

Casino Royale composer, David Arnold, who has scored five Bond films, will discuss his collaboration with the 007 franchise in a pre-concert question and answer session. The composer said: “I couldn’t be more excited to be presenting the score to Casino Royale live to picture. It was a labour of love – as were all my Bond scores – and I’m looking forward to sharing it at this iconic venue.”

Casino Royale in Concert is the first installment in a brand new James Bond Concert Series, produced by Film Concerts Live!, in association with EON Productions and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios (MGM).

Tickets priced £35-80 are on sale at www.royalalberthall.com

Listings info:

Casino Royale at the Royal Albert Hall

Kensington Gore, London, SW7 2AP

Saturday 30 September, 2:30pm and 7:30pm

Plus new date, Sunday 1 October