JAMES BOND
NEWS 2022

24 December 2022

A Christmas message from Ian Fleming Publications
The original Bond adventures, plus Ian’s non-fiction titles, will be published as paperbacks for the first time under our own imprint in April 2023, celebrating the 70th anniversary of CASINO ROYALE. We hope that these new editions will not only be must-haves for our dedicated fans but also become the entry point for new fans and the paperbacks that become the first, cherished copies on their burgeoning bookshelves. The covers for these are a closely guarded secret for now, but we can say that we are delighted to be working with our old friends, the immensely talented Webb & Webb team, on the designs. Look out for them in the new year. Other editions are in the pipeline, all of which will offer something new and different, and which we can’t wait to start working on. FULL STORY

17 December 2022
The original bikini worn by Ursula Andress in Dr. No (1962) has been sold by Heritage Auctions in Dallas, Texas for $300,000. The ivory cotton two-piece swimsuit includes a bikini top (constructed upon Andress’ personal under-wire bra) and a pair of matching bikini briefs, lined in sheer cotton. Andress herself collaborated on the bikini design with director Terence Young, and costume designer Tessa Prendergast. The costume was made as a one-off, on location in Jamaica by a West-Indian dressmaker. The legendary bikini is accompanied by a replica white British Army web belt with brass buckles and fitting hardware, and a replica US military diving knife and scabbard on the left side.

Also sold in the Hollywood & Entertainment Signature Auction was the first costume worn by Roger Moore as James Bond in Live And Let Die (1973). The four-piece ensemble includes a Washington Tremlette brand pyjama top of yellow cotton damask with griffin design, a matching pair of pyjama pants with elasticized waist, piping down legs, and mother-of-pearl button front closure, matching mid-length kimono-style robe with shawl collar, monogrammed “J.B.” on the chest pocket. Also a pair of bespoke burgundy monogrammed velvet slip-on dressing shoes. This costume sold for $17,500. Also sold in the auction was the Signature Psychic Medium Cape and Headdress worn by Jane Seymour as Solitaire in Live And Let Die (1973). This floor length cape comprises a top layer of iridescent emerald organza over layers of olive taffeta and creme twill, with interior layer of vermillion red taffeta. The short standing collar is layered with iridescent striped aquamarine taffeta ribbon trimmed with metallic gold braid and clusters of sequins. The cape and elaborate headdress were supplied to the production by celebrated London costumiers Bermans & Nathans. Sold for $37,500.00.

The Dr. No bikini was originally sold for £41,125 at CHRISTIE'S James Bond Auction, February 14, 2001. Roger Moore's pyjama ensemble was part of the same auction and sold for £7,050.

15 December 2022
Michael Reed, the Canadian-born British cinematographer has died at the age of 93. Best-known to James Bond fans as the director of photography for On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969), Reed had earlier served as second-unit director of photography (uncredited) on Goldfinger (1964), Thunderball (1965) and You Only Live Twice (1967). Michael Reed was also director of photography on the title sequence (again uncredited) for Albert R. Broccoli's 1968 production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang from the novel by Ian Fleming. Peter Hunt was the director of this opening sequence and also uncredited.

Reed also had a long association with Hammer Films, graduating from clapper loader and focus puller on several films in the early 1950s, to director of photography on The Devil-Ship Pirates (1964), The Gorgon (1964), Dracula Prince of Darkness (1966) and Rasputin The Mad Monk (1966). Interspersed with his film work, Reed was also a prolific director of photography on many British television series from the late 1950s through to the late 1970s; including 31 episodes of The Adventures of Robin Hood (1958-59), 23 episodes of The Saint (1966-68) starring Roger Moore, and 10 episodes of The New Avengers in 1976, on which he was credited as Mike Reed. He re-teamed with Peter Hunt in 1976 as director of photography on the action-adventure Shout at the Devil starring Roger Moore and Lee Marvin. Despite being overall director of photography on one James Bond film, it will be the title for which Reed will be best-remembered; bringing a sense of epic style with his imaginative lighting, and capturing the breathtaking scenery in its full Panavision splendour. From the dawn beach fight, to the dusk attack on Piz Gloria, Reed's work on OHMSS stands the test of time, and sets the film apart from the rest of the series as the one true James Bond epic.

9 December 2022
No Time To Die (2021) will receive its UK terrestrial television premiere on ITV at 8.00pm on New Year's Day 2023, which will mark the narrowest big to small screen window of the series so far. The premiere on the UK's free-to-air commercial network comes just 460 days after its much-delayed big screen debut at London's Royal Albert Hall on September 28, 2021.

FULL STORY

9 December 2022
In the year the cinematic James Bond franchise celebrates its 60th anniversary 007 MAGAZINE looks back at the production of Tomorrow Never Dies, released 25 years ago as the eighteenth entry in the long-running 007 series. Starring Pierce Brosnan in his second film as James Bond, Tomorrow Never Dies had a troubled production, but consolidated the future of the franchise for a new generation.

Tomorrow Never Knows

23 November 2022
On October 5th 1962, one of cinema’s most iconic characters made his on-screen debut. Since that first instalment, the James Bond franchise has spanned an incredible 60 years. Based on the novels by Ian Fleming, the 25 action-packed films, produced by EON Productions, have laid the foundation for a global cinematic legacy.

Everybody has a favourite. But for OMEGA, there remains a particular fondness for GoldenEye in 1995, which was the first time James Bond wore an OMEGA on his wrist. This mission was the beginning of an innovative and stylish partnership that continues to this day. Just as James Bond has evolved throughout his time on screen, so too have the OMEGA watches he’s worn on his wrist.

Two new OMEGA Seamaster watches have been announced to celebrate Bond’s 60th anniversary.

FULL STORY AND MORE IMAGES

22 November 2022
James Bond producers Michael G. Wilson & Barbara Broccoli were recipients of the Great Creative Britons Award at Walpole’s British Luxury Awards 2022, held at London's Dorchester Hotel last night.

Associate producer Gregg Wilson & creative director Heather Callow (Cubby Broccoli’s granddaughter) accepted the award, which was presented by Quantum of Solace (2008) actress Olga Kurylenko and Caterina Murino, who played Solange in Casino Royale (2006).

18 November 2022
007 MAGAZINE looks back at the production of Die Another Day, released 20 years ago as the twentieth entry in the long-running Bond series, which celebrated its 40th Anniversary in 2002. Starring Pierce Brosnan in his fourth and final James Bond film, Die Another Day quickly became the most successful instalment of the 007 franchise, but despite its box-office popularity, fans and critics thought the series had reached new levels of incongruity, with the producers moving too far into science fiction territory!

Beyond The Ice

3 November 2022
Two years after the passing of Sir Sean Connery, the Connery Family is proud to announce the establishment of The Sean Connery Foundation. Created by his estate, the foundation seeks to honour Sir Sean’s legacy through strategic grantmaking to institutions and organisations in Scotland and The Bahamas, the two countries he called home. Within these locations, the goal of the foundation is to accelerate positive change in areas of interest and importance to Sir Sean and his family, with an emphasis on education and ocean conservation.

Stephane Connery, Sean’s son and Chairman of the foundation, remarks, “After two years of reflection, research and discernment, we have chosen to focus on the communities that Sean loved and on issues that reflect his beliefs, passions, and legacy. Above all, Sean believed that education was a force-multiplier and was most concerned that children from disadvantaged backgrounds, like his own, be given opportunities to succeed. Thanks to Sean’s gift, we dearly hope that our family’s grantmaking will help young Scots and Bahamians, along with our oceans, to thrive.”

Sean’s son, Jason Connery, added, “We are so pleased to announce the organisations receiving grants from the foundation in honour of my father's legacy. Each group is doing such important work with integrity, excellence and commitment. These are the values my dad passed on to us, his family, and through the foundation, we hope to spread values that inspire many for the years to come. We look forward to championing each organisation as they work to enrich young people's lives and protect our planet.”

November 3, 2022 − November 7, 2022
PROPSTORE proudly presents a four day live-streamed event with over 1,500 incredible lots of TV, film and music memorabilia.

Many important James Bond props and costumes are to be auctioned in London by Prop Store as part of their Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction. A significant sale of almost 1,500 props and costumes from Film and Television, including 71 lots featuring important items from the James Bond films 1962-2012.

Included in the auction are many items originally that were originally part of the 007 MAGAZINE PROPS ARCHIVE, including a Hotel Fontainebleau Miami table, two chairs and a sun lounger from Goldfinger (1964), The set was later acquired by none other than James Bond comic strip artist John McLusky, who used them in his garden and office! The set sold for £5,625!

BROWSE THE JAMES BOND HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE AUCTION

UPDATE: The James Bond lots sold for over £550,000!

23 October 2022
In the year that the cinematic James Bond franchise celebrates its 60th anniversary 007 MAGAZINE looks back at the production of Skyfall, released 10 years ago as the twenty third entry in the long-running Bond series. Starring Daniel Craig in his third film as 007, Skyfall is still the most commercially successful film in the series when not adjusted for inflation.

Once upon a spy

Bond In Motion To Open In Brussels
The exhibition will showcase 60 years of vehicles

Bond In Motion is heading to Belgium and will open on December 9, 2022. The exhibition will feature 50 vehicles and props from all 25 James Bond films at The Palais de Expositions at Heysel, Brussels Expo (Palais 1) and runs until May 14, 2023.

Vehicles include the Goldfinger Aston Martin DB5, Nomi’s No Time To Die Superleggera DBS, the Q Boat from The World Is Not Enough and Little Nellie from You Only Live Twice.

The cars, helicopters, motorbikes, planes and submarines will be surrounded by props, models, set photos and gadgets from the Bond Archive.

This is the fourth Bond In Motion exhibition, following shows in London, at the recent Petersen Automotive Museum, LA and Bond In Motion – No Time To Die at the National Motor Museum, UK.

Tickets go on sale on Tuesday October 25 – register your interest at the Bond In Motion Brussels website.

18 October 2022

Daniel Craig was made a Companion of the Order of St. Michael and St. George on Tuesday October 18, 2022 - the same honour held by the fictional character James Bond he played in six films 2006-2021.

The actor received the honour from The Princess Royal in an investiture at Windsor Castle in recognition of his outstanding contribution to film and theatre. The Royal Family's official Twitter account shared a photo of Daniel receiving his honour, alongside the famous Bond movie line: ‘We've been expecting you.’

The first reference to the fictional character of James Bond receiving the CMG appears in a Russian dossier on him in chapter six of Ian Fleming's 1957 novel FROM RUSSIA, WITH LOVE.

As reported in January 2022, Daniel Craig is awarded the CMG for his services to film and theatre, with the title usually only reserved for senior diplomats. Craig was also made an honorary Commander in the Royal Navy in September 2021, prior to the release of his final film as James Bond, No Time To Die (2021).

14 October 2022
Scottish actor and comedian Robbie Coltrane has died at the age of 72. Born Anthony Robert McMillan in 1950, Coltrane memorably played Valentin Dmitrovich Zukovsky in the James Bond films GoldenEye (1995) and The World Is Not Enough (1999) starring Pierce Brosnan.

Primarily a television actor, one of Robbie Coltrane's early successes was in the 1987 BBC miniseries Tutti Frutti alongside Emma Thompson, for which he received his first British Academy Television Award nomination for Best Actor. Coltrane then gained prominence starring as criminal psychologist Dr. Eddie “Fitz” Fitzgerald in the ITV television series Cracker (1993–2006), a role which saw him receive British Academy Television Awards for Best Actor in three consecutive years (1994 to 1996). Early film roles included Neil Jordan's neo-noir Mona Lisa (1986) which starred Bob Hoskins; and the comedy Nuns On The Run with Eric Idle. He also appeared as Falstaff in Kenneth Branagh's adaptation of Henry V (1989), in which Coltrane shared his scenes with Judi Dench. However, Robbie Coltrane will probably be best-remembered by modern audiences for playing Hagrid in the eight Harry Potter films (2001–2011).

7 October 2022 - Heritage Auctions, Dallas, TX - Lot #71048

The original Robert McGinnis artwork featured on the 1965 UK Quad-crown poster for Thunderball (1965) has been sold in Dallas by Heritage Auctions as the premier lot of their Illustration Art sale on October 7, 2022.

Lot #71048 - Gouache on board 11-7/8 X 18-5/8 inches (30.2cm X 47.3cm) - Not signed. From the Collection of Darren Shan. Estimate $50,000-$70,000. Originally auctioned at SOTHEBY'S in 1993, the artwork has now sold for a staggering $275,000 [approx £250,000].

For the US advertising campaign the artwork was incorporated into the familiar three-panel posters, featuring two illustrations of James Bond (Sean Connery) escaping SPECTRE agents wearing a jet-pack, and in scuba gear during the underwater battle, both painted by Frank C. McCarthy. McGinnis also provided a second piece of artwork depicting Bond and Domino, showing 007 killing a SPECTRE frogman with a spear-gun. This was used on the advance teaser quad-crown poster and in some European advertising for Thunderball (1965).

Robert McGinnis also painted the distinctive ‘Tattooed lady’ artwork for the 1967 spoof James Bond film Casino Royale, and returned to the EON series to share illustration duties on You Only Live Twice (1967) with Frank McCarthy who handled the action, whilst McGinnis painted the girls. The pair collaborated again for the superb illustration used on the On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969) posters, with McGinnis then providing the poster artwork for Diamonds Are Forever (1971), Live And Let Die (1974), and The Man With The Golden Gun (1974).

6 October 2022, 2.00pm
Ewbank's Auctions, Burnt Common Auction Rooms, London Road, Send, Woking, Surrey, GU23 7LN

Hot on the heels of the CHRISTIE'S 60th Anniversary two-part auction comes another eclectic selection of James Bond posters, toys and memorabilia at perhaps more affordable prices for collectors. Highlights include Lot #1137 a No Time To Die (2021) World Premiere brochure six signature edition from the Royal Albert Hall in London, 28th September 2021, individually numbered (021). The six signature edition is No.12 of a series of just 18. This programme has been signed by Michael G. Wilson, Barbara Broccoli, Cary Joji Fukunaga, Léa Seydoux, Lashana Lynch and Ana de Armas. It was individually signed by hand as part of the global film release tour. Lot #1148 a custom made Walther WA2000 style Sniper Rifle (modified from an Ares SR-007 Airsoft Rifle) 7.62mm x 51 NATO AN/PVS-4 Starlight Scope & Laser Designator, with ammo, two plaques, one signed by Jeroen Krabbe (General Georgi Koskov KGB), Maryam d'Abo (Kara Milovy) and Thomas Wheatley (Saunders) from The Living Daylights (1987).

FULL CATALOGUE

5 October 2022

PRESS RELEASE - LONDON ‘James Bond Day’: Ian Fleming Publications Ltd (IFPL) announces plans to publish Ian Fleming’s books under its own imprint – a move that marks an exciting future for 007.

Ian Fleming Publications Ltd, the family company that owns the literary copyright in his books, will be honouring the legacy of James Bond’s creator by producing its own editions of the 007 novels as well as non-fiction and the children’s classic Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang.

The imprint – Ian Fleming Publications – will launch fresh editions in the UK and Commonwealth markets in spring 2023. Fleming’s original Bond novels and short story collections will be available from 13 April, exactly 70 years to the day after Ian Fleming first introduced special agent 007 to the world with the publication of CASINO ROYALE. To date, since 1953, more than one hundred million Bond books have been sold worldwide.

FULL STORY

October 5, 2022

To celebrate ‘James Bond Day’, 007 MAGAZINE is proud to present an exclusive 2022 interview with screenwriter Johanna Harwood.

Johanna Harwood's important role in the first two James Bond films has for too long been brushed aside in many 007 histories. Author Frédéric Albert Levy [with additional research by Kevin Harper] sets the record straight in this exclusive interview conducted in the 60th anniversary year of the James Bond film series.

“James Bond has only one father – Ian Fleming.”

October 5, 2022 the cinematic James Bond franchise celebrates its 60th anniversary.

007 MAGAZINE looks back at the production of Dr. No, the first film adventure in the long-running series.

We unearth rare and previously unknown facts about the making of the ground-breaking film that began the 007 film franchise - which changed the face of world cinema forever!

Dr. No at 60

A trio of celebratory events commemorating the 60th Anniversary have been announced for Autumn 2022.

007 returns to CHRISTIE'S in September for the Sixty Years of James Bond auction. The two-part charity sale will feature 60 iconic lots celebrating all 25 films, with prized lots including a silver birch Aston Martin DB5 stunt car estimated to sell for up to £2 million. The live auction will take place on September 28th and the online auction from September 15th until October 5th. The total raised from the auction was £6,874,494 - five times the pre-sale estimate!

On October 4th, the music of Bond will take centre stage at the Royal Albert Hall for The Sound of 007 IN CONCERT, headlined by the legendary Dame Shirley Bassey. Later in November at the Royal Albert Hall, Film Concerts Live! proudly presents the third instalment in the James Bond Concert Series, the world premiere of Spectre IN CONCERT, produced in association with EON Productions and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios. Casino Royale IN CONCERT and Skyfall IN CONCERT will also make return visits to the Royal Albert Hall as part of the celebrations.

Friday September 30 - Sunday October 2, 2022
James Bond at 60 Weekend at BFI Southbank & BFI IMAX
Celebrate the 60th anniversary of James Bond with exciting events and screenings at BFI Southbank and BFI IMAX as part of the Bond Weekender. Look out for further updates of guests and a chance to see some of the Bond cars on display at BFI Southbank.

Starting with a talk by the James Bond producers who discuss their hugely successful tenure overseeing the 007 screen series. The weekend continues with anniversary screenings of Dr. No (1962), The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) and The Living Daylights (1987).

Throughout the past 60 years of the James Bond films, the producers have set the global standard for the best stunt work and VFX. At a special talk we meet some of the team who have worked with EON Productions, including special effects supervisor Chris Corbould, who has worked on the franchise since The Spy Who Loved Me (1977). Chris and other guests will talk about their craft, illustrated with excerpts from the films. The weekend includes a preview screening of the new 90-minute documentary The Sound of 007, and culminates with a triple-bill of Daniel Craig films at BFI IMAX. FULL DETAILS

27 September 2022

James Bond Producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli attended a private event at Pinewood Studios to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Dr. No, and the official opening of The Sean Connery Stage. Sir Sean’s granddaughter Saskia Connery opened the stage on behalf of the Connery family, and previous cast and crew from the long-running series joined the celebrations. In attendance were five-time James Bond director John Glen and actresses Maryam d’Abo, Carole Ashby, Madeline Smith, Caroline Munro, and Martine Beswicke, who appeared in From Russia With Love (1963) and Thunderball (1965) with Sean Connery.

FULL STORY AND IMAGES

Thursday September 15, 2022 - PROPSTORE Poster Live Auction
With the 60th anniversary of James Bond this year, PROPSTORE is delighted to be offering many posters as part of their Live Auction. James Bond highlights include: a rare “Style A” UK quad poster from Goldfinger (1964) estimated at £4,000-6,000 [sold for £5,000]; a collection of rare artwork, posters & transparencies including a French double grande affiche (four panel) for From Russia With Love (1963) estimated at £3,000-5,000 [sold for £5,000], and a UK quad poster from  Dr. No (1962) estimated at £3,000-£5000 [sold for £6,875].

The sale features signed artwork, including a Daniel Craig autographed 007 bookplate and limited-edition presentation book with exclusive studio photographs (2021) estimated between £500-700 [sold for £3,750], and a rare Frank McCarthy and Robert McGinnis designed French double grande affiche (double panel) poster from Thunderball (1965) estimated between £2000 and £3000 [sold for £4,687].

FULL CATALOGUE James Bond lots #144-#209

Guest reviewer Donovan Mayne-Nicholls runs his critical eye over author Kim Sherwood's first in a trilogy of novels introducing a new generation of Double-O agents in DOUBLE OR NOTHING.

READ THE REVIEW

8 September 2022
007 MAGAZINE pays tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II who died today aged 96.

A look back at Her Majesty's long association with the world of James Bond - culminating in her appearance alongside Daniel Craig in Danny Boyle's short film ‘Happy & Glorious’, which preceded her spectacular entrance at the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games where the then 86-year-old monarch appeared to skydive into the stadium. Her involvement was kept secret even from members of the Royal household until the broadcast on July 27, 2012. As part of her Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June 2022, Her Majesty filmed another surprise sequence where she appeared to have tea with Paddington Bear (voiced by Ben Whishaw) at Buckingham Palace.

“On Her Majesty's Service”

Online Auction: 25 August – 8 September 2022
1:00 PM BST  London

Coinciding with the 60th anniversary of the release of Dr. No, which opened at the London Pavilion on October 5, 1962, Sotheby's Bond on Bond Street auction includes examples of both the cinematic and literary James Bond.

Featuring exceptional first edition Ian Fleming novels, rare original film posters, photography, wine, memorabilia and more, the auction will celebrate Britain’s favourite spy in true Bond style. Highlights include of hardback copies of THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN GUN and OCTOPUSSY AND THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS signed by Roger Moore, who played James Bond seven times. Octopussy (1983), as regular auction-goers will know, is the film in which Bond visits Sotheby’s to observe the sale of a stolen Fabergé egg, an incident borrowed from Ian Fleming’s short story THE PROPERTY OF A LADY, written originally for Sotheby’s yearbook The Ivory Hammer in 1963.

FULL DETAILS

25 August 2022
A new sound stage will be named after the iconic actor

Pinewood Studios has announced that its new sound stage will be named in honour of the late Sir Sean Connery. The purpose-built, 18,000 square foot Sean Connery Stage is one of five new stages opening at the iconic lot.

Sir Sean Connery filmed all six of his 007 movies at Pinewood in Buckinghamshire, from 1962’s Dr. No to Diamonds Are Forever in 1971. Today’s announcement coincides with what would have been the Oscar-winning actor’s 92nd birthday (August 25), and the 60th anniversary of the first James Bond film released in 1962.

Sir Sean’s son Jason and stepson Stephane commented:

“Our family consider it a great honour to have a stage named after Sean. It is fitting, considering the amount of time Sean spent at Pinewood, and we know that he would have been very touched by this privilege.”

13 August 2022
REWRITING FLEMING Guest reviewer DONOVAN MAYNE-NICHOLLS runs his critical eye over author Anthony Horowitz’s latest James Bond novel – WITH A MIND TO KILL.

...Starting with the surprisingly good YOUNG BOND novels by Charlie Higson, Ian Fleming Publications has mostly tried to set themselves apart from the movie version of James Bond by commissioning Bond novels set during the cold war – this, only after having allowed an American with no fiction writing credentials to indulge in what can only be described as third-rate fan fiction. It is not even the first novel to rewrite the events after THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN GUN. In 2008, Sebastian Faulks gave us DEVIL MAY CARE, which ignored the events of COLONEL SUN altogether and was set some 18 months after we left Bond at the end of Fleming’s final novel...
CONTINUE READING

EXCLUSIVE MONTY NORMAN
SIGNED PHOTOS!

11 July 2022
Monty Norman, composer of the iconic ‘James Bond Theme’ has died at the age of 94. Norman (born Noserovitch) also wrote the musical score and songs for the first James Bond film Dr. No in 1962. Producers Harry Saltzman & Albert R. Broccoli were dissatisfied however with Norman's original arrangement of the title music, and brought in John Barry (1933-2011) to rearrange and record the theme as it is heard in the finished film. Barry later asserted that it was actually he who wrote the theme, but Norman subsequently won two libel actions against publishers supporting this claim, the most recent being against The Sunday Times in 2001. Norman received royalties and was contractually credited with the composition of ‘The James Bond Theme’ on every film in the series, but it was Barry who went on to score eleven subsequent James Bond films. Norman maintained that portions of ‘The James Bond Theme’ were originally composed for a song entitled ‘Bad Sign, Good Sign’ from the unproduced musical A House For Mr. Biswas, based on the 1961 novel by V. S. Naipaul.

Norman would also provide the score for Call Me Bwana (1963) starring Bob Hope, the first non-Bond film from EON Productions. From 1956 to 1976 Monty Norman was married to Diana Coupland (1928-2006), who can be heard singing a version of ‘Under The Mango Tree’ on a record-player in the film Dr. No, which also appears on the original soundtrack album. In the film Ursula Andress was entirely re-voiced by Nikki van der Zyl (1935-2021) including the singing of ‘Under The Mango Tree’ as the character of Honey first meets James Bond.

007 MAGAZINE #46 available signed by Monty Norman and featuring an exclusive 4-page interview with the composer

28 June 2022
James Bond Producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli were honoured with BFI Fellowships at the BFI Chairman, Tim Richards’ dinner held at London’s Claridge’s Hotel last night. Ralph Fiennes and Naomie Harris presented the producers with their awards.

“We’re very touched by this extraordinary honour and humbled to be in the presence of all these other great Fellows. Seventy years ago, when our father ‘Cubby’ Broccoli came to the UK to produce his first film, it became a love affair with our family and the British film industry. Sixty years ago, when Sean Connery first uttered those words, ‘Bond, James Bond’, right up through the 25th Bond, No Time To Die, we’ve continued to make films here in the UK. We’re incredibly proud of those films and we would not be here today without the thousands of talented cast, crew, directors and writers who work here and make it possible,” said Wilson and Broccoli.

Recorded messages of congratulations came from Daniel Craig, Dame Judi Dench, Rami Malek, Léa Seydoux and Sam Mendes, whilst composer David Arnold performed ‘You Only Live Twice’.

24 June 2022
James Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson were awarded with their Commander of the Order of the British Empire medals at an investiture at Buckingham Palace today.

Barbara Broccoli and her half-brother Michael G. Wilson, were among those honoured by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, in the 2022 New Year's Honours List in recognition of their services to Film, Drama, Philanthropy and Skills. The medals were presented by Prince William.

June 24 2022 - JAMES BOND FILM CARS TO STAR AT GOODWOOD AUCTION - An Aston Martin which featured in No Time To Die (2021), the latest film in the James Bond series will have a leading role in the Bonhams Festival of Speed Sale on Friday 24 June at Goodwood. Also starring in the sale is a modified Land Rover Defender specially built for the 2015 Bond film Spectre (2015).

The Bonhams Goodwood Festival of Speed Sale will take place in its traditional setting of the private gardens of Goodwood House on Friday June 24, 2022  from 10.00 (automobilia) and 14.00 (motor cars). All lots can be viewed on Thursday 23 June, 10.00 to 17.30 and Friday sale day from 09.00. FULL STORY AND IMAGES

17 June 2022 - Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli to be given highest honour bestowed by the BFI

The BFI announced they will be honouring producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli with BFI Fellowships, the highest honour bestowed by the BFI and one of the British film industry’s most prestigious accolades.

“We are so proud to be awarded the BFI Fellowship on behalf of all of those who have been a part of the James Bond series over 60 years and feel honoured to join such an esteemed group of distinguished industry fellows” said Wilson and Broccoli. “We are very grateful to so many members of the British film industry who we have worked with over the course of our careers and thank the British Film Institute for their tremendous support and leadership of the creative industries in the UK.”

The BFI Fellowship will be presented to Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli at the BFI Chair’s Dinner on 28th June in London. In addition to the BFI Fellowships, the BFI also announced they will be marking 60 years of 007 films with a special James Bond celebration weekend of screenings and events in London at BFI Southbank and BFI IMAX from September 30 - October 2, 2022.

FULL STORY

10 June 2022 - James Bond vehicles join Jubilee celebrations
On Sunday June 5, 2022 - 007 celebrated The Queen and 70 years of exceptional service to her country by being invited to take part in The Platinum Jubilee Pageant. Ten iconic Bond vehicles joined Act II of The People’s Pageant in a once-in-a-lifetime procession. The vehicles appeared amidst a collection of 500 vintage cars and motorbikes which covered a 3km route taking in The Mall and Buckingham Palace to echo the Coronation journey 70 years ago.

Taking part in the parade were the beloved Aston Martin DB5, which starred in eight films: Goldfinger, Thunderball, GoldenEye, Tomorrow Never Dies, Casino Royale, Skyfall, Spectre and No Time To Die driven by Special Effects Supremo Chris Corbould the Triumph Scrambler motorbike seen recently in No Time To Die ridden by world champion bike rider Paul Edmondson; Moneypenny’s Land Rover Defender from Skyfall driven by one of the world’s leading female stunt drivers Jess Hawkins, and the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud from A View To A Kill driven by Academy Award winning director & stunt co-ordinator Vic Armstrong. Other vehicles included the Aston Martin DB10 as featured in Spectre, which will be driven by three-time British World Rally Champion Mark Higgins, and the Jaguar XKR from Die Another Day driven by stunt co-ordinator Gary Powell.

Completing the spectacular array of iconic cars in the 007 line-up were the Aston Martin V12 Vanquish from Die Another Day; a Land Rover Series III from No Time To Die, the Rolls-Royce Phantom III from Goldfinger; a Lotus Esprit S1 seen in The Spy Who Loved Me - and the Aston Martin V8 from both The Living Daylights and, more recently, No Time To Die.

FULL STORY & IMAGES FROM THE PEOPLE'S PAGEANT

To celebrate The Queen's Platinum Jubilee 007 MAGAZINE takes a look at Her Majesty's many connections with James Bond in literature and films. From mentions in the novels of Ian Fleming, appearances at three James Bond film premieres, and even a meeting with James Bond himself in 2012, as the pair ‘both skydive’ into the Olympic Stadium with Union Jack parachutes in a nod to The Spy Who Loved Me (1977).

“On Her Majesty's Service” - FULL STORY

28 May 2022
For the Saturday 28th May screening of Licence To Kill (part of their James Bond Season), London's Prince Charles Cinema welcomes Stunt Coordinator Paul Weston to a post-film Q&A moderated by Jon Auty in conjunction with the ‘Really, 007!’ podcast.

Paul Weston is one of the world's very best stunt professionals. He started his career back in the 1960s on British television shows including The Saint, Danger Man and The Avengers, where he doubled for Patrick Macnee as John Steed.

On the big screen he has been responsible for the action on many box-office favourites including Aliens, Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves, Daylight, Dragonheart and Spies Like Us, not to mention both of the Timothy Dalton James Bond adventures, The Living Daylights (1987) and Licence To Kill (1989). Not only working as stunt coordinator, Paul Weston also doubled Timothy Dalton occasionally during filming of Licence To Kill; including the sequence where Bond hangs onto a seaplane as it takes off, and the scene where he escapes from Ernest Hemingway's house in the Florida Keys (pictured left).

24 April 2022
The noted American artist and illustrator James Bama has died at the age of 95. Born in Washington Heights, New York on April 28, 1926 Bama is perhaps best-known for his realistic paintings and etchings of Western subjects. James Bama also had a long and successful career as a prolific commercial artist, producing paperback book covers, movie posters and illustrations for noted US publications including Argosy, The Saturday Evening Post and Reader's Digest. Beginning in 1964 with The Man of Bronze, James Bama created a set of 62 covers for the Doc Savage series of paperbacks published by Bantam Books. He also painted the box cover art for several Aurora monster model kits, including The Wolf Man, Frankenstein, Dracula and The Mummy.

James Bama's first foray into James Bond artwork was with the covers of Popular Science Magazine in January 1966, featuring an illustration of Sean Connery and the gadgets from Thunderball (1965); and again on the June 1967 issue with an illustration of ‘Little Nellie’ from You Only Live Twice. Bama then illustrated the cover for Bantam's 1967 paperback Alias James Bond - The Life of Ian Fleming by John Pearson, followed by the first US paperback edition of COLONEL SUN by Kingsley Amis (writing as Robert Markham) in May 1969. Bantam later issued paperbacks of CASINO ROYALE, FROM RUSSIA, WITH LOVE, DOCTOR NO and GOLDFINGER in 1971/72, and finally a reissue of COLONEL SUN in 1972 using the same artwork as the 1969 paperback but this time in reverse. Given the style of the artwork, James Bond poster artists Frank C. McCarthy and Robert McGinnis have both been erroneously credited with the cover paintings for these five paperbacks. James Bama had frequently used American model/actor Steve Holland (1925-1997) as a photo-reference for his paintings; most notably as heroic-adventure character Doc Savage. It is undoubtedly the square-jawed Steve Holland who also provided the facial reference for the GOLDFINGER cover (pictured left) at least.

James Bama (top left) died just four days before his 96th birthday.

15 April 2022
Blockbuster set of original James Bond screenplays, film scripts and storyboards to go on sale for £500,000

The most extensive collection of James Bond film scripts, screenplays, manuscripts, storyboards and film treatments will be jointly offered for sale by world-leading London-based rare book dealers Peter Harrington and Adrian Harrington Rare Books for £500,000, in time to celebrate the 60th anniversary of 007 on the big screen. The set of approximately 120 original and inscribed screenplays, scripts, costume designs, storyboards, publicity material and even legal correspondence related to some of the franchise’s most memorable characters and moments on and off screen, and constitutes a dream haul of collectables for any fan of Bond’s onscreen escapades over the past 60 years.
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From April 15, 2022 all 25 James Bond films from Dr. No (1962) to No Time To Die (2021), will be able to stream on Prime Video in the UK only. The announcement comes as Amazon last month finalised their $8.45 billion deal to secure MGM Studios, which owns 50% of the film rights in the franchise.

The latest James Bond film No Time To Die which starred Daniel Craig in his final performance as 007 will be available on the platform a year, whereas the rest of the series will only be available for two months. Also included as part of the James Bond package is the 2012 documentary Everything Or Nothing: The Untold Story Of 007. Although the rights for Casino Royale (1967) and Never Say Never Again (1983) are now controlled by EON/MGM, the two ‘unofficial’ James Bond films do not form part of the package.*

*Update: These two films are now included as part of the package available to Amazon Prime subscribers. It should be noted that the version of Never Say Never Again is the unrated US edition featuring the unedited horse fall not previously seen in UK prints of the film. No Time To Die is also the US version omitting the Universal logo at the start, so therefore features the uninterrupted gun barrel sequence.

23 March 2022
To commemorate Daniel Craig’s final appearance as James Bond in No Time To Die (2021), the Faroe Islands have commissioned a custom gravestone to honour the character, who died on the island of Kalsoy which served as the location of the abandoned missile base headquarters of villain Lyutsifer Safin (played by Rami Malek).

The grave is positioned near the Kallur lighthouse on the island and reads, “In Memory of James Bond, 1962–2021,” as reported by the official Guide to the Faroe Islands page. “Local villagers have taken it upon themselves to erect a tombstone in memory of the renowned spy,” the statement reads. “Made from Faroese basalt, the gravestone has been cut by an acclaimed stonemason in the village of Skopun. It has then been transported to the exact location on Kalsoy, where Bond meets his fate in No Time To Die.” Unveiled by The Prime Minister on March 23, 2022, the design of the grave matches Bond’s parents’ tombs seen in Skyfall (2012), and the quote read by M (Ralph Fiennes) in No Time To Die is included on the grave: “The proper function of man is to live, not to exist.” The second part of the quote by novelist Jack London: “I shall not waste my days in trying to prolong them. I shall use my time”, was used by Ian Fleming in his 1964 novel YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE to conclude Bond's obituary printed in The Times when the character was missing, presumed dead.

Fans can now book a tour through the Guide to Faroe Islands website for a special James Bond sightseeing excursion, which includes stops in Borðoy island, Kalsoy island, and crossing the Kalsoyarfjørður strait. The No Time To Die filming locations tour will culminate in the village of Trøllanes, where the James Bond crew shot on Kalsoy island.

14 March 2022
Lashana Lynch won the award for ‘Rising Star’ at the 75th British Academy Film Awards held last night at London's Royal Albert Hall. No Time To Die also won the BAFTA for Best Editing and was awarded to Elliot Graham and Tom Cross, who said working on a James Bond film had always been a dream and dedicated his award to legendary editor Peter Hunt who worked on Dr. No 60 years ago.

Last night's BAFTA ceremony kicked off in style with a spirited performance of ‘Diamonds Are Forever’ by 85-year-old Dame Shirley Bassey to celebrate 60 Years of James Bond in the Cinema.

LASHANA LYNCH WINS THE EE RISING STAR AWARD

DAME SHIRLEY BASSEY PERFORMS ‘DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER’

19 February 2022

Following last year's appearance of the West End cinema marquee for Thunderball in Edgar Wright's Last Night in Soho (2021), comes another British title with a strong link to the James Bond films. Starring Jim Broadbent and Helen Mirren, The Duke tells the story of the disappearance from London's National Gallery in August 1961, of the recently acquired portrait of The Duke of Wellington by Spanish artist Francisco de Goya. After an extensive worldwide police search and the receipt of several ransom demands, the painting remained unrecovered until July 1965. However, in the interim, the theft of the portrait was still front page news across the UK, and a memorable appearance in the first James Bond film Dr. No (1962) kept the story alive, implying that it was the eponymous villain who was behind the crime, when in actual fact it was stored in a cupboard in the Newcastle council flat of an unemployed 61-year-old bus driver!

Also a look at the other significant works of art that have prominently featured in the James Bond films.

Art For Art's Sake

10 February 2022 - Online Auction: 3–10 February 2022
This distinctive ring was one of only two designed by the jeweller Charles de Temple for the 1969 James Bond film On Her Majesty's Secret Service. The first ring which sold at Sotheby's in 2019 garnered international press attention and ended up hammering down for a spectacular £52,500 against a pre-sale estimate of £6,000-£8,000. The ring is central to the film's narrative, as it serves as the wedding ring given by Bond (George Lazenby) to the Contessa Teresa ‘Tracy’ di Vicenzo (Diana Rigg) on the occasion of their wedding, 007's only marriage. The romantic message ‘All the Time in the World’ spelled out by the ring's design is a recurring theme throughout the film, and also the title of the film's theme song, performed by Louis Armstrong. However, the phrase also takes on a poignant tone as the final words of the film - Bond's bride is tragically killed shortly after their wedding, and Bond reads the words on the ring aloud as he cradles her in his arms.

The ring's eye-catching bi-coloured design and its unusual prominence in the film brought de Temple considerable success, and to meet demand, de Temple produced a limited edition of 50 copies, of a similar design to the original but reading ‘All the Love in the World’.

The present owner bought the ring from a close family friend who is thought to have purchased it from Charles de Temple in the early 1970s. Lot #87 Estimate: £15,000-£20,000.     SOLD FOR £56,700

1 February 2022
Announced by HarperCollins in November 2021, Double Or Nothing is the start of a brand new spin-off trilogy following MI6’s agents with a licence to kill, that blows the world of James Bond wide open! The new novel by Kim Sherwood is now available to pre-order from Amazon with the website revealing the brief synopsis:

James Bond is missing…
007 has been captured, perhaps even killed, by a sinister private military company. His whereabouts are unknown.
Meet the new generation of spies…
Johanna Harwood, 003. Joseph Dryden, 004. Sid Bashir, 009. Together, they represent the very best and brightest of MI6. Skilled, determined and with a licence to kill, they will do anything to protect their country.
The fate of the world rests in their hands…
Tech billionaire Sir Bertram Paradise claims he can reverse the climate crisis and save the planet. But can he really? The new spies must uncover the truth, because the future of humanity hangs in the balance.
Time is running out.

Eagle-eyed fans will notice that 003 is named after the first female screenwriter who worked on the first three James Bond films.

29 January 2022
A fascinating and eclectic sale of the Paul Gallico estate library and contents was sold by Chiswick Auctions in London this week. Included in the sale was furniture, original art, posters (including the very desirable poster for the first James Bond film Dr. No) and a complete set of Ian Fleming’s Bond novels in their Jonathan Cape first editions, with eight of these inscribed by Fleming to Paul Gallico.

Paul Gallico (1897-1976), was one of the great storytellers and writers of the 20th century. Journalist, novelist and screenwriter, Gallico was born in New York and died in Monaco, but spent much of his life living in Saltram in Devon. Paul Gallico is known for writing a number of major books and films of the mid-20th century, and probably best known for The Snow Goose (published in 1941), and The Poseidon Adventure, (published in 1969) with film adaptations made in 1971 and 1973. Gallico was a good friend of Ian Fleming, working with him on The Sunday Times, sharing Fleming’s interests in golf, diving and fencing. Fleming sent an initial typescript of his first James Bond novel CASINO ROYALE to Gallico asking if it was publishable – Gallico replied to Fleming ‘The book is a knockout!’ The rest is history. Gallico also wrote an introductory essay to the first James Bond Omnibus Gilt-Edged Bonds, published by The Macmillan Company in New York in 1951.
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1 January 2022
007 actor Daniel Craig, James Bond film co-producers Barbara Broccoli and her half-brother Michael G. Wilson, are among those honoured by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, in the New Year's Honours List.

Daniel Craig is awarded the CMG (Companion of the Order of St. Michael and St. George), usually given to senior diplomats and spies. The CMG is the same honour received by James Bond in the novels by creator Ian Fleming — and a nod to the character Daniel Craig has played since 2006 up to his fifth and final 007 film, No Time To Die (2021). Craig was also made an honorary Commander in the Royal Navy in September 2021.

James Bond co-producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson are awarded the CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in recognition of their services to Film, Drama, Philanthropy and Skills.

Best-selling author Anthony Horowitz, whose 3rd James Bond novel WITH A MIND TO KILL will be published on May 26, 2022, is also awarded a CBE for services to Literature.

Joanna Lumley who played the ‘English Girl’ in On Her Majesty's Secret Service (1969) is made a Dame for services to Drama, Entertainment and Charitable Causes.