James Bond & Friends

How much money does a Bond film really cost to make? With the news that one of Bond 25's distribution partners Annapurna is having some money troubles, we dive deep into the murky waters of the business of the movies, how much films really cost, and who pays for them. Ajay shares his professional expertise on film financing and Bill recounts the history of United Artists at the start of the Bond series. Along the way we stumble on Telly Savalas' hair, Cleopatra's expense account, Q-Branch pet food, Hai Fat's inspiration, Ian Fleming's animal rights, the James Bond goat, and the faded glory of a Wimpy hamburger. The recording took place on August 9th, 2019 in the USA, UK, New Zealand, and Spain. Paul Atkinson and James Page are co-founders of MI6-HQ.com and the magazine MI6 Confidential Ajay Chowdhury (co-author with Matthew Field) of Some Kind of Hero: The Remarkable Story of the James Bond Films David Leigh runs thejamesbonddossier.com Bill Koenig runs the Spy Command at hmssweblog.wordpress.com This podcast

How have Bond’s key allies translated from page to screen? Observing the passing of David Hedison - two time Felix Leiter - we note how he became the first man to return to the role some 10 years later with the long-serving ally’s pivotal role in ‘Licence to Kill’. We continue by discussing Leiter and Bond’s relationship and how the re-casting has lead to some inconsistent characterisation. Along the way, we stumble on Leiter’s drinking habits, Felix’s faux pas, his Kennedy impersonation, Jack Lord’s moisturiser, Felicia Leiter, big livers, the martini olive scam, an ill-fated fishing trip, Le Chiffre’s undead exit, rewrites whilst boozing, and the Leiterverse. The recording took place on July 26th, 2019 in the USA, New Zealand, Spain, and Portugal. Paul Atkinson and James Page are co-founders of MI6-HQ.com and the magazine MI6 Confidential Marcos Kontze is creator and editor of jamesbondbrasil.com David Leigh runs thejamesbonddossier.com Bill Koenig runs the Spy Command at hmssweblog.wordpress.com Ben Willia

In space, can you hear the James Bond screenwriters scream? Space has been a recurring element in the James Bond film series, appearing in 7 adventures so far, and it was almost 8! As the 50th anniversary of the moon landings is celebrated, we discuss how 007 on the big screen was influenced by the real-world space race and the bets producers took on future events. We are left with just one question: how the hell do we get those diamonds down again? We round out the episode with a look at the latest 007 news including new trademarks, special screenings, Bond 25 shipping containers, and everyone takes a punt on when the title will drop. The recording took place on July 19th, 2019 in the USA, UK, and Spain. James Page is a co-founder of MI6-HQ.com and the magazine MI6 Confidential Calvin Dyson can be found at youtube.com/calvindyson David Leigh runs thejamesbonddossier.com Bill Koenig runs the Spy Command at hmssweblog.wordpress.com This podcast is copyright Pretitles LLC © 2019 Music credit 'Spy & Die' by

How much James Bond history is left to be discovered? Bill recounts his recent trip to the Lilly Library in Indiana where he looked at one of Ian Fleming's early Casino Royale manuscripts and shares some of the changes made to the final novel. As Formula 1 celebrated its 1,007th Grand Prix we look back at Bond's motor racing connections over the years and Ben reveals the story of the Aston Martin that probably influenced Ian Fleming's gadget laden car. Rounding out, we explore the state of James Bond research and what history still lays hidden. Along the way we cover the latest news including Ajay's location visit with Bond 25, bumping in to Bojo, SEO tabloids, firestorms on social media, into the Bondverse, Fleming in the public domain, and find a song about Blofeld. The recording took place on July 14th, 2019 in the USA and UK. James Page is a co-founder of MI6-HQ.com and the magazine MI6 Confidential Ajay Chowdhury (co-author with Matthew Field) of Some Kind of Hero: The Remarkable Story of the James Bond

How has fandom changed over the years? It's so secret that we neglect to mention the name of the event! Mark and Calvin recount their amazing day at Secret Cinema's Casino Royale show (spoiler-free) and we ponder what other Bond films would make great interactive experiences. We also debate the current state of Bond fandom in 2019 and how things have changed over the past 20 years. At the end, discussion of the latest Bond 25 developments throw up some wild rumours that sound a little too familiar. The recording took place on July 4th, 2019 in the USA, UK, and Spain. James Page is a co-founder of MI6-HQ.com and the magazine MI6 Confidential Calvin Dyson can be found at youtube.com/calvindyson Mark O'Connell's home base is markoconnell.co.uk David Leigh runs thejamesbonddossier.com Bill Koenig runs the Spy Command at hmssweblog.wordpress.com This podcast is copyright Pretitles LLC © 2019 Music credit 'Spy & Die' by Jay Man

Who can defend the indefensible? We experiment with a new format for this episode where each guest takes a turn to 'defend the indefensible' and make their case for an unpopular opinion in the James Bond universe. Will anyone have their minds changed? We tackle changing the shooting order of the early films for better continuity, under-appreciation of a much-maligned Bond girl, exploring just how smart James Bond is, future actor choices, and going with a left-field composer. At the end, we round out with discussion of the latest Bond 25 developments including the Jamaica teaser video and London shooting. The recording took place on June 30th, 2019 in the USA, UK, and New Zealand. Paul Atkinson and James Page are co-founders of MI6-HQ.com and the magazine MI6 Confidential Bill Koenig runs the Spy Command at hmssweblog.wordpress.com Ben Williams writes for MI6-HQ.com and MI6 Confidential This podcast is copyright Pretitles LLC © 2019 Music credit 'Spy & Die' by Jay Man

Did this ever happen to the other fellas? This week we dive into a retrospective of 'On Her Majesty's Secret Service.' As it celebrates its 50th anniversary, we look back on the film that's often dubbed the 'odd-one-out' by the media and assess how it is seen now by fans and the general public. Along the way, we muse on how American television audiences were left confused, restoration mistakes, changes to the final cut, and ponder a new way to judge George Lazenby's performance. At the end, we round out with a recap of the latest Bond 25 news and add another entry to the Bond cover song hall of shame. The recording took place on June 21st, 2019 in the USA, UK, and Spain. James Page is the co-founder of MI6-HQ.com and the magazine MI6 Confidential Ajay Chowdhury (co-author with Matthew Field) of Some Kind of Hero: The Remarkable Story of the James Bond Films David Leigh runs thejamesbonddossier.com Bill Koenig runs the Spy Command at hmssweblog.wordpress.com Ben Williams writes for MI6-HQ.com and MI6 Confident

Have the recent Daniel Craig films regressed in their representation of women? This week we tackle the topic of diversity, representation of women and minority characters in Bond films, welcoming a new guest Associate Professor Lisa Funnell. We round out by discussing the curious appearance of an Aston Martin in Norway for Bond 25 and answering some listener questions. Along the way we muse on the times when James Bond’s licence to kill was inappropriately used, the fine distinction between murder and manslaughter, why academics find Bond fascinating, how to lose your tenure, when imitating Bond is a good thing, pitfalls of a choose-your-own Bond adventure, villains you root for, and killing Madeleine Swann. The recording took place on June 9th, 2019 in the USA, UK, New Zealand, and Spain. Paul Atkinson and James Page are co-founders of MI6-HQ.com and the magazine MI6 Confidential Lisa Funnell (@CinemaOnFire) is Associate Professor at the University of Oklahoma David Leigh runs thejamesbonddossier.com Bill Ko

Has public opinion of the older films changed during the Daniel Craig years? After we round up the latest Bond 25 news and tabloid bumblings, we dive into dissecting how public opinion of every film in the James Bond series has changed over the past 15 years - from 2004 to 2019. Using a semi-scientific method, the results were surprising! Along the way, we stumble upon the next Uncle Bond, psych out John Wayne, ponder Dalton's dark prophecy, freeze frame Judi Dench, and downgrade some classics. The recording took place on May 23rd, 2019 in the USA, UK, and Spain. James Page is co-founder of MI6-HQ.com and the magazine MI6 Confidential David Leigh runs thejamesbonddossier.com Calvin Dyson can be found at youtube.com/calvindyson Bill Koenig runs the Spy Command Mark O'Connell's home base is markoconnell.co.uk This podcast is copyright Pretitles LLC © 2019 Music credit 'Spy & Die' by Jay Man

How much of a Bond film is recycled from unused scripts? In the first segment, we wrap up some loose ends and dive in to the latest Bond 25 media coverage including Daniel Craig's injury and how Twitter would cover the production of early films. We welcome Ajay Chowdhury to the crew and discuss the reality of screenwriting for big franchises and how unused elements of scripts have popped up years later. Along the way, we trip over divorce Bond films, Connery's time-traveling bookshelf, running out of puff, talking porpoises, and falling snowflakes on ya body. The recording took place on May 17th, 2019 in the USA, UK, and Spain. James Page is co-founder of MI6-HQ.com and the magazine MI6 Confidential David Leigh runs thejamesbonddossier.com Ben Williams writes for MI6-HQ.com and MI6 Confidential Bill Koenig runs the Spy Command Ajay Chowdhury (co-author with Matthew Field) of Some Kind of Hero: The Remarkable Story of the James Bond Films This podcast is copyright Pretitles LLC © 2019 Music credit 'Spy & D

What's with all the media negativity over Bond 25? In the first segment, we cover the latest Bond 25 developments including the wrap in Jamaica. We reveal a few tidbits about the production (no plot spoilers) and then exclusively announce the end of an era for the James Bond universe. Along the way, we trip over a governor's dinner party, Station J, 7777, a homeless MI6, lack of mobile phones, angry tabloids, and 007's social discomfort. Finally, we ponder what's up with the state of the literary continuation series. The recording took place on May 10th, 2019 in the USA, UK, and Spain. James Page is co-founder of MI6-HQ.com and the magazine MI6 Confidential David Leigh runs thejamesbonddossier.com Ben Williams writes for MI6-HQ.com and MI6 Confidential Bill Koenig would like to thank Comcast for cutting his cable during the recording This podcast is copyright Pretitles LLC © 2019 Music credit 'Spy & Die' by Jay Man

Which two Bond films could blend into a new recipe? In the first segment, we experiment with throwing two less-loved Bond films in a blender to come up with something better. We then cover the latest Bond 25 developments and along the way we trip over Monty's millions, not the James Bond theme, counting clapperboards, vindictive tabloids, Pryce's ham, missing memoriams, sunset dining, 2% survival rates, and selling London flats. Like 'Spectre,' just as you think it's wrapping up, there's another twenty minutes on the end speculating about Kincaid's private life, Skyfall's cow, and those pesky kids. The recording took place on May 6th, 2019 in the USA, UK, and Spain. Paul Atkinson and James Page are co-founders of MI6-HQ.com and the magazine MI6 Confidential David Leigh runs thejamesbonddossier.com Bill Koenig runs the Spy Command at hmssweblog.wordpress.com Ben Williams writes for MI6-HQ.com and MI6 Confidential With #askbond questions from @f1daw and @Stingray_travel. This podcast is copyright Pretitles LLC

What can we read into the plot synopsis for Bond 25? With a little more time – and sleep – to reflect, we examine the plot synopsis that was released after the ‘Bond 25’ reveal event, asking questions about the significance and prominence of Jamaica, Italy and Norway, the mystery scientist, and how Malek’s ‘tech villain’ persona will break or conform to the mold of similar villains gone before. Along the way we discover the comedy stylings of Rory Kinnear, Craig’s USP, an absence of muscle in the Bond 25 supporting cast, SPECTRE’s awkward “fourth act”, wasted opportunities for Mr White, a curmudgeonly Felix Leiter, a bachelor party for Bond, Brosnan’s home automation nightmare, Bond’s retirement hobbies, and Honey Ryder’s Disney Princess routine.  The recording took place on April 26th, 2019 in the USA, UK, and New Zealand. Paul Atkinson and James Page are co-founders of MI6-HQ.com and the magazine MI6 Confidential Calvin Dyson can be found at youtube.com/calvindyson Ben Williams writes for MI6-HQ.com and MI6

Dissecting the Bond 25 reveal event. In this special extended episode, we take apart the Bond 25 live reveal event. How did it all go down? What was expected and was surprising? Along the way we trip over a forgetful producer, the fate of an audio guy, fake tweets, a younger looking cast, why Naomie Harris was in Jamaica, the absence of Blofeld, Rami Malek's stare, Felix Leiter's precarious fate, the meaning of treachery, and why you should wear socks to avoid suspicion. The recording took place on April 25th, 2019 in the USA, UK, and Spain. James Page is a co-founder of MI6-HQ.com and the magazine MI6 Confidential David Leigh runs thejamesbonddossier.com Bill Koenig runs the Spy Command at hmssweblog.wordpress.com Mark O'Connell's home base is markoconnell.co.uk Ben Williams writes for MI6-HQ.com and MI6 Confidential This podcast is copyright Pretitles LLC © 2019 Music credit 'Underneath The Mango Tree' cover by Cibelle

What were Bond's drinking habits across the books and how do they differ in the films? We discuss aspects of James Bond's drinks and along the way we mull over the loss of local flavour, drinks missing from the films, Bond's salad dressing recipe, chaining carte blanche's, following 007's trail in NYC, substitutions for illusive Kina Lillet (and how they blew a big marketing opportunity), how to mix a perfect Vesper, shaking versus stirring, brandless bourbon, Ian Fleming's gin, and when eleven is too many. We round out by discussing our favourite real-world Bond locations we've visited. Grab your free copy of 'The James Bond Cocktail Bar' e-book here. David's paperback book 'The Complete Guide to the Drinks of James Bond' can be found on Amazon US, UK, and France. The recording took place on April 19th, 2019 in the USA and Spain. James Page is a co-founder of MI6-HQ.com and the magazine MI6 Confidential David Leigh runs thejamesbonddossier.com Bill Koenig runs the Spy Command at hmssweblog.wordpress.com #ask

What films are most indicative of each actor's run at Bond? This episode of 'James Bond & Friends' is hosted by Paul Atkinson with guests David Leigh, Bill Koenig and James Page. With all quiet on the Bond 25 front, we assemble a panel to discuss a few timeless topics. Along the way we stumble on baby powder blue romper suits, film franchise formulas, MGM's 40-year financial slump, more licenced clothing suggestions, ageing 80s tech, clown suits, dated visual effects, drinking on the job, CGI meddling, the Moonrakerization of John Gardner, and a plan to bankrupt the New Zealand government. The recording took place on April 12th, 2019 in the USA, New Zealand and Spain. James Page and Paul Atkinson are co-founders of MI6-HQ.com and the magazine MI6 Confidential David Leigh runs thejamesbonddossier.com Bill Koenig runs the Spy Command at hmssweblog.wordpress.com #askbond speed round had questions from @tommycomelately, @danielrisk and @Anoopsri This podcast is copyright Pretitles LLC © 2019 Music credit 'Spy

What's the deal with the 'traditional' Bond production press conference? This episode of 'James Bond & Friends' is hosted by Paul Atkinson with guests Mark O'Connell, David Leigh, Bill Koenig and James Page. We discuss the kind of Bond film we are hoping for from Craig and Fukunaga, and expectations of a kick-off press conference any day now. Along the way we spoil the plot to several classics, uncover 'stealth writers' in our midst, curse local papers' photo editors, highlight the dangers of impersonating the PM, run into a drag-queen doorman, muse on the leaky nature of past productions, banish Tarantino from the Bondverse and stumble on a machine learning Bond film. The recording took place on April 5th, 2019 in the USA, UK, New Zealand and Spain. James Page and Paul Atkinson are co-founders of MI6-HQ.com and the magazine MI6 Confidential Mark O'Connell's home base is markoconnell.co.uk David Leigh runs thejamesbonddossier.com Bill Koenig runs the Spy Command at hmssweblog.wordpress.com #askbond speed

What will happen to the series after Daniel Craig departs? This episode of 'James Bond & Friends' is hosted by James Page with guests Calvin Dyson, Mark O'Connell, and David Leigh. We chat about the possible options the series faces after Craig steps down after Bond 25, including the idea of rebooting the series and filming the books in order as period pieces, and the crunch timetable for the 60th anniversary. Along the way, we stumble upon Bond-trainees for baton passing, flirting with the dreaded codename theory, defending Lee Tamahori, Odd Job's cousins, female agent spin-offs, unnecessary origin stories, sexual harassment training, journalists getting Bond wrong, left-field choices for new writers, and a conspicuous absence of children. The recording took place on March 21st, 2019 in the USA, UK, and Spain. James Page is a co-founder of MI6-HQ.com and the magazine MI6 Confidential Calvin Dyson can be found at youtube.com/calvindyson Mark O'Connell's home base is markoconnell.co.uk David Leigh runs the

All the latest Bond 25 news discussion. This episode of 'James Bond & Friends' is hosted by James Page with guests Calvin Dyson, Mark O'Connell, and David Leigh. We chat about the latest Bond 25 news including the new 'working title', Danny Boyle's reasons for departure, Norway, and electric cars. Calvin reports from the Q The Music concert and we also discuss the state of 007 merchandise and the potential for future Bond games. Along the way, we stumble upon fake title ideas, a Bond wedding, killing Funko Pops, and phallic swim shorts. The recording took place on March 21st, 2019 in the USA, UK, and Spain. James Page is a co-founder of MI6-HQ.com and the magazine MI6 Confidential Calvin Dyson can be found at youtube.com/calvindyson Mark O'Connell's home base is markoconnell.co.uk David Leigh runs thejamesbonddossier.com This podcast is copyright Pretitles LLC © 2019 Music credit 'Spy & Die' by Jay Man

Is Bond 25 a make or break film for Daniel Craig's legacy? This episode of 'James Bond & Friends' is hosted by James Page with guests Paul Atkinson, Calvin Dyson, and David Leigh. Originally recorded along with Episode 001, we found ourselves descending into general banter about the franchise and the over-arching aspects of how Daniel Craig’s tenure may end and whether Bond 25 is a make or break film. Along the way, we consider watching the films from a different perspective, leaving during the credits, gunbarrel placement, Craig's unfinished business, whipping out a quiche, a budget-breaking third biscuit boy, possible composers and singers, anniversary films, and the disappearance of Colin Salmon. The recording took place on March 8th, 2019 in the USA, UK, Spain, and New Zealand. James Page & Paul Atkinson are co-founders of MI6-HQ.com and the magazine MI6 Confidential Calvin Dyson can be found at youtube.com/calvindyson David Leigh runs thejamesbonddossier.com This podcast is copyright Pretit