(Bond lifestyle, 2020).
We can all understand why the latest James Bond film, ‘No Time To Die’, was pushed back from its April 2020 release. Now there’s been a further delay, to April 2021. How does that affect the sponsors and product placements? After all, the promotion of new products is timed to get the biggest bang for its buck with the global favourite film franchise.
“As Bond fans we were disappointed in the delay of ‘No Time To Die’,” acknowledges Victoria Carfantan, Director of Champagne Bollinger UK, “but support the difficult decision made.”
And there is a silver lining, as she went on to explain.
Bollinger, which has been a Bond partner since 1979’s ‘Moonraker’, has created a Special Cuvée 007 Limited Edition for ‘No Time To Die’, its 15th collaboration in what Carfantan describes as “the most perfect of partnerships”. The gift box features the silhouette of James Bond alongside his Aston Martin DB5 and the colourway echoes the silver birch finish of the iconic car itself:
“Despite the lack of film,” continues Carfantan, “the Bollinger Special Cuvée 007 Limited Edition has been fantastically well received by our customers and consumers, with sales thus far going very well, which we foresee will continue as we head towards the Christmas trading period.
“In the extremely difficult times we are all facing, there is clearly a demand for escapism and indulgence in life’s luxuries, with more time spent at home as opposed to going to restaurants, so whilst we all wait in anticipation to see the movie, it gives Bond and Bollinger fans a small taste of what is to come.”
The independently run House worked with renowned photographer Greg Williams to achieve the edgy excitement blended with elegance that defines the Bond franchise. Can you spot the product placement in the top picture by Williams?
And how have other partners been leveraging the delay to their advantage?
Ladies first…
The film’s official ‘phone partner is Nokia: this ad aims to whip up the high-octane excitement of the much-anticipated release with Lashana Lynch as Agent Nomi, stymied by orders from above but ‘saved by the bell’ of her Nokia 8.3.
Diamonds Are Forever
New ‘Bond girl’ Ana de Armas became the first Hollywood headliner for the Natural Diamond Council in this ad #ForMomentsLikeNoOther:
Tough wheels
The Land Rover Defender rehearsal footage for the delayed movie included in this advert shows the new Defender performing a 30-metre jump, and being put to further extreme tests as it’s driven at top speeds through swamps and rivers.
And Aston Martin, purveyor of gorgeous cars for Bonds from Sean Connery to Daniel Craig, continues to run rings around all comers. Its delectable DB5 is now available in an electric Junior version built at 66% scale 57 years after the original. (Photo above from the 007 site gallery)
Watch this space
In his ninth film with OMEGA watches, James Bond will be equipped with his faithful Seamaster wristwatch as he follows the trail of a mysterious villain armed with dangerous technology. Apparently actor Daniel Craig, who plays 007, had a hand in choosing the model; it features a mesh bracelet and a blend of silver and bronze working for classy ruggedness, and is the trusted diver’s watch of the British Navy.
Yes, yes, yes, but what about the clothes?
Ah, of course. Who doesn’t want to achieve the eternal elegance of James Bond in evening dress, or know where to buy gear that looks good even when the baddies have roughed you up?
(Daniel Craig as James Bond, wearing Omega and Tom Ford)
For the fourth consecutive year, it’s Tom Ford behind most of the clothing the action stars are sporting: “I could not be happier to be dressing Daniel Craig as James Bond again in the upcoming film, ‘No Time To Die’,” said CEO Tom Ford for the big reveal earlier this year. “James Bond epitomises the Tom Ford man in his elegance, style and love of luxury. It is an honour to move forward with this iconic character.”
In short, there’s no indication that the delay will harm the luxury partners whose products we’re already able to see and purchase as we continue to eagerly await the new movie.
We’ll be here, 007…
