Bonding at Hofstra

The Bond Experience

I had the incredible honor of being a visiting "professor" this week at Hofstra University's Bond Event. The event was a several day symposium on all things Bond including Bond writers, actors, experts, and yes....even Bond collectors. I presented on two panels and my discussions focused on The Psyche of a Bond Collector and James Bond's Gadgets and Props. Two subjects I have some familiarity with (groan). The event was well attended by a mix of students and "civilians" and the vibe in the crowd was always positive. Some hilites for me included:

Dinner with Raymond Benson. Incredibly nice guy with incredible stories. He is both humble and generous and his fame has not tainted this man in any way.

Meeting and listening to stories from Robert Davi. Sanchez aside this is a warm hearted man who truly loves his fans.

Clive Young's discussion about amateur fan films. Clive is hysterical and his material was well thought out. I still owe you an interview, Clive.

Lois Gresh, author of the Science of James Bond. I shared a panel with her and she is a genuin fan and again was one of those pleasant individuals that you want to spend more time with.

The looks on the faces of some of the younger crowd when the case of gadgets were shown. Made the trip worth it.

It was also great meeting new friends and old ones including the Ian Fleming Foundation gents, Donald Grant, and of course hanging out with The Spy Boys Ed Maggiani. Here are a few pics ofme pretending to "teach" and other goodies.

David Schofield

Dave

Would love to read the text of your discussion on the Psyche of a Bond Collector.

Is there hard copy?

The Bond Experience

Actually, I have a power point that I presented on it but most of it was bullet points that I spoke to. I am trying to see if I can put it on the next Be Like Bond podcast.

thespyboys11

David,
It was a pleasure to have shared this "Bonding" experience with you!!!
Not only was David's talks the most entertaining but they were presented in the most professional manner. He blew the others "out of the water"
Additionally, the generosity he extended to younger Bond fans was noteworthy. After his talk some fans approached the podium to closer examine the props he had brought. One fan, in particular, will probably not forget his experience as he admired the Parker explosive pen as used in Goldeneye. David saw his interest and graciously gave it to him as a present. I bet he later had hoped he had expressed a greater interest in David's Golden Gun...LOL!!
Meeting Raymond Benson and sharing an Italian dinner as well as hanging out with him and Doug Redinius and the other members of the Ian Fleming Foundation at the local pub was equally memorable.
Unfortunetly, Robert Davi plane was delayed or he would have been at dinner with us.
Rick (Donald Grant) Wow'd everyone by bringing his two painted Bond heads to the pub and we received some interesting looks from those around us as we handled the disembodied heads. Doug was so impressed that he intends on ordering four of them to affix to mannequins that will sit in various screen-used vehicles such as the Parahawk, the Q-Boat, the Diamonds are Forever Mustang as well as others. The heads need to be seen in person as the photos we see do NOT do them justice!!!
All in all, it truly was a "Bonding" as we met with these memorable writers, actors, archivists and fellow fans.
Ed Maggiani
TheSpyBoys.com

Sir Miles

Great stuff again, Mantis. I too, would love to read a hard-copy of your presentation - it's a pity you didn't record it a put it on youtube.

I just wish I could have gone - possibly something similar could be done in the UK ?

scaramangasgoldengun

I think a world bond event would be great orgainised by some main key players. In a nuteral location with a vast ammount of display cased props and gadgets. etc and cars from the films.

I am looking into orgainising an event in glasgow SCOTLAND any one interested please contact me through my email address which you can get through my site also please feel free to tour my site..

The mantis has done it again great information and experiences. Robert Davi is looking really old now. still one of the coollest and best bond villains of the series. I would love to see some more photos from the event

richardjb

David,
You are more famous than James Bond himself !!!
Congratulations.
As others already asked, it would be interesting to share your speech.
Kind regards.
Richard

Head of Section

What an amazing symposium!

Your presentation was excellent! So many stories, I don't even know where to begin.

A few highlights: Managing to annoy Robert Davi in less than 15 seconds. Getting a pep talk from Lee Pfeiffer on aspiring to write a Bond book. Having Raymond Benson squeezed into the back seat of my Toyota Camry with a bellyache and holding my box of laser discs on his lap, and getting drunk with him and repeatedly telling myself, "Do NOT bring up 'Never Dream of Dying'.

Oh.. and NO, I really didnt annoy Robert Davi... During his interview, Davi made the comment that (paraphrasing) that Licence to Kill hasn't been given the proper credit for being the first, before Casino Royale, to go for a more serious, gritty tone. To which I chimed in, 'Well, I think critics might suggest that LTK started off in a gritty direction, but then seems to get cold feet. Q is brought in very out of character, there are too many sight gags...' And as the words are coming out my my mouth, the thought pops into my head, "Oh great, I'm handed a few seconds to chat one-on-one with Robert Davi, and here I am insulting his film."

In truth though, Davi and Lee Pfieffer took the comment very well. Pfieffer called the comment very astute (whew!), and Davi agreed and added that he didnt think Q was out of place because it was legitimate comic relief, but he thought the casting of Felix Leiter and Della was a mistake, that they didn't work to establish the deep relationship with Bond needed to convince you that Bond would sacrifice all to go after revenge. What a great discussion!

What a fantastic experience!!

The Bond Experience

Well then we'll have to arrange to do it sooner than every ten years, eh?