Bee Movie in Cannes

When DreamWorks intends on promoting a new film, they pull
out all the stops (previous Cannes promos include SHARK
TALE, WALLACE &
GROMIT and DREAMGIRLS). Not
a dime was spared for the special presentation and luncheon of the
highly anticipated animation flick BEE
MOVIE here at the Cannes Film Festival. This morning, we were
invited to a special preview of the film, which is slated for
release on November 2nd of this year (you can check out the film’s
first full trailer online HERE).

After DreamWorks Animation’s CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg
opened he presentation with a brief description of the film’s
conception, he introduced BEE MOVIE’S brain father and comedian Jerry
Seinfeld on stage with him. Beginning his presentation with some
typically funny Seinfeld jokes, he explained how his bee idea
finally came to fruition and then led us into a couple of skits
video taped inside DreamWorks studios.
Soon after, we were introduced to Director Steve Hickner
who outlined each scene before allowing proceeding with the
screening.

The first scene opened to the main bee Barry, the voice of
Seinfeld, who lives in

New

Hive

City

, much like NYC, and works in the honeybee factory called Honex.
Although every bee has a permanently assigned, lifetime occupation
in the honey factory, he grew complacent and decided to challenge
his responsibilities. In doing
so, he ventured out of Honex with the pollen jock bees to hunt for
fresh pollen in
Central Park
and risked his life in the interim.

The second scene illustrated Barry’s first human encounter
when Vanessa, the voice of Renee Zellweger, saved his life.
Going against the ‘bee law,’ he became infatuated with
Vanessa, thus revealing his ability to talk with humans while
thanking her.

The third scene focused on Barry’s parents who were
concerned with his lack of ambition and disinterest in the bee life.
Barry’s continued fascination with Vanessa, led him into a
supermarket shopping spree where he made a life changing discovery
of the human race and bee exploitation after spotting honey jars
along the shelf. Outraged, he flew off, landed on a truck windshield
filled with other bugs and befriended a mosquito voiced by Chris
Rock.

After the scene, Chris Rock was introduced onstage
with Seinfeld, to talk about their respective roles.
Their witty exchanges elicited continuous and unanimous
laughter throughout the theatre reflecting their compatibility in
their joint efforts.

The following scene revealed an inauguration in ‘court’
conducted by a Judge voiced by Oprah, to settle Barry’s lawsuit
against Sting and Ray Liotta, accusing them of stealing the bee
culture.

Immediately to follow, we were introduced to a ‘bee news’
scene and reportage detailing the bee exploitation trial and a
hilarious questionnaire conducted by Bee Larry King, the bee twin of
Larry King.

The sneak preview ended with a clip exposing the famous
artists involved in collaboration of this entertaining animation
film. A beach luncheon followed soon after and we all congregated on
the waterfront club for an incredible lunch following a media photo
feeding frenzy (more pics below). The beach restaurant was
appropriately color coordinated and decorated in black and yellow
bee themes, floral displays, a bee ice sculpture, bee sand designs
and bee cookies. Everything
tasted delectable as expected in

France

; the country of rich foods and irresistible pastries.

Making a classic DreamWorks publicity stunt, Seinfeld made a
dramatic and exciting entrance by sliding down from the top of the
restaurant to the other side dressed in a bee costume as Rock
cheered him on. They posed for photos, participated in TV
interviews, and joined us at our luncheon.
After satisfying my cravings, catching some rays, and
breathing in the ocean air, I bowed out of a memorable and
successful event.

Once again, DreamWorks Animation upheld its reputation as the
big spender. After all, I suspect that the BEE MOVIE will be the
next HAPPY FEET if not surpass its success and generate an obscene
amount of revenue. I know I’m definitely looking forward to
watching the film later this year and so should you.

Check
out the
official BEE MOVIE website here