DreamWorks Animation kicked off this year’s Cannes Film Festival today with comedian/filmmaker Jerry Seinfeld, the creator of DreamWorks Animation’s upcoming fall release “Bee Movie,” performing a stunt unparalleled in the history of the 60-year-old international institution.

Tethered to a wire suspended from the roof of the world-famous Carlton Hotel, Seinfeld—dressed as a bee—flew down over the Croisette as festival goers looked on. Actor/Comedian Chris Rock, who also serves as a voice in the film, emceed the event from the end of the Carlton Pier, engaging Seinfeld in banter just prior to his descent.

The stunt followed a presentation at the Miramar Theater where DreamWorks Animation CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg, Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock, directors Simon J. Smith and Steve Hickner and producer Christina Steinberg hosted an exclusive presentation showcasing select scenes from their upcoming animated comedy, “Bee Movie.”

Seinfeld’s first major project since his iconic self-titled television series, “Bee Movie” is indeed a labor of love for the actor/comedian, as he not only voices the lead bee, Barry B. Benson, but also serves as screenwriter and producer. “Bee Movie” is slated for nationwide domestic release November 2, 2007, with international release dates to follow.

“Bee Movie” is a comedy that will change everything you think you know about bees. Having just graduated from college, a bee by the name of Barry B. Benson (Jerry Seinfeld) finds himself disillusioned with the prospect of having only one career choice – honey. As he ventures outside of the hive for the first time, he breaks one of the cardinal rules of the bee world and talks to a human, a New York City florist named Vanessa (Renée Zellweger). He is shocked to discover that the humans have been stealing and eating the bees’ honey for centuries, and ultimately realizes that his true calling in life is to set the world right by suing the human race for stealing their precious honey.

DreamWorks Animation S.K.G. Presents “Bee Movie,” which will be distributed by Paramount Pictures. Directed by Simon J. Smith and Steve Hickner, the film features the voice talents of Jerry Seinfeld, Renée Zellweger, Matthew Broderick, John Goodman, Chris Rock, Kathy Bates and Patrick Warburton. The screenplay is by Jerry Seinfeld. The film is produced by Jerry Seinfeld and Christina Steinberg. This film is not yet rated and the credits are not final.

Jerry Seinfeld, tethered to a wire, "flies" from the roof of the Carlton Hotel to the Carlton pier as Cannes Film Festival goers look on.
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