I love a great story! Lionsgate films and Starbucks Entertainment have partnered on the film Akeelah and the Bee. This is a story about a little girl with the gift of spelling. Her personality captures all those around her and brings about a hope for the whole community.

After a season full of movies that teeter on the edge of too many special effects and no story it is great for a movie like this to totter us back into a great storyline.

Starbucks has done a great job at marketing this movie by allowing people to participate and experience the movie by their in store promotions which include a CD soundtrack, and spelling bee flash cards at the tables. “We offer a community gathering place where people come together to connect and discover new things” said starbucks chairman Howard Schultz in an article by Forbes.

I would have to agree with Schultz that Starbucks is a perfect place which allows people to tell stories. Starbucks understands the power of story and I think that is what really captures people. They have even created a website which allows people to tell similiar stories.

So if you are looking for a movie with more than a good car chase and some explosions watch Akeelah and the Bee.

I have the priveledge of working on a DVD project for Joe Castillo at www.sandstory.com. Joe is the father of the legendary Jose Castillo with www.thinkjose.com. Joe communicates an inspirational story entitled “The Passion” through his artwork with sand. This technique of sandart is one that I had never seen until I watched Joe. It is amazing! Jake Hathaway took some great pictures from the day of the shoot. Above is one of his shots. Thanks to both Joe and Jose for the opportunity.