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Photography
Featuring Scarlett Johansson, Beyoncé and David
Beckham Kicks Off Disney's 'Year of a Million
Dreams'
LAKE BUENA VISTA,
Fla. (Jan. 26, 2007) -- To launch Disney Parks "Year
of a Million Dreams" celebration, spectacular new
images were unveiled today featuring the work of
acclaimed photographer Annie Leibovitz, and starring
Scarlett Johansson as Cinderella, Beyoncé taking a
spin in a giant teacup and David Beckham slaying a
dragon.
Leibovitz's images also fulfill one of Beckham's
"dreams," as the Disney Parks project is his first
endorsement since signing a contract to play
professional soccer in the United States.
In addition to the three debut images, Disney Parks
has commissioned more images by Leibovitz that will
feature other celebrities in classic, Disney fairy
tale settings.
Asked by Disney Parks to lend her vision to the
campaign, Leibovitz has created inspired images of
storybook fantasy come to life. Her photographs for
the campaign embody the captivating, narrative style
indicative of her world-renowned work.
"I'm really delighted to be part of the 'Where
Dreams Come True' campaign," said Leibovitz. "We
live in difficult times and I feel, especially as a
parent, that keeping dreams alive is one of the most
important things we can do."
Each image features a scene with the featured
celebrities transformed into the role of a fabled
Disney character, expressing their own dreams and
imagination.
As Cinderella, Scarlett Johansson is seen running
down a flight of stairs as the clock strikes
midnight with her glass slipper unknowingly left
behind. The tagline reads, "Where every Cinderella
story comes true."
Befitting a true princess, Johansson wears a
stunning, one-of-a-kind Harry Winston tiara -- a
dazzling piece in platinum with more than 62 carats
of sparkling diamonds and valued at $325,000. The
dress worn by Johansson is a custom-made,
Cinderella-inspired gown designed by Nicoletta
Santoro.
David Beckham plays the part of the gallant Prince
Phillip from "Sleeping Beauty," atop his trusted
steed fighting the evil dragon. The tagline reads,
"Where imagination saves the day."
"There were many Disney characters I liked as a
kid," said Beckham. "Now my sons love the Disney
characters and it's a big part of their lives, a big
part of many children's lives around the world. So
to be part of that is an honor and very exciting.
"I love going to Disney, I'm like a big kid," he
added.
Beyoncé appears as "Alice in Wonderland," twirling
in a teacup, accompanied by Oliver Platt as the Mad
Hatter and Lyle Lovett as the March Hare. The
tagline reads, "Where Wonderland is your destiny."
"It's two great imaginations coming together --
Disney and Annie Leibovitz," said Lovett. "To be
along for the ride really is quite something, just
knowing that you're going to be part of a great
Disney character. And then when you step into the
imagination of Annie Leibovitz, you know you're in
another world."
"The 'Where Dreams Come True' campaign is about the
imaginations and dreams that are inside us all,"
said Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and
Resorts. "By capturing these transformational
experiences, these emotional images communicate a
powerful concept. Working with Annie Leibovitz was a
natural fit -- Disney is known for immersive
storytelling and Annie is a masterful artist whose
photos speak volumes."
The campaign premieres as a special insert in the
March issues of Vanity Fair, GQ, Vogue, W, The New
Yorker, Conde Nast Traveler and Cookie.
As part of the "Where Dreams Come True" initiative,
Disney Parks introduced "The Year of a Million
Dreams" (Oct. 1, 2006-Dec. 31, 2007). During this
15-month, first-of-its-kind celebration, more than
one million very special dreams are being granted to
guests visiting Walt Disney World Resort and
Disneyland Resort. The celebration also is
highlighted by the debut of innovative Disney
attractions and entertainment spectaculars at both
Disneyland and Walt Disney World resorts. |
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WDW Mousellaneous Photo Album
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