Movie production begins for "The Secret Life of Bees"

Author Sue Monk Kidd has a new website on which she has posted this announcement:

"Fox Searchlight began principal filming for the screen adaptation of The Secret Life of Bees on January 9th in North Carolina.

"Written and directed by Gina Prince-Blythewood, the movie stars Dakota Fanning as Lily Owens and Academy Award Jennifer Hudson as her caretaker and 'stand-in' mother, Rosaleen. The two soon discover a trio of beekeeping sisters played by Queen Latifah (August), Alicia Keys (June) and Sophie Okonedo (May). Completing the cast is Paul Bettany as T. Ray, Tristan Wilds (Zach), Derek Luke (Neil) and Hilarie Burton (Deborah).

"Producing for The Donner's Company are Lauren Shuler Donner and Jack Leslie and for Overbrook Entertainment, Will Smith and James Lassiter. Joe Pichirallo will also produce."

Kidd's website: http://www.suemonkkidd.com