Narrative  Animation

ZAK THE BEE TOUR GUIDE

Honeymell Park

Animation Direction and Production

Zak the Bee Tour Guide is a twelve-minute character-driven 2D animated film created as the introductory experience for the Honeymell theme park exhibition in Cyprus. The project demonstrates how 2D storytelling animation can introduce visitors to a narrative world before they enter a physical exhibition environment.

Honeymell Park, opening in 2026, is a visitor experience dedicated to the world of bees, traditional beekeeping and Cypriot honey culture. Visitors encounter the film before entering the main exhibition space, where it functions as a narrative gateway into these themes.

The film was directed by Yiannis Philiastides and Markos Kassinos and produced by one and a half, a direction-led animation studio based in Cyprus.

The story prepares audiences emotionally and thematically before they explore the educational and experiential environments that follow.

The extract below is the intro of the 2D animation film Zak the Bee Tour Guide. The full film can be seen at Honeymell Park.

A BEAR WHO DOESN’T QUITE FIT

Before visitors enter the world of bees, they first meet Zak.

Zak has made it to the final stage of a competition he has long hoped to join. Around him are others who seem more certain, more confident and more at ease in their own skin. He hesitates. He compares himself to those around him and quietly wonders whether he belongs.

What makes Zak different is not immediately visible. It is something he has learned to keep quiet.

When events take an unexpected turn, he is forced to reveal the gift he has been hiding. In doing so he discovers that difference is not something to conceal but something to stand on.

The story moves between humour and vulnerability, speaking to audiences across generations through themes of self belief, acceptance and respect for the natural world.

Zak arrives at Honeymell Park for the final stage of the competition, uncertain whether he truly belongs.

Zak the bearbee entering Honeymell Theme Park in Zak the Bee Tour Guide 2D animated exhibition film

BUILDING A WORLD YOU CAN STEP INTO

The film required the creation of an original animated universe grounded in the physical architecture and landscape of the park itself. Elements of the building exterior appear within the story, allowing the animated setting to subtly mirror the real location.

Animated Honeymell Theme Park entrance environment created for Zak the Bee Tour Guide exhibition film

Zak and the supporting characters were developed not only as narrative figures but as part of the broader world building of the story. Their silhouettes, expressions and movement were refined to support clarity in animation and consistency across the animated environment, allowing visitors to first encounter Zak and his world on screen before continuing that journey through the exhibition spaces.

Zak in his toolshed workshop environment from the animated exhibition film Zak the Bee Tour Guide

Zak's Final character designs vs early design ideas

Final character design of Zak the bear protagonist from the animated exhibition film Zak the Bee Tour Guide
Early character design exploration of Zak the bear for the animated film Zak the Bee Tour Guide

The story evolved over time, gradually finding its rhythm and emotional structure. Through script refinement and visual exploration the narrative matured into a cohesive character led introduction to the exhibition.

Each frame was composed with careful attention to colour, atmosphere and spatial depth, allowing the animation to carry cinematic weight while remaining accessible and inviting.

Establishing shot of the animated landscape world in Zak the Bee Tour Guide

LINKING ANIMATION WITH PHYSICAL SPACE

The film functions as the first narrative layer of the exhibition, which required the animated world to feel connected to the place visitors were about to enter. Elements of the exterior architecture and surrounding landscape of the Honeymell Park were incorporated into the environments of the story, allowing the animated setting to subtly reflect the real location.

This connection was intentional. By recognising the building and its surroundings within the film, visitors are given a quiet cue that the story they have just seen unfolds in the very place they are about to explore. The narrative world of Zak and the physical space of the park begin to overlap, creating a natural transition from screen to environment.

Aerial view of Honeymell Theme Park as reimagined for the animated world of Zak the Bee Tour Guide.

Animated aerial environment of Honeymell Theme Park created for the exhibition film Zak the Bee Tour Guide

Concept sketch exploring the architecture and landscape of Honeymell Theme Park during the visual development of Zak the Bee Tour Guide.

Visual development sketch of Honeymell Theme Park environment for the animated film Zak the Bee Tour Guide

ANIMATION AS THE ENTRY POINT TO THE EXHIBITION

Within the park the film forms the transition between storytelling and exhibition design.

Zak is not simply the protagonist of a film. He becomes the visitor’s guide into the exhibition.

From the animated world visitors move into a space where they encounter:

• The traditional profession of the beekeeper
• The history of Cypriot beekeeping
• Contemporary techniques
• The social structure of bee colonies
• Cypriot honey and related products through guided tastings

The transition from screen to space is intentional. The film immerses visitors in Zak’s world before they enter the exhibition itself. As they move through the physical environment, Zak returns as their guide, allowing the narrative established in the film to continue across the spaces that follow.

Completed in January 2026 following an extended development and production period, Zak the Bee Tour Guide demonstrates how character driven storytelling can shape not only a film but also the emotional architecture of a physical environment.

Selection of environments and background designs created for Zak the Bee Tour Guide.

Animated background and environment design collection from Zak the Bee Tour Guide exhibition film

STORYTELLING THAT EXTENDS INTO SPACE

Zak the Bee Tour Guide demonstrates how character driven animation can function beyond the screen, shaping the emotional entry point of a physical exhibition environment.

Within the Honeymell theme park the film introduces visitors to the themes of bees, beekeeping and Cypriot honey culture before they encounter the exhibition itself. Animation becomes the narrative bridge between story, education and spatial experience.

The project reflects the studio’s interest in animation that operates within broader narrative systems, from film and documentary to exhibitions and public spaces.

This project forms part of the studio’s broader body of work in narrative, documentary, cultural and public communication contexts.
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Project Credits

Client:
Honeymell

Production:
one and a half 

Director:
Yiannis Philiastides
Markos Kassinos

Script / Idea:
Dimitris Papakosta

Animation and Illustration:
Yiannis Philiastides
Greg Pilava
Alexandros Yennaris
Andria Pourouti

Colouring:
Pantelis Michael

Sound Design / Mix:
Andreas Hadjipandelis  (Kition Audio)

Music:
Constantinos Lemesios

Voice Over:
Michalis Kazakas
Thanasis Drakopoulos
Evros Vasiliou
Myrto Stylou

Recording Studios:
Suite 16 Recording Studio
Black Vault Recording Studio

 

Character lineup featuring Zak and the supporting cast from Zak the Bee Tour Guide.

Animated character lineup from Zak the Bee Tour Guide exhibition film for Honeymell Theme Park

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