Humble Bee to explore moon’s impact on wildlife

Love Nature and Sky Nature have commissioned a series exploring how the moon impacts wildlife from Humble Bee Films.

The 3 x 60-minute Wild Side of the Moon, which is co-produced by the two broadcasters, will examine the surprising ways in which living things are connected to the phases of the moon as it waxes and wanes, from humpback whales and elephants to tree frogs and dung beetles.

Each episode will focus on distinct aspects of animal behavior including breeding, feeding and navigation, while segments called Moon Moments will offer audiences unique insights into lunar phenomena.

The series will premiere on Love Nature around the world, and Sky Nature in the UK, Italy and Germany. Blue Ant Studios’ international rights group will oversees pre-sales and licensing opportunities for the title outside of commissioning territories.

Dominic Weston (River Monsters, Growing Up Animal) is the showrunner, Charlotte Crosse and Stephen Dunleavy are executive producers for Humble Bee Films, Kathryn Taylor exec produces for Sky Nature and Katie Murdock for Love Nature.

Wild Side of the Moon’s commission coincides with the beginning of natural history festival Wildscreen in Bristol today (14 October).

Dunleavy, chief executive of Bristol-based Humble Bee, which is behind Sky’s Secret World of Sound with David Attenborough, said: “We’re delighted to join forces again with Love Nature and Sky Nature on this ambitious new series.

“Life on our planet would not exist in the way it does without the influence of our nearest celestial neighbour. Across continents and oceans, we will witness the awesome power of the Moon.”

Love Nature’s senior-vice president, head of content Alison Barrat said: “This beautiful blue-chip series captures the global push and pull of the Moon’s influence, relevant to all life on Earth. It’s ambitious in its scale and brings a unique perspective to natural history.”

Sky’s acting director of documentaries and factual Hayley Reynolds added: “This series opens our eyes to the power of the Moon and illuminates – literally - how it impacts almost every aspect of life on earth.”