Hornets, honeybees and field knowledge

Michael J. Trout contributed as a hornet consultant to Silverback Films’ Secrets of the Bees. His repeated work with Susumu Tokunaga and experience filming Japanese honeybee bee-balling behaviour helped bring field knowledge to the production.

The series premiered on National Geographic on 31 March 2026, followed by Disney+ on 1 April. Availability varies by region.

Japanese honeybee defence and hornet filming

The Japan fieldwork connects giant hornets, Japanese honeybees and their bee-balling defence. Explore filming Japanese honeybee bee-balling behaviour and giant hornet production support in Japan.

From the field to the screen

The official trailer offers a first look at the series. A behind-the-scenes journal will grow with selected field photographs, production memories and material cleared for publication.

Secrets of the Bees: official Silverback Films programme page

For a new production involving giant hornets or Japanese honeybees, send Michael your brief.

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