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WildFilmHistory » Home » Films » Secret Weapons

Secret Weapons  (1983)

The world of the infinitely small

An entertaining account of insect warfare, Secret Weapons takes a close-up look at these miniscule masters of attack and defense. Using scanning electron microscopy, high speed filming techniques and tiny weights and pulleys, the BBC Natural History Unit conducts an in-depth exploration of an arthropod arms-race.

Action-packed shots record some truly barbaric strategies, beetles spray boiling hot liquid on their adversaries and moths use poison in their courtship rituals. An exciting and educational format sees the impressive technical photography interspersed with informative explanations from Professor Tom Eisner, a pioneer of chemical ecology.

Widely acclaimed for its scientific accuracy, Secret Weapons is a diverting and enjoyable production, providing an insight into an extraordinary and previously unseen world.  Winner of the "Scientific Award" at the Wildscreen "Panda" awards ceremony in October 1984

Copyright holder

Copyright Holder: BBC - Natural History Unit
Address: c/o BBC Motion Gallery
Room E251
Woodlands
80 Wood Lane
London
W12 0TT
Telephone: +44 (0) 20 8433 2861 / 2
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.bbcmotiongallery.com

Film credits

Additional Photography: Reg Pope
Additional Photography: Scott Ransom
Additional Photography: David Haylock
Additional Photography: Harold Egerton
Additional Photography: Charles Miller
Film Editor: Chris Orrell
Music: Michael Bright
Music: Matt Clifford
Narrator: Barry Ernest Paine
Photography: Rodger Jackman
Presenter: Thomas Eisner
Producer: Caroline "Baker" Weaver
Production Organisation: BBC - Natural History Unit
Sound: Peter Copeland
Writer: Caroline "Baker" Weaver
Writer: Thomas Eisner

Related links

Wildscreen Panda Awards 1984 (1984)
Clips
The world of the infinitely small
The world of the infinitely small
Flash photography captures the dance of a male moth
Flash photography captures the dance of ...
Sophisticated defence of the bombardier beetle
Sophisticated defence of the bombardier ...
Wildscreen
Wildscreen "Scientific" Award, 1984