They call it the Big Five lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos.
The bugs of the savanna, on the other hand, struggle to conjure a similar aura.
Putting on bug spray before a safari is as essential as brushing your teeth.
It was a real goal to make it a family oriented series, Markham tells us via Zoom.
The naturalists or fans of animal [series] have been very well-served over the years by fantastic programs.
Bringing together National Geographic and Disney with Pixar meant we could tap into a new audience.
A crew films bat-eared foxes around a termite mound at sunset for the “Land of Giants” episode of “A Real Bug’s Life.” (National Geographic/Amy Gilchrist)
Part of landing the right tone was finding a narrator that could put their own spin on the material.
Using Awkwafina brought her own magic and own words to the read, Markham says.
That episode highlights the crux of the challenge for the filmmakers.
An acacia ant is pictured on an acacia thorn in the “Land of Giants” episode of “A Real Bug’s Life.” (National Geographic/Rob Harvey)
People love a cuddly mammal with big eyes, he says.
A lot of people overlook [bugs].
We focused on charismatic and engaging bugs that we could relate to.
Really good stories and good drama.
This was going to be our challenge.
We knew Awkwafina would appeal to people and bring in a new audience.
They are natures little waste management experts.
Youve seen it yourselves.
During a safari it can be freezing cold, which is surprising on your first trip to the savanna.
It was important to us to see the world as an ant would, he says.
Per episode, the crew spent anywhere between 100 and 200 days in the field.
For their hard work, Markham hopes audiences come away with a new appreciation for bugs.
Bugs clear up the mess.
They provide food to all sorts of other animals.
I hope there will beA Real Bugs Lifeeffect.
