At around the 29 minute point of Is That Skunk? you will see a shot that may simultaneously intrigue and disgust you. In fact, it may be the most disgusting shot ever to air on PBS. It is a close-up view of a skunk spraying, filmed in slow-motion HD.
There are a number of elements to consider when you see this shot. The first is that even though NATURE broadcasts are available in HD, they sadly lack a “Smellovision” feature. The second is that our camera seems to be REALLY close to the wrong end of the skunk. The third… and this is the kicker… skunks do not spray on command. There is no skunk in the universe that will spray if you command it to.
So, how did we film the skunk spray? Let us know how you think we got the shot by submitting your guess in the comments field below.
I will then reveal on Friday, January 30 how we really did it. On January 29, Jerry and I will pick the entry that gave the closest answer, and the winner will get a free copy of Is That Skunk? on DVD (along with significant bragging rights).
– James Donald, Producer
