Production has started on a new movie inspired by the iconic New Zealand television series A Dog’s Show.
The show was a popular Sunday night watch for many on TV One and featured sheepdog trials.
It ran from 1977 and 1992 and was presented by rural journalist John Gordon.
The movie A Dog’s Show is described as set against New Zealand’s picturesque rural heartland, and celebrating the enduring bond between humans and their four-legged companions through the beloved tradition of sheepdog trials.
The film stars Graham McTavish (Outlander, The Hobbit), David Wenham (The Lord of the Rings, Lion), and acclaimed New Zealand actress Theresa Healey (Go Girls, Filthy Rich) and Kiwi newcomer Unaiki Stephens-Jones (pictured above).
The film is produced by Mark Westerby and Celia Jaspers with veteran Tim White as Executive Producer.
It is written and directed by Alex Galvin, who said they were thrilled to have David and Theresa join the cast.
“Their talent and energy bring a fresh dimension to the story, and alongside Graham, we have something truly special in the making.”
Actor David Weenham praised the script describing it as beautiful, funny, and deeply moving.
“It’s a story about connection – to the land, to animals, and to each other,” he said.
Alex Galvin said one of his most endearing memories as a child growing up in New Zealand in the late 1970s was watching A Dog’s Show on Television every Sunday night with his family.
“The simple, unpretentious idea of one farmer and two dogs in a battle of wits with six sheep would transfix the whole nation.
“Our whole family would watch spellbound as each new competitor would try and get their six sheep to behave. There would always be one or two who didn’t and this led to tremendous drama most Sunday nights.
“My Mother would often have to leave the room as the tension would literally be too much for her, ” he said.
Photo: A Dog’s Show
Filming has started across Wellington and the Wairarapa with film producers saying it will showcase New Zealand’s iconic landscapes and rural communities.
Galvin said he had loved writing the script for the film.
“I’ve greatly enjoyed writing A Dog’s Show, and really focusing on a drama comedy that not only highlights the great sport of dog trialling but also tells a story that is rich with character and heart.
“These are qualities I’ve always loved and admired about New Zealand’s farming communities” he said.
Distributed by Transmission Films, A Dog’s Show is slated for release in late 2026, with international distribution plans to be announced.