Graham McTavish
as Jack Wilson
A stoic and highly practical man, Jack Wilson suffers no fools and is resistant to change both on and off the farm. Graham McTavish brings warmth and stubborn grace to a man learning to let his family in.
The cast
Who you'll meet
Starring Graham McTavish, David Wenham and introducing Unaiki Stephens-Jones, with a cast drawn from across Aotearoa — and some very special animals.
David Wenham
as Trent Hardy
Trent rolls onto the screen in a vintage Datsun, music blaring and mirrored aviators, promising to put the district on the map. David Wenham plays him with glorious, slightly desperate charm — the villain everyone secretly enjoys.
Unaiki Stephens-Jones
as Lucy Wilson
Thirteen, freckled, and as determined (or stubborn) as her grandad Jack at dog trialling — if only he would let her prove it. Lucy is the heart of the film and the only one Max will listen to.
Theresa Healey
as Linda
Runs the local pub, the meat raffle, the sausage sizzle and, quietly, Jack's heart. A no-nonsense publican played beautifully by the incomparable Theresa Healey.
Smart
as Ralph
The unassuming hero of the story, Jack's long standing best mate who has to step up and take the lead in the dog pack. Smart's naturally sad eyes will have even the most hardened farmer reaching for his hankie - if animals had a category in the Oscars, Ralph would win best performance!
Daisy
as Dolores
The animal nemesis and Jack's greatest rival in the film. Casting Dolores was the most critical component of the animal team, and pet sheep Daisy nailed it.
Meet the dog
Sav
A smooth haired tri colour border collie heading dog with an acute nose for sheep - but not so keen on ducks. Max does not act. He simply is — and the camera loves him for it.
Behind the scenes
Max, aka Sav, is handled by expert trailist and all round good sheila, Sheena Martin. Max was a natural choice for Lucy's dog due to his natural friendliness and willingness to obey commands not exclusively by Sheena. Working dogs are very loyal to their owner, but Sav is unusual as he was quite happy to stand alongside Unaiki and act on cue. Sheena is a champion trialist in her own right, and frequent judge and course official at NZ trialing events. Well known amongst the industry for her pack of highly trained dogs, she loves farming and trialing and the film would not have been possible without her.
Welfare on set
An animal welfare representative was present every day of principal photography, all dogs were accompanied full time and handled by their owners. Their comfort and safety was of utmost importance to the filmmakers.