ABC Launches "Dog Park": A Six-Part Drama/Comedy Exploring Connection in Melbourne
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) has launched "Dog Park," a six-part drama/comedy series set in inner-city Melbourne. Co-created by Amanda Higgs and Leon Ford, the series explores themes of human connection, male loneliness, and navigating life changes through the lens of a local dog park community. It centers on Roland, a career counselor whose life is disrupted, leading him to engage with his neighborhood's dog owners.
Series Overview
"Dog Park" is described as a light-touch drama, with initial marketing having suggested it was a comedy. The series focuses on Roland (Leon Ford), a middle-aged career counselor who experiences a mid-life crisis and struggles with human connection. His wife, Emma (Brooke Satchwell), considers a job opportunity in New Mexico, leading her to take a job abroad. This leaves Roland to care for their daughter Mia (Florence Gladwin) and their dog, Beattie, a pet he initially did not want.
Emma enlists her friend Sam (Celia Pacquola) to help walk Beattie. Sam, an optimistic dog owner, introduces a reluctant Roland to her group of dog-parkers.
Through these interactions, Roland begins to realize the importance of community and connection.
Thematic Exploration
Co-creator Leon Ford has discussed that the series delves into themes concerning middle-aged men grappling with change and control, particularly in managing uncontrollable aspects of life. The show explores male loneliness and the challenges some men face in seeking help or acknowledging vulnerabilities.
Ford indicated that stories such as Roland's are relevant to contemporary discussions surrounding modern masculinity and its influence on younger generations.
The series also aims to realistically portray love, unexpected conflicts, and the potential for emotional healing within relationships.
Key Characters and Cast
- Roland (Leon Ford): A career counselor, initially perceived as grumpy and struggling with emotional expression.
- Emma (Brooke Satchwell): Roland's wife, whose job opportunity abroad prompts significant changes for the family.
- Sam (Celia Pacquola): An optimistic dog owner who serves as a contrasting force to Roland's pessimism and introduces him to the dog park community. Pacquola has noted that this role presented a new challenge, differing from her previous comedic work.
- Mia (Florence Gladwin): Roland and Emma's daughter.
- Other Dog Park Members: The park congregation includes Penny (Elizabeth Alexander), Pamelia (Grace Chow), Jonah (Ras-Samuel), and Andrew (Ash Flanders), who are portrayed as a friendly group engaging in shared activities.
Production and Filming Insights
The series was co-created, written, and produced by Leon Ford and Amanda Higgs. The writing team also includes Penelope Chai, Nick Coyle, and Chloe Wong. Matthew Saville and Nina Buxton co-directed the series, establishing a grounded, authentic, and accessible tone that has drawn comparisons to Australian filmmaker Paul Cox.
Filming took place in a real Melbourne dog park, which remained open to the public during production. The role of Beattie, Roland's dog, was primarily played by a dog actor named Indie.
While dogs on set were noted to have a calming effect, working with animals presented challenges, including Indie developing a fear of camera equipment during production.
Availability
"Dog Park" is available for streaming on ABC iview and commenced airing on ABC TV from 8:30 pm on February 1.