After charming the pants off audiences back in 2011, it was inevitable that Red Dog would get a follow-up. Roadshow Films and Good Dog Distribution have announced that production has begun on “origin story” BLUE DOG in Western Australia’s Pilbara region. Director Kriv Stenders will return, with a screenplay by Daniel Taplitz and Nelson Woss producing.
Starring Bryan Brown, John Jarratt, newcomer Levi Miller and Jason Isaacs, this time it will be set in outback Australia in the late 1960s. It’s the story of a young boy named Mick (Miller) and his dog. Growing up on a cattle station in the Pilbara, a grand and enormous landscape absolutely in the middle of nowhere, Mick prepares himself for a life of dull hardship but instead finds adventure and friendship with a scrappy, one-of-a-kind pup that will change his life forever
“It’s such a thrill and a privilege to be able to return to the much loved story world of Red Dog. Daniel Taplitz has written a beautifully heart-warming screenplay that is both an origin story and a stand alone movie in own right. Along with an amazing cast, a tried and trusted crew and one incredible dog I feel very blessed and simply can’t wait to share the result with audiences next year,” said Kriv Stenders.
Nelson Woss added, “It’s terrific to be back in the Pilbara region where the local communities were so supportive of the first Red Dog film. BLUE DOG will take audiences on another iconic, fun, uniquely Australian journey that will put the spotlight on a location known for mining, yet also rich with landscapes of mesmerising beauty and amazing local stories of myth and culture.”
Other talent involved will include director of photography Geoffrey Hall (Anzac Girls, RED DOG, Chopper), costume designer Anna Borghesi (Mao’s Last Dancer, Pitch Black), production designer Sam Hobbs(The Kettering Incident, Beneath Hill 60), art director Emma Fletcher (The Turning) and composer Cezary Skubiszewski (The Sapphires).
Red Dog took over $20 million at the Australian box office alone, won the inaugural AACTA Award for ‘Best Film’ in 2011 and is the highest selling Australian DVD of all time.
BLUE DOG is set to release in Australia in 2016.
