DIRECTOR STATEMENT
I set out to make a film about loss, facing death and how we grapple with letting go. After being impacted by the passing of loved ones, I sought to understand the why and how of it all more deeply. I first grasped the concept of 'gone for good' around the age of seven, with the death of my friend’s beloved Labrador, Clyde. I hadn’t interrogated dying before then and I remember my innocent brain feeling floored by the permanence. This inspired the initial concept of immersing the audience in a veterinary clinic to witness the poignant farewells between people and their pets, or pets and their people.
Whilst developing the script I asked a veterinarian friend about the experience of shepherding so many people through this deeply emotional moment. They introduced me to some staggering statistics that shifted my whole perspective on the story I wanted to tell inside that vet clinic. In Australia, nearly 70% of vets have lost a colleague or peer to suicide. The suicide rate is four times the general population. In America, female vets are 2.4 times more likely to commit suicide compared to the average person and male vets were 1.6 more likely. In the UK, a third of vets had significant concerns about their mental health. It presents a tragic paradox: those who provide care and solace for our pets are among the most vulnerable in our society. The issue hit home for me; a family member of mine working in human health experienced depression and burnout, prompting a significant change in career trajectory.
Through conversations with more vets and people within the industry, I learnt about the numerous factors that play into the mental health crisis in the profession. Although impossible to represent all facets in a short film set over one night shift, through the lead character of CLAIRE (played with so much depth and pathos by the incredible Kate Walsh) I wanted to explore the experience of being the anchor in other people’s storms whilst enduring a private struggle.
While the film explores the specific struggles of a vet at work, I hope it offers a message of hope to anyone grappling with their own “dog”. We are not alone in our fights; through empathy, understanding, and shared resilience, we can extend support to one another through life's darkest moments.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please remember that help is available. There's strength in seeking support. You're not alone. Visit befrienders.org for free and confidential support resources in your region.
DIRECTOR’S BIOGRAPHY
Danielle Baynes is an award-winning actor, writer and director based in Australia. With a passion for performance-driven narratives, Danielle’s work often explores coming-of-age, connection and identity.
Danielle was nominated for an Australian Writers’ Guild Award (AWGIE) and Australian Directors' Guild Award for her debut short film, COLD HEARTS. Co-written and co-directed with Yolanda Ramke (CARGO, TROPPO), Cold Hearts won Best Narrative Short and Exceptional Emerging Artist awards at the Hollywood Film Festival. Her second short film, COMMENTS, won the Audience Award at Freshflix Film Festival 2022 and was launched as a social impact campaign in support of the National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence. It is now used in schools around the world as a visceral education tool on the impact of cyberbullying.
Danielle's third short film, GHOST GEAR, premiered at Flickerfest International Short Film Festival in 2023. Shot entirely on Bruny Island, Tasmania, the film was the recipient of the BRUNY20 Artist fellowship. Danielle has finished production on her fourth short film, THE DOG, starring Kate Walsh (GREY’S ANATOMY, EMILY IN PARIS), and is currently developing her debut feature film.