A Film’s Best Friend

by Dov Kornits

“I really didn’t plan to make it personal, but ultimately that’s where the story pulled me,” self-taught filmmaker Mark Sutherland tells us. “As it came together, and as I was living it while creating it, I felt that the personal aspects made for a more meaningful film.”

The whole enterprise was driven by Mark’s love for Abby, including the list of the title. “Clearly, I thought it’d be fun, and funny if she could get into the White House, and ride a ride at Disney World… But, here’s the deal. We didn’t originally plan to do a bucket list. I really just wanted to show her the world. Let her see a handful of the cool things out there that most dogs never get to see, and while we were doing it, shoot some video for a “short” to share with friends on Facebook.”

The first of these videos notched up 30k views, gradually growing in each, with another video receiving 4million plays.

“The idea was to travel together for a few weeks doing some fun and memorable things. The items on the list weren’t as important as just doing things together. Also, I wanted to try to make it funny. I was hoping that we could find some real humour if we were honestly committed to the absurdity of the over-the-top stuff, like… Driving hundreds of miles so Abby could pee on one of the world’s tallest tree… Meeting Goofy, the world’s most famous dog, even though she’d have no idea who he was.

“When we got to Canada it became obvious to me, that Abby was coming to life again, acting younger than she’d acted in years. It was then that I knew there was more to our road trip than I’d realised. I started adding things to the “list” that I knew she’d really enjoy, like meeting other types of animals. I also tried to come up with a few things that might just blow her mind a little… like riding “It’s a small world” at Disney.

“Ultimately, the list evolved. I guess, looking back now, the “list” is partly mine, partly Abby’s, and partly everybody’s who followed our journey.”

You discuss your experience in radio in the film, but what’s your history with filmmaking?

“This is my first film. About 15 years ago, I directed and produced a few TV shows for NBC, ESPN, and Lifetime, but I’ve never made a film myself or worked on one before this. It seemed like Abby’s List was a worthwhile story to tell. So, I thought, what the hell, might as well give it a shot. Right now, I’m part-time hosting at a local indie rock radio station, helping care for my 89 year old mom, and doing whatever’s necessary to support and promote the film.”

Did you have a crew with you for the film?

“We actually never had a crew following us. In a stroke of pure luck, Sophie [an English traveller who joins Abby and Mark at the beginning of the film] and I met right before Abby and I hit the road. Sophie and I were the entire crew for the first three weeks. After that, all of the footage was shot by myself or friends here and there who lived near a location, or didn’t mind riding along for a day or two while pointing a camera in our general direction. I also got pretty good at clamping a GoPro to various cars and boats, securing a camera to a tripod and walking into frame, and getting a quick drone shot here and there. The biggest challenge was actually a matter of priorities. The first priority wasn’t shooting a film, it was always making sure that Abby was having a good time. We rarely shot a second take. We’d shoot whatever we were doing, once. Someone would watch Abby for a couple of minutes while I quickly shot additional b-roll required to tell the story. Then we’d wrap for the day. It’s worth mentioning that Abby also received a ‘camera operator’ credit. While in Canada, I put a GoPro harness on Abby for a bit. The footage was really shaky and didn’t make the cut. But she made the effort, and therefore earned the credit.”

Where did the love for the Whippet breed come from? What makes them particularly special, or was it Abby in particular that was special to you?

“I have to thank Julie, a previous girlfriend for that. She moved from Houston to Orlando with me, allowing me to take a new radio job. She knew nobody in town, and all she wanted was a Whippet to keep her company while I worked, a lot. I’d never even heard of one before, but after some looking, we found Jack [a previous dog mentioned in the film]. It didn’t take long before I was hooked. Whippets have something close to a human quality when it comes to their emotions. They bond deeply with those lucky enough to have one. Plus, Abby had something beyond that. It’s difficult to describe. Just a rare special something that pulls some of us even closer to a particular pet.”

Ever been to Australia? We reckon that Abby would have loved it here.

“Yes, I went to Sydney a few years ago and loved it! Climbed the bridge, sailed the harbour, saw that amazing Sydney Zoo, and really, really enjoyed hanging with the Australian people I was fortunate enough to meet. Covid restrictions made it difficult to attend Melbourne Documentary Film Festival this year. If not for Covid, this would’ve been the perfect excuse to return to the place I’m really quite fond of. And yes, Abby would’ve loved Australia too. She surely would’ve befriended a small kangaroo, or one of those giant spiders.”

Are you going to make more films?

“That’ll all depend upon how this one’s received. A handful of my friends watched it and really liked it. But they’re friends. They have to like it. Right? When I do get another dog, I’m thinking about getting an Irish Wolfhound. They’re in the same family as Whippets. Similar personality traits, just in a giant body with lots more fur. If the world decides I should make a follow-up film, I thought it might be fun to travel again… this time with my best friend the giant. Taking time to show him the world like I did with Abby. One thing for sure though, sneaking into hotel rooms would be a little rougher.”

Abby’s List is streaming at the Melbourne Documentary Film Festival until July 31, 2022