VETERANS AND PETS TACKLE ISSUE OF PTSD IN 'MAN'S BEST FRIEND' MOVIE
"MBF: Man's Best Friend" motion picture graphic. Insets: top row left to right, Anthony Hornus with furry friend Brown Boy, Christine Marie, Lauren LaStrada with Walker Fairbanks, middle left to right, Shane Hagedorn, D.J. Perry, bottom, Garry Nation and Don Most.
▶ BY KRISTEN AND KEVIN COLLIER
The feature film MBF: Man’s Best Friend, about a wounded Marine Corps veteran dog handler suffering from PTSD, premiered Saturday, September 14, 2019, at NCG Cinema, in Owosso, MI, to rave reviews. Over 500 people attended the highly anticipated movie debut.
But this was more than just “a pet project” for writer and actor D.J. (Richard) Perry, CEO of the film co-op that spearheaded the project, Collective Development, Inc. Working with four-legged actors was no challenge and all reward.
“I love animals, overall, but dogs have a special place in my heart,” award-winning filmmaker, Perry (Chasing the Star, 40 Nights), told CM. “I’ve always had dogs in my life, and my life has been better because of it. I learn from them and they bring me comfort from the grind of life.”
Part of the proceeds from the premiere of Man’s Best Friend, also known as MBF, were donated to The Shiawassee Humane Society, which served as a location for scenes in the movie. Many of their dogs, mostly from staff and friends, are featured in the production.
Along with Perry in the lead role, MBF features actors Garry Nation, Melissa Anschutz, Dean Teaster, Curran Jacobs, Lauren LaStrada, Tim Abell, Shane Hagedorn and Greg Mason, among others. Happy Days sitcom alumnus Don Most (Ralph Malph) appears in the role of Ian Trapper.
The project’s directive was to produce a feature with a wide-ranging demographic, one in which people from all walks of life could relate to, whether in small-town and or large city. On the flipside, the film addresses the issue of Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic brain injury (TBI), as well as animal abuse and pet euthanasia. However, help, healing, and an unconditional love and devotion for our pets rises to a victorious level.
“It’s a fabulous film and I’m excited for you to see it!” actress and producer, Heather Fairbanks (A Bennett Song Holiday, Who Will Move the Stone) told CM. MBF is the breakout role for Fairbanks’ son, Walker Fairbanks, 14, as his first major role in a feature film.
Described on the Internet Movie Database as an “engaging tale that shows the parallels between the treatment of wounded military veterans and ‘last chance’ shelter dogs," we are reminded that people are not the only stars in the film. Brown Boy, a sweet, laid-back, Pit Bull wins hearts, as well as Bette (a Beagle). No less than 10 dogs were on set one day, for a key scene encompassing several breeds, from Coonhounds, to Golden Retrievers, to Huskies.
On the people side, MBF is a “coming of age” story wherein Walker Fairbanks, as Wyatt Sawyer, is faced with “lots of choices that will determine what kind of man [he] will become,” production company CDI posted on social media, along with an official photo still of Fairbanks, with tears in his eyes.
“Walker was honored to bring the role of ‘Wyatt Sawyer’ to life, and to collaborate with the phenomenal team that Collective Development assembled,” Heather Fairbanks said, regarding her son.
Fairbanks, who previously appeared with her son in A Horse Called Bear (Crystal Creek Media, 2015), said the teen loves dogs and that his great-grandfathers were all veterans.
“MBF is a redemptive film with a strong message of supporting veterans and rescue animals,” Fairbanks added. “Walker had his own rescue dog, and loves dogs, so I know it’s a message he’s passionate about. It was an honor to watch my son in his element, as he pulls at heartstrings in this deeply moving film.”
MBF also features former Army Ranger turned actor and producer, Tim Abell (We Were Soldiers, CSI: Miami, NCIS).
Part of opening night proceeds also benefited The Red, White and Blue Project, Inc., a non-profit co-f0unded by MBF director, Anthony Hornus, who also plays the character Glenn in the film.
“Ten years ago, myself, and our longtime friend and sound designer/dialogue editor/composer, Dennis Therrian, started the non-profit production company after my return from [being] embedded with the U.S. Forces in Afghanistan, filming the documentary Outside the Wire: The Forgotten Children of Afghanistan,” Hornus told CM. “Our mission is to ‘Educate, Inspire, Empower, Support.’”
Writer Perry recognizes director Hornus’ service, experience, and passion he brought to the motion picture.
“Anthony Hornus, our director, spent time in Afghanistan, embedded with our troops filming the documentary Outside the Wire,” Perry said. “I believe it's now on Parables TV. Anyway, the plight of these men and women, who also engage in a lot of humanitarian efforts, is of utmost importance to Tony.”
Perry stated that, while he never served in a branch of the military service, we all know someone who has, and they touch us with their sincere desire to help others returning home under seemingly dire consequences.
“We all have families that serve, or have served, their country,” Perry said. “I knew this to be a strength with Tony, because of his passion that has manifested as a non-profit that aids our wounded warriors—The Red, White & Blue Project.”
This isn’t the first CDI film centering on the lives of Americans veterans. Perry’s critically-acclaimed and award-winning feature Wild Faith, about a Reconstruction era veteran trying to rebuild his life in Michigan after the Civil War, has been cleaning up at the festivals since it premiered in 2018. Wild Faith features former Bond girl, Lana Wood, with Platinum selling Grammy nominee, Trace Adkins, as narrator, and is up for 13 major awards at The Wild Bunch Film Fest, October 4-6, in Wilcox, AZ, among others.
There is little doubt MBF, on Amazon Prime now and DVD September 30, via the Bridgestone Multimedia Group, will enjoy similar success, as the film was graced with, not only the presence of a theologian on set, but one who won Best Actor at the International Christian Film Festival.
Garry Nation (“I’m the only trained theologian in the film as far as I know”) won Best Actor for Polycarp (Henline Productions, 2015), playing the title role. Nation also has a Ph.D. in Theology. The Texas based actor (Legends & Lies: The Civil War, The Challenger Disaster) plays a county prosecutor in MBF.
“County Prosecutor Ed Hammins is a decent guy and a true professional,” Nation told CM, “but he’s also constrained by the social structure and politics of the town. It’s become his job to put [Perry’s character] Paul Landings away and he’s good at his job, but he’s not liking himself very much for doing it.”
When asked about the premiere, Nation shared, “I had watched the film on the small screen before coming to the theater, but it was thrilling to see how the story and characters expanded to fill the big screen so well. I really hope everyone gets a chance to see this film in theaters.”
“MBF is not a Christian message movie, but faith, ethics, and the struggle for the soul is embedded in the story and is given a biblical framework from the outset,” Nation added. “People pray and go to church and quote the Bible, but answers don’t come easily. There’s forgiveness, but it isn’t facile. There’s redemption, but it’s not cheap. The film raises valid questions and challenges the viewer to arrive at his own answers.”
Director Hornus said two veterans, Bobby Henline and Michael Menegay, were on set to support the production.
“They served as advisors (both are combat veterans) and Mr. Henline (a four-tour Iraq veteran who was severely burned in an IED explosion) had a supporting role,” Hornus said. “They both had their service dogs—we call them companions, Daisy for Bobby and Lola for Michael. The dogs are mostly what one would term support dogs. Companions.”
Hornus conveyed that the cast and crew were daily witnesses as to the significance of “what these canines meant to these men.”
“Mr. Menegay, also an Iraq War veteran of two brutal battles (Fallujah and Raqqa), says his dog saved his life, [and stopped him] from eating a gun that he literally had in his mouth,” the director said.
Award-winning actor, Shane Hagedorn (Ashes of Eden, 40 Nights), plays Deputy Palmer in MBF, and said he was “blown away” to see the film at the NCG Cinema premiere event in Owosso. But Hagedorn, an award-winning screenwriter (Valley of the Gun, Wild Bunch Film Festival Award, 2019) as well, also saw how the movie impacted the audience.
“What can I say? Not only seeing it screen theatrically for the first time, but witnessing audience reactions to this powerful story; hearing their sobbing and laughter throughout the film. To the CDI team and our cast and crew, I thank you—you’ve set a new level of excellence in story-crafting and execution,” Hagedorn told CM. Hagedorn was also the lead actor in Wild Faith.
“I enjoyed working on MBF under Anthony Hornus’ direction,” Lauren LaStrada told CM. LaStrada, who won Best Actress (2018 ICFF) opposite Hagedorn, as the female lead in Wild Faith. “He is an ‘actor’s director’ that understands actor ‘moments,’ especially in silence.”
Cast as Judge Judith Mays in MBF, LaStrada said her “part was not as prominent, but under his direction it was made to be just as important and I appreciated that, both for the story, and as an experience that strengthened me in my craft.” LaStrada was also in the TV movie, Faith Under Fire, with Toni Braxton.
Award-winning actress Christine Marie (Wild Faith, The Horse Dancer), recipient of 12 state titles for strength training and power-lifting, plays Doctor Keller in MBF. The actress, who spends the majority of her free time volunteering to help fight food insecurity and end human trafficking (IMDb), told CM, “Mother Theresa once said, ‘If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.’ I am honored to be a part of this great film that brings light to the forgotten.”
“To champion the life and dignity of veterans and rescue animals is among the noblest of intentions one’s life can stand for,” Marie said. “The fight doesn’t end on the battlefield. This film lifts high the cause of others.”
The actress, who also plays guitar and sings at church, added, “I can think of no higher blessing than to be able to be a part of such a cause. Audiences will love this film. Better yet, they will take a part of it with them.”
Marie is also in the upcoming CDI film Lost Heart, which just wrapped in August and features ukulele playing, SNL alum Victoria Jackson.
“She is a Joy!” Marie said of the beloved comedian. Jackson is a very public Christian.
Jesse Low (Wild Faith, 40 Nights) returned to direct Lost Heart, thereby allowing Hornus to devote his time solely to the character he plays, Carter Winslow. But Hornus is not quick to give up directing, and shared that he loved working with the actors on MBF and “the power of the performance.”
Without giving away spoilers, Hornus said one difficult scene he captured on film involved an exchange between characters in a bar.
“And I’ll just leave it there, other than to say that minute-and-a-half scene was intense, highly choreographed, and rehearsed, and one of five or six major set-ups we had in the film,” Hornus said. “That scene is the genesis of everything yet to come in the film.”
The director explained the scene involved “one continuous steadicam shot,” achieved by talented Detroit camera operator Greg Johnson. Hornus shared it took five or six takes, and “it turned out amazing!”
But life isn’t neatly packaged like movie shoots.
“What I want audiences to take away from Man’s Best Friend is our story is not a clean wrap-up,” MBF writer and actor D.J. Perry said. “Much like our lives, there is much left for audiences to ponder.”
This heartwarming motion picture, MBF: Man’s Best Friend, will be in select theater chains nationwide November 11.
The feature film MBF: Man’s Best Friend, about a wounded Marine Corps veteran dog handler suffering from PTSD, premiered Saturday, September 14, 2019, at NCG Cinema, in Owosso, MI, to rave reviews. Over 500 people attended the highly anticipated movie debut.
But this was more than just “a pet project” for writer and actor D.J. (Richard) Perry, CEO of the film co-op that spearheaded the project, Collective Development, Inc. Working with four-legged actors was no challenge and all reward.
“I love animals, overall, but dogs have a special place in my heart,” award-winning filmmaker, Perry (Chasing the Star, 40 Nights), told CM. “I’ve always had dogs in my life, and my life has been better because of it. I learn from them and they bring me comfort from the grind of life.”
Part of the proceeds from the premiere of Man’s Best Friend, also known as MBF, were donated to The Shiawassee Humane Society, which served as a location for scenes in the movie. Many of their dogs, mostly from staff and friends, are featured in the production.
Along with Perry in the lead role, MBF features actors Garry Nation, Melissa Anschutz, Dean Teaster, Curran Jacobs, Lauren LaStrada, Tim Abell, Shane Hagedorn and Greg Mason, among others. Happy Days sitcom alumnus Don Most (Ralph Malph) appears in the role of Ian Trapper.
The project’s directive was to produce a feature with a wide-ranging demographic, one in which people from all walks of life could relate to, whether in small-town and or large city. On the flipside, the film addresses the issue of Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic brain injury (TBI), as well as animal abuse and pet euthanasia. However, help, healing, and an unconditional love and devotion for our pets rises to a victorious level.
“It’s a fabulous film and I’m excited for you to see it!” actress and producer, Heather Fairbanks (A Bennett Song Holiday, Who Will Move the Stone) told CM. MBF is the breakout role for Fairbanks’ son, Walker Fairbanks, 14, as his first major role in a feature film.
Described on the Internet Movie Database as an “engaging tale that shows the parallels between the treatment of wounded military veterans and ‘last chance’ shelter dogs," we are reminded that people are not the only stars in the film. Brown Boy, a sweet, laid-back, Pit Bull wins hearts, as well as Bette (a Beagle). No less than 10 dogs were on set one day, for a key scene encompassing several breeds, from Coonhounds, to Golden Retrievers, to Huskies.
On the people side, MBF is a “coming of age” story wherein Walker Fairbanks, as Wyatt Sawyer, is faced with “lots of choices that will determine what kind of man [he] will become,” production company CDI posted on social media, along with an official photo still of Fairbanks, with tears in his eyes.
“Walker was honored to bring the role of ‘Wyatt Sawyer’ to life, and to collaborate with the phenomenal team that Collective Development assembled,” Heather Fairbanks said, regarding her son.
Fairbanks, who previously appeared with her son in A Horse Called Bear (Crystal Creek Media, 2015), said the teen loves dogs and that his great-grandfathers were all veterans.
“MBF is a redemptive film with a strong message of supporting veterans and rescue animals,” Fairbanks added. “Walker had his own rescue dog, and loves dogs, so I know it’s a message he’s passionate about. It was an honor to watch my son in his element, as he pulls at heartstrings in this deeply moving film.”
MBF also features former Army Ranger turned actor and producer, Tim Abell (We Were Soldiers, CSI: Miami, NCIS).
Part of opening night proceeds also benefited The Red, White and Blue Project, Inc., a non-profit co-f0unded by MBF director, Anthony Hornus, who also plays the character Glenn in the film.
“Ten years ago, myself, and our longtime friend and sound designer/dialogue editor/composer, Dennis Therrian, started the non-profit production company after my return from [being] embedded with the U.S. Forces in Afghanistan, filming the documentary Outside the Wire: The Forgotten Children of Afghanistan,” Hornus told CM. “Our mission is to ‘Educate, Inspire, Empower, Support.’”
Writer Perry recognizes director Hornus’ service, experience, and passion he brought to the motion picture.
“Anthony Hornus, our director, spent time in Afghanistan, embedded with our troops filming the documentary Outside the Wire,” Perry said. “I believe it's now on Parables TV. Anyway, the plight of these men and women, who also engage in a lot of humanitarian efforts, is of utmost importance to Tony.”
Perry stated that, while he never served in a branch of the military service, we all know someone who has, and they touch us with their sincere desire to help others returning home under seemingly dire consequences.
“We all have families that serve, or have served, their country,” Perry said. “I knew this to be a strength with Tony, because of his passion that has manifested as a non-profit that aids our wounded warriors—The Red, White & Blue Project.”
This isn’t the first CDI film centering on the lives of Americans veterans. Perry’s critically-acclaimed and award-winning feature Wild Faith, about a Reconstruction era veteran trying to rebuild his life in Michigan after the Civil War, has been cleaning up at the festivals since it premiered in 2018. Wild Faith features former Bond girl, Lana Wood, with Platinum selling Grammy nominee, Trace Adkins, as narrator, and is up for 13 major awards at The Wild Bunch Film Fest, October 4-6, in Wilcox, AZ, among others.
There is little doubt MBF, on Amazon Prime now and DVD September 30, via the Bridgestone Multimedia Group, will enjoy similar success, as the film was graced with, not only the presence of a theologian on set, but one who won Best Actor at the International Christian Film Festival.
Garry Nation (“I’m the only trained theologian in the film as far as I know”) won Best Actor for Polycarp (Henline Productions, 2015), playing the title role. Nation also has a Ph.D. in Theology. The Texas based actor (Legends & Lies: The Civil War, The Challenger Disaster) plays a county prosecutor in MBF.
“County Prosecutor Ed Hammins is a decent guy and a true professional,” Nation told CM, “but he’s also constrained by the social structure and politics of the town. It’s become his job to put [Perry’s character] Paul Landings away and he’s good at his job, but he’s not liking himself very much for doing it.”
When asked about the premiere, Nation shared, “I had watched the film on the small screen before coming to the theater, but it was thrilling to see how the story and characters expanded to fill the big screen so well. I really hope everyone gets a chance to see this film in theaters.”
“MBF is not a Christian message movie, but faith, ethics, and the struggle for the soul is embedded in the story and is given a biblical framework from the outset,” Nation added. “People pray and go to church and quote the Bible, but answers don’t come easily. There’s forgiveness, but it isn’t facile. There’s redemption, but it’s not cheap. The film raises valid questions and challenges the viewer to arrive at his own answers.”
Director Hornus said two veterans, Bobby Henline and Michael Menegay, were on set to support the production.
“They served as advisors (both are combat veterans) and Mr. Henline (a four-tour Iraq veteran who was severely burned in an IED explosion) had a supporting role,” Hornus said. “They both had their service dogs—we call them companions, Daisy for Bobby and Lola for Michael. The dogs are mostly what one would term support dogs. Companions.”
Hornus conveyed that the cast and crew were daily witnesses as to the significance of “what these canines meant to these men.”
“Mr. Menegay, also an Iraq War veteran of two brutal battles (Fallujah and Raqqa), says his dog saved his life, [and stopped him] from eating a gun that he literally had in his mouth,” the director said.
Award-winning actor, Shane Hagedorn (Ashes of Eden, 40 Nights), plays Deputy Palmer in MBF, and said he was “blown away” to see the film at the NCG Cinema premiere event in Owosso. But Hagedorn, an award-winning screenwriter (Valley of the Gun, Wild Bunch Film Festival Award, 2019) as well, also saw how the movie impacted the audience.
“What can I say? Not only seeing it screen theatrically for the first time, but witnessing audience reactions to this powerful story; hearing their sobbing and laughter throughout the film. To the CDI team and our cast and crew, I thank you—you’ve set a new level of excellence in story-crafting and execution,” Hagedorn told CM. Hagedorn was also the lead actor in Wild Faith.
“I enjoyed working on MBF under Anthony Hornus’ direction,” Lauren LaStrada told CM. LaStrada, who won Best Actress (2018 ICFF) opposite Hagedorn, as the female lead in Wild Faith. “He is an ‘actor’s director’ that understands actor ‘moments,’ especially in silence.”
Cast as Judge Judith Mays in MBF, LaStrada said her “part was not as prominent, but under his direction it was made to be just as important and I appreciated that, both for the story, and as an experience that strengthened me in my craft.” LaStrada was also in the TV movie, Faith Under Fire, with Toni Braxton.
Award-winning actress Christine Marie (Wild Faith, The Horse Dancer), recipient of 12 state titles for strength training and power-lifting, plays Doctor Keller in MBF. The actress, who spends the majority of her free time volunteering to help fight food insecurity and end human trafficking (IMDb), told CM, “Mother Theresa once said, ‘If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.’ I am honored to be a part of this great film that brings light to the forgotten.”
“To champion the life and dignity of veterans and rescue animals is among the noblest of intentions one’s life can stand for,” Marie said. “The fight doesn’t end on the battlefield. This film lifts high the cause of others.”
The actress, who also plays guitar and sings at church, added, “I can think of no higher blessing than to be able to be a part of such a cause. Audiences will love this film. Better yet, they will take a part of it with them.”
Marie is also in the upcoming CDI film Lost Heart, which just wrapped in August and features ukulele playing, SNL alum Victoria Jackson.
“She is a Joy!” Marie said of the beloved comedian. Jackson is a very public Christian.
Jesse Low (Wild Faith, 40 Nights) returned to direct Lost Heart, thereby allowing Hornus to devote his time solely to the character he plays, Carter Winslow. But Hornus is not quick to give up directing, and shared that he loved working with the actors on MBF and “the power of the performance.”
Without giving away spoilers, Hornus said one difficult scene he captured on film involved an exchange between characters in a bar.
“And I’ll just leave it there, other than to say that minute-and-a-half scene was intense, highly choreographed, and rehearsed, and one of five or six major set-ups we had in the film,” Hornus said. “That scene is the genesis of everything yet to come in the film.”
The director explained the scene involved “one continuous steadicam shot,” achieved by talented Detroit camera operator Greg Johnson. Hornus shared it took five or six takes, and “it turned out amazing!”
But life isn’t neatly packaged like movie shoots.
“What I want audiences to take away from Man’s Best Friend is our story is not a clean wrap-up,” MBF writer and actor D.J. Perry said. “Much like our lives, there is much left for audiences to ponder.”
This heartwarming motion picture, MBF: Man’s Best Friend, will be in select theater chains nationwide November 11.
'MBF: MAN'S BEST FRIEND' BONUS
Also read the Man's Best Friend interview with writer/actor D.J. Perry
