Leonford and Celia Paccola are leading the new six-part ABC comedy series Dog Park, which began filming in Melbourne.
Produced by Matchbox Pictures, the series follows Roland (Ford), who meets eternal optimist Samantha and her group of mismatched dog packers in the midlife crisis. S Roland returns to the park in obscure ways and realizes that he really needs the community he actually belongs to.
Ford created the series with Amanda Higgs of Matchbox, Debbie Lee’s executive producer. Written by Matthew Saville and Nina Buxton Direct, Ford, Penelope Chai, Nick Coyle and Chloe Wong. Ford is ABC’s co-executive producer, Sara Platt’s associate producer, Rebecca Anderson and Rachel Okine EP.
HOD includes Dop Aaron Farrugia and production designer Carie Kennedy, while Amanda Wray is a line producer.
“I couldn’t be more excited to join ABC to bring the joy needed for the world right now through the transformative power of dogs and the love of our fellow human companions,” Higgs said.
“I hope the audience enjoys our series as much as they enjoy it.”
ABC head of scripted Rachel Okiné added: “I can’t wait to share this incredibly entertaining furry show with the ABC audience. This incredibly talented team has poured their stories into their hearts and humor.
The Dog Park is funded in collaboration with Vicscreen via ABC and Screen Australia. NBCuniversal Global TV Distribution handles international sales.
The series will premiere on ABC TV and ABC Iview in 2026.
