Almost a lifetime ago, I was involved in a show on local music television which today, for those who remember it, is still revered and considered a cult phenomena (these are NOT my words). Although, at the time, I was still very young and often operating the camera through alcohol hazed vision, there was something both humbling and educational about the experience. I had the opportunity to work with some amazingly talented guys who often showed such genius in the art of humour often through obscure reference. Strangely, we never thought anyone was watching, but so very many years down the track I bump into people who remember the show fondly.
Box Dog aired on Wednesday nights from 9pm to Midnight (although often running over time) on the long defunct Max music television channel (eventually purchased by TVNZ and replaced by short-lived MTV). Some now famous people got their start through or by association with Max TV, perhaps the most well-known being Zane Lowe who hosted the Serious Fun Show each week night and on Wednesday would have to endure our interruption and interference (and losing to me at Tetris).
Although Box Dog felt like a tiny blip on an otherwise vast New Zealand television radar the guys have gone on to bigger and brighter things, and as time passes and I see and speak to them less and less I still keep tabs on them.
Robbo - Peter Vegas
Original Host Robbo (Peter Vegas) has continued in advertising and garnered enough awards to put an EGOT winner to shame. He has also written and published several humorous books including a Stickmen series. His SPCA driving dogs campaign went viral and still appears on social media.
Nathan Rarere
Replacement host Nathan Rarere went on to Ice TV on TV3, then eventually back to radio and appear on sports television and as a voice actor on local animated series Bro'Town. I believe he is currently at Radio Live.
Luke Nola
Luke Nola went on to co-host the Chat Bungalow with Robbo and eventually started his own production company creating one of New Zealand's longest running and most engaging children's television series, Let's Get Inventin'.
Steve Saussey
Steve Saussey, with his quiet and reserved facade was often harbouring a mind in overdrive forming ideas and concepts. He put the most effort into his characters, more than any other member of Box Dog. He recently co-started a production company Stuff and Nonsense, and is currently making a stir with his first short film Whiskers for which he received the Future Filmmaker Award at the Palm Springs International Short Fest
Whiskers Trailer
Box Dog is probably best remembered for Krispy the Clown, sadly has found himself repeatedly in the penal system, his current location is unknown.
For all their accomplishments, I'm proud to say that from humble beginnings on Box Dog, this experience in some small way may have helped guide and direct these guys into their current activities. I'm also glad to have known them and been a very small part of the Box Dog show.
The video was filmed on a modest budget over two days. The band gave me creative control, I assume because they didn't put much stock in what the outcome would look like. I loosely explained the video concept to Guitarist Andrew Ashton on a cellphone while standing on a street trying to shield the phone microphone from the wind... It's a wonder he even considered talking to the rest of the band before agreeing. The edit was a solid 2 weeks on three crappy G4's with the combined rendering power of a Commodore 64... It was handed in on time (just) and the final mark was in the 90% range (can't remember off the top of my head).
The Larry Norman's self titled debut album is still available at all good record stores! I believe the band are still currently on an indefinite hiatus (but I could be wrong - They may have called it a day).
This video was televised on Alt TV, Juice TV and someone told me they saw it on C4 (I have no idea how they got it though and neither do the band).
One day when I get the time I would love to make some minor tweaks and changes to this video, and would love to finally upload an HD version.... Stay Tuned it may still happen.
