A feature-length documentary filmed in Oxfordshire that takes a rare, unfiltered look at the future of greyhound racing – and stars an Oxford-based PR agency along the way – is now showing in cinemas across England.
Produced by award-winning filmmakers Park The Bus, Going To The Dogs explores a sport once ranked as the UK’s second most attended behind football, and asks a question many inside and outside the industry are now grappling with: does greyhound racing have a future?
Shot over 18 months, the 90-minute documentary offers unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to the people who keep the sport moving today – from trainers and owners to vets, promoters and bookmakers – as well as those who oppose it. The result is a balanced, fly-on-the-wall portrait of an industry at a crossroads.
Among the contributors is Shaun Reynolds, Director at award-winning Oxford PR, marketing and video agency Fortitude Communications, whose role in the film explores the realities of working as a communications professional within the sport.
Shaun’s involvement is both professional and personal. His passion for greyhound racing dates back to his grandfather, a prolific owner and trainer in the 1980s, and today forms part of Fortitude’s wider work supporting clients across the racing industry.
Often described by industry insiders as greyhound racing’s answer to Drive To Survive, Going To The Dogs also sees Fortitude supporting filming logistics across Oxfordshire and surrounding counties, helping bring the production to life on the ground.
“This was a truly unique, one-off experience,” said Shaun.
“As a PR and video agency, we’re used to cameras through our own client work and our relationships with broadcasters. But this took things to a completely different level — the cameras were rolling constantly to capture the fly-on-the-wall moments the production team wanted .. the end result is a thoughtful, well-balanced insight into greyhound racing as it exists today.”
The documentary has already attracted critical acclaim from national media and is set to become available on demand in the new year.
It forms part of Fortitude’s ongoing work to support awareness and footfall across the sector, with clients including Arena Racing Company, the Greyhound Board of Great Britain, Towcester Racecourse, the English Greyhound Derby and Oxford Stadium.
Greg Cruttwell, Founder of Park The Bus and Director of Going To The Dogs, said:
“I couldn’t have made this film — an 18-month labour of love — without Shaun Reynolds and Fortitude Communications. Shaun provided a genuine way into the sport, introducing me to key figures and contributing thoughtfully throughout the film.
Going To The Dogs continues to gain attention for its honest and balanced portrayal of a sport at a pivotal moment.
Further information is available at www.fortitudecommunications.com.
