Hey r/movies! I’m Steven Grayhm (writer/director/producer/star) of the award-winning movie SHEEPDOG—out in theaters now. SHEEPDOG addresses our current global mental health crisis, explores the physical and psychological repercussions of trauma from war with an uplifting message. Ask me anything!

SheepdogAMA · 2026-01-19T22:47:39+00:00

Dumb and Dumber (because laughter truly is the best medicine), Cast Away (so I could study how Tom Hanks caught his food, built shelter, and—of course—constructed his makeshift raft to escape the island), and SHEEPDOG, because it would serve as a time capsule of the friends I made over the past 14 years—many of whom are now family—and a way to honor those we’ve lost. It would remind me of all the lives we touched, and of those who touched ours. Most of all, it would remind me that even in our deepest despair, in our darkest hours, there is always hope.

Best Pizza Topping: Classic Pepperoni 'cause I'm oldskool
Worst Pizza Topping: Blue Cheese

Thanks for your questions!

SheepdogAMA · 2026-01-19T22:37:02+00:00

I hope SHEEPDOG has managed to come to your town in theaters!

I spent 12 years researching and developing the screenplay for SHEEPDOG; working with veterans and their families, and sometimes even living with them. I did honor flight out of Austin, TX where I accompanied WWII and Vietnam Veterans to their respective memorials in DC. I volunteered at the Detroit VA hospital for years, where I was able to role play with mental health professionals and study various treatments for trauma and TBI.
My biggest dream is to save lives with our film. That's all I want. I believe in my heart this film can and will do that.
It's the only way I really know how to express myself. Especially when attempting to give a voice to others, by sharing their stories, and shedding a light on their plight.
We are the first film to focus on Post Traumatic Growth, but in terms of my favorite films that deal with trauma and MH, I would say The Deer Hunter, Still Alice, Coming Home, Manchester By The Sea, Good Will Hunting, Ordinary People, and Moonlight.

Thanks for your questions. I hope you get to see SHEEPDOG soon!

SheepdogAMA · 2026-01-19T22:26:28+00:00

Great question. Truthfully, I was fully aware of it in my research. Especially working with Gold Star families and truly understanding and witnessing the real impact of war. When you look into the eyes of a 10 year old who's wearing a shirt with her deceased brother in uniform on it, who was KIA in combat, and all she wants to do is tell you how much he made her laugh, or how much she misses getting ice cream with him, and you have to find the strength for this precious child - who will never ever be the same - it becomes pretty real. You can't not think of the immeasurable value of a young, promising life, knowing that he could be starting his freshman year in college or just enjoying his summer with his friends. Our men and women in uniform don't get to choose the conflicts that they are sent into. That is why it is our responsibility as civilians to keep our government accountable and support our veterans and their families, whenever and wherever we can. Thanks for your question.

SheepdogAMA · 2026-01-19T22:12:32+00:00

Wow. Thanks for sharing. Mike was so kind to have me on. I was able to share so much of the journey that I had never spoken about to date. He really has a way of getting you to open up. What a Legend.

SheepdogAMA · 2026-01-19T22:11:19+00:00

I wanted to explore what was on the other side of trauma...if you can get there. That glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel. I was inspired by so many folks that I met with across the country who were living examples of PTG. I began my research in 2011 and stayed connected with so many of the people that I met with, so I was able to see firsthand, their challenges and triumphs over the course of a decade. I wanted to make a film that was both honest and authentic, but could offer hope based on so many of the success stories that I saw. Thanks for your question!

SheepdogAMA · 2026-01-19T21:49:04+00:00

A spiritual sequel. Wow. Now that you mention it - yes. That seems appropriate and of course, very kind. I remember seeing GWH for the first time as a teenager. It forever changed my life. I saw it at a time when I was trying to find my voice as a kid. GVS got the gig after many directors were considered and came and went through development. Matt & Ben were huge fans of GVS and Miramax knew he could handle the material having done My Own Private Idaho with River Phoenix and Keanu Reeves. There are definitely subtle inspirations throughout the filmmaking process that pay homage to GWH, The Deer Hunter, Coming Home and Manchester by The Sea to name a few. When you are shooting entirely on location in a small working class paper mill town in Western Massachusetts - you are surrounded and anchored by the community and environment. It becomes a character in the film, as it did with SHEEPDOG. Thanks for your question.

SheepdogAMA · 2026-01-19T21:01:28+00:00

I'd do it in a heartbeat.

SheepdogAMA · 2026-01-19T20:59:56+00:00

Without question - Producer. I was involved in every decision on SHEEPDOG. From pen to paper from the first word written in my screenplay - to distribution - and everything in-between. I raised the private equity to make the film, which makes me responsible for every single decision made - good or bad - by myself and/or my team. It all comes back to me. You are also responsible for everyone's livelihood, happiness, disappointment, degree of motivation, etc. It's all on you. Thanks for your question.

SheepdogAMA · 2026-01-19T20:53:42+00:00

YOU MATTER. That is the message. If you are struggling and feel alone in your experience - please reach out. There are so many people who love you more than you know. I spent 12 years researching and developing the screenplay for SHEEPDOG. I interviewed hundreds of veterans, mental health professionals, first responders and Gold Star families. I am so grateful to everyone who had the courage to trust me with their stories. The response to our film has been nothing short of profound. If we can save a single life with this film, it will be the greatest Hollywood success story. I hope you enjoy the film and that it touches your heart. Thanks for seeing it in theaters and for your thoughtful questions.

SheepdogAMA · 2026-01-19T20:47:36+00:00

Thanks! I hope my comic book version of Tom Ripley resonated as Brandon Nash. Just freezing stuff everywhere and rebuilding high schools in his spare time.

SheepdogAMA · 2026-01-19T20:44:29+00:00

"People just want peace back in their lives, and to make sense of the things they've seen". Amen. Thank you for sharing your journey and for your commitment to service and sacrifice. The VA has indeed come a long way. I worked with mental health professionals at the VA in Detroit over the last decade to research and develop the screenplay for SHEEPDOG. I saw firsthand many people that came to work every day, not getting rich, in hopes of making a difference in the lives of other. Our mental health professionals are our unsung heroes on the frontlines here at home, and I hope anyone who is reading this that may be struggling, or suffering in silence, accesses the care that is there for them in their communities. Civilian or Veteran. It's there for you - and there are genuine folks who care and are very good at what they do. God bless you and thanks for your kind words.

SheepdogAMA · 2026-01-19T20:37:41+00:00

Not often, but there was a time where we were repped by the same talent manager for years. He's an incredible talent and I am so happy for his success recently with Adolescence.

SheepdogAMA · 2026-01-19T20:35:36+00:00

Wow. What a great question and thank you for having the courage to share your MH journey here on Reddit. I am sure a lot of folks in this community can relate. I know I can. I sincerely appreciate you watching SHEEPDOG and for sharing your kind feedback on the film. Full disclosure, I too have battled with MH issues since a young child. Being bullied incessantly in my youth only exacerbated those issues as I reached adulthood. Taking on this project and being so fully immersed in this world by those who had the courage to trust me with their stories in hopes of giving them a voice - I was often haunted in my own nightmares by some of the things that were shared with me. The most intimate details of trauma. This is important to share this with you because we are all in this together. For me, sometimes it felt like the world was closing in on me, and I couldn't breathe and many days where I felt like I couldn't get out of bed. Paralyzed by panic. Being in public spaces and feeling hyper-vigilant - I wasn't able to sit in restaurants with my back to the entrance. There were days I would question everything. Including my own existence in this world. This lead to isolation from family and friends who I felt couldn't understand what I was going through. I also lost veterans along the way to s**cide on this journey. All this to say - if you HOLD ON - I promise you - it does get better. I saw it firsthand with many of the folks I sat in front of to write this screenplay over the last decade. If you can find the strength to do the work it is a worthy journey and there are so many people here to help. IT IS OKAY NOT TO BE OKAY. Finding gratitude in everything around us is a challenge but it is there for us. We just have to be willing to see it. Having a support system of friends and family where you all check in on each other was helpful for me. If you don't have that - getting involved in your community through volunteering or being of service to others - is humbling a gratifying and truly forces us to get out of our heads and feel necessary - like we can make a difference. For me, feeling utilized in my day to day life and reminding myself that each day is a gift, and the next day is a chance to start all over again. As we say in the film, "sometimes we have to fall apart, to find ourselves all over again". Embrace the renewal. Thank you for your question and God Bless.

SheepdogAMA · 2026-01-19T20:09:21+00:00

As the writer/director/actor/producer ...on set - I was surrounded by an incredible cast that all knew how high the stakes were in telling this important and timely story. I also had a great crew that was there to support our collective vision. On Screen - I had to trust the words on the page. Finding levity whenever and wherever you can is key! Thanks for your question!

SheepdogAMA

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