Heart Eyes was filmed entirely in Auckland, New Zealand, with a production split of 35% in a studio setting (Mt Wellington warehouse) and 65% on location throughout Auckland CBD and greater Auckland, extending as far as Matakana. Auckland is an ideal double for Seattle, Washington as it has many of the same features as Seattle, including a metropolitan feel, natural landscapes, seaside location and iconic landmarks. The iconic Auckland sites featured in the film include The Wintergarden, Auckland Domain, Waiheke Island, Silo Park and Wynyard Quarter, with extensive night shoots utilising large-scale lighting rigs and cranes to capture the city’s unique atmosphere.
Production Companies
The film was a collaboration between the US-based Spyglass Media and New Zealand’s Ground Control NZ, utilising 99% local crew, with approximately 450 Kiwi crew members contributing to the project. The cast was also predominantly New Zealand-based, with 85% of the performers hailing from the country, supported by a mix of seven US cast members and 40 New Zealand actors (excluding background extras, all of whom were local). While Heart Eyes was led by a US-based directorial and production team, it was brought to life through the dedication of a largely New Zealand-based crew.
US Production Team (Spyglass Media):
Director: Josh Ruben (US)
Producers: Greg Gilreath, Adam Hendricks, Chris Landon (all US)
Executive Producers: Michael Kennedy, Phillip Murphy (both US)
Director of Photography: Stephen Murphy (IRE)
2nd Unit Director: Lauren Sick (US)
New Zealand Production Team (Ground Control NZ):
Executive Producer & Line Producer: Mel Turner
Co-Producer: Axel Paton
Creative Heads of Department:
Production Designer: Rob Bavin
Costume Designer: Jaindra Watson
Makeup, Hair, and SFX Makeup: Stef Knight
Stunt Coordinator: Steve McQuillan
Casting Director (NZ): Stu Turner
Key Heads of Department:
Unit Production Manager & Post Supervisor: Pamela Harvey-White
1st Assistant Director: Joe Nolan
Supervising Art Director: Nick Connor
Set Decorator: Rosie Guthrie
On-Set VFX Supervisor: Matt Holmes
Supervising Location Manager: Phil Aitken
Key Grip: Evan Pardington
Gaffer: Sam Jellie
Sound: Richard Flynn
2nd Unit Director of Photography: Tammy Williams
2nd Unit 1st Assistant Director: Katie Hutchison
Post-Production
Post-production was handled by New Zealand’s renowned Park Road Post, which managed all sound post-production and DI (Digital Intermediate) delivery, ensuring a high-quality finish to the film.
Technical Aspects
A defining feature of the production was its extensive night shoots, requiring elaborate lighting setups, including large-scale rigging and crane operations. These technical achievements were crucial in capturing the atmospheric tension and immersive visuals of the film, particularly in some of Auckland’s most recognisable landmarks.
Through a dynamic partnership between US and New Zealand industry professionals, Heart Eyes is a testament to the world-class filmmaking capabilities present in New Zealand, combining international vision with local talent to bring a compelling cinematic experience to life.
About the New Zealand Screen Production Rebate
Heart Eyes utilised the New Zealand Screen Production Rebate (NZSPR).
The NZSPR for International Productions is part of the New Zealand Government’s screen incentives scheme, which includes the Post, Digital and Visual Effects (PDV) Rebate. Eligible productions can access a cash rebate on Qualifying New Zealand Production Expenditure (QNZPE).
Find out more here.
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