'Sweet Tooth' director Toa Fraser: His Netflix hit and award-winning work

Award-winning writer/director Toa Fraser's journey in the film industry has taken him across the globe, but when it came time to create Sweet Tooth for Warner Bros. and Netflix, he found his way back home to film in Auckland, New Zealand.

Global success in Auckland

Award-winning writer-director Toa Fraser's journey in the film industry has taken him across the globe, but when it came time to create Sweet Tooth for Warner Bros. and Netflix, he found his way back home to film in Auckland, New Zealand.

Fraser, known for his remarkable work in No.2, which won accolades at the Sundance Film Festival, as well as his contributions to Golden Globe-winning series, The Affair has a personal connection to Auckland, and he shoots here for a range of reasons.

The great thing about shooting in Auckland is the variety of locations: ocean, city, forest – these are all the sorts of things that international productions are looking for. One of the most satisfying things about 'Sweet Tooth' for me is to see how embraced it has been by Auckland.

Toa Fraser
Writer/Director

Sweet Tooth

Reflecting on his own childhood experiences, Fraser shared that as a child, he yearned to see on screen characters and heroes who represented his unique cultural background and experiences. He recognised the importance of creating diverse and authentic stories on screen, and to achieve that, a robust and thriving local screen industry is essential.

For Sweet Tooth, Fraser's decision to shoot entirely in New Zealand was a testament to our country's capabilities. Beyond its scenic locations, Auckland's film industry offers world-class studio facilities, making it an attractive destination for filmmakers.

Furthermore, Fraser's commitment to supporting the local talent was evident in his choice to hire 95 percent of Sweet Tooth's crew from Auckland's pool of skilled professionals.

Now in its third season, Sweet Tooth, a Netflix series based on the DC comic of the same name, follows the story of Gus, a half-human, half-deer hybrid boy who embarks on a journey through a post-apocalyptic world. The show's success not only captivated audiences worldwide but also shed a spotlight on our vibrant film community’s capability to bring fantastical worlds to life.

Discover the delectable delight of fantasy drama television series Sweet Tooth Season 3, available now for streaming on Netflix! For the third season in a row, the show was produced in three Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland film studios using incredible local talent as well as a selection of stunning Auckland and New Zealand backdrops.

But wait, there's more! Don't miss this exclusive interview with the show’s executive producer Jim Mickle, offering insights into the making of this extraordinary series being filmed here in Auckland. Join us as we delve deeper into the magic behind Sweet Tooth and learn why the show’s production in Auckland has been “the best professional experience” of his career.