The Apple TV+ series, starring Jason Momoa, was filmed across Hawaii and Aotearoa New Zealand, with Auckland and neighbouring screen regions helping recreate the world of the Hawaiian Islands.
For Kevin and his locations team, the challenge was not simply finding landscapes that looked like Hawaii. Locations filmed thousands of kilometres apart needed to sit seamlessly together on screen and feel authentic to the story.
“The locations needed to feel like they belonged to the same world. Auckland and the surrounding regions gave us an extraordinary range to work with - from coastlines and forests to rural landscapes and volcanic terrain,” says Kevin.
“The nomination was a wonderful recognition of our location team, but it also put an international spotlight on the landscapes, crews, communities and filmmaking capability we have here in Aotearoa.”
The production showcased the versatility of Tāmaki Makaurau and the wider Waikato and Coromandel regions, with their landscapes helping tell a major Pacific story to an international audience.
Screen Auckland worked alongside the production throughout filming, providing local knowledge and practical support. That role became particularly important when Cyclone Gabrielle brought road closures, access issues and significant transport and logistical disruption.
Central to the production was collaboration with filmmakers, cultural advisers, mana whenua, landowners and communities across Aotearoa.
“Successful location work is built on relationships. We were incredibly grateful to the mana whenua and communities who welcomed us onto their whenua and trusted us with places that hold real significance,” says Kevin.
For Kevin, who has worked in locations for more than 30 years, landscapes are an integral part of filmmaking.
A location is a leading character. It carries history, culture, atmosphere and emotion, and when you find the right place, it becomes part of the storytelling.
While Chief of War did not take home the Location Managers Guild International Award, Kevin says the nomination demonstrates the growing international recognition of Auckland and New Zealand as a screen destination.
“We have extraordinary landscapes, experienced crews and strong production infrastructure, but just as importantly we have people who understand how to support complex international productions and help filmmakers realise ambitious ideas."
“I was incredibly proud to represent our location team, Tāmaki Makaurau, our neighbouring screen regions and Aotearoa on the international stage.”
