Set in 18th century Hawai‘i and filmed across remote and rugged locations in Aotearoa, Chief of War required a deep level of cultural sensitivity, physical capability, and casting precision. With over 10,763 background bookings managed throughout the production, this was a large-scale operation that called for more than just numbers—it demanded strategy, adaptability, and care.

From large-scale village scenes to intimate cultural rituals, we cast and coordinated performers with specific skills—traditional navigation, weapon handling, haka, paddling, and more. Working closely with cultural advisors, we ensured authenticity in every detail, all while navigating filming in remote areas, limited access to amenities, and extreme weather—including a tropical cyclone that threw the schedule into chaos.

The Result: A bold and powerful series for AppleTV+ where every background performer contributed to building a living, breathing world. Chief of War is a testament to what’s possible when casting is approached not just as logistics—but as storytelling.