The film's title was chosen because it of its Maori translation to "be well/healthy."
The movie contains many unscripted moments. Although the story was developed months before, Russell Nauman improvised while on location in New Zealand to create a sense of realism to the journey.
During the film, the character of Roman is portrayed by three separate people. Keith Nauman during the New Zealand and Las Vegas sequences, Kyle Jordan during the Los Angeles sequences, and Darryn Gibbons briefly during a flashback sequence. Only Keith Nauman is heard speaking as the character.
Between principle photography in December and filming in May, Russell Nauman lost 35 lbs to help portray Ryan 6 months earlier in the film's prologue scene. During pickups leading up to Ryan's departure, Russell wore layered clothing to simulate the accumulated weight due to depression.