Pre-production: The screenplay for Gonzaga - De Pai para Filho was based on the book Gonzaguinha e Gonzagão: Uma História Brasileira", by Regina Echeverria, and on a tape, which appears on the film, that features Gonzaguinha speaking about his father.
Nivaldo Expedito de Carvalho, better known as Chambinho do Acordeon, was selected between over 5 thousand candidates to portray Luiz Gonzaga. He had never once acted before. He entered the dispute for the role because of his wife, Daniela Piccino.
Casting Decisions: The musician Chambinho do Acordeon, who had no acting experience, was chosen to play Luiz Gonzaga among 5 thousand actors.