Genevieve Brock originally put a concept for a short film based on an urban legend to filmmakers Cassie Dart and Paul Puccio in July 2012. It was decided the idea had already appeared on screen too often, and the concept was scrapped, but the seed of a larger-than-life comedic character for Brock had been planted, leading Dart to write 'What a Gun'.
During its crowd funding campaign, 'What a Gun' was initially marketed as a 15-20 minute short film, but in the lead up to production the roles of supporting cast were expanded to cater for a potential ongoing series. When filming, material from rehearsals and ad lib were also added on the fly. The result was a much longer 35 minute short film and pilot.
The Palace Westgarth Cinema features heavily in the 'kiss scene', as an intentional cross-promotion for the film's premiere which had been planned to take place at the cinema.
The 'birthday cake' scene where Emelda Frapp (Tammi Vingerhoets) is given nothing in a box by her co-workers and has a cake dropped on her head by Polly Canare (Constance Washington) was a last minute addition. In between set ups, DOP Paul Puccio asked Vingerhoets to improvise Emelda typing at her computer with cake in her hair. Associate producers Vanessa Cammaroto and Marlane Ghmed were unaware of the spontaneous filming, and can be seen in the final cut of the film walking in the background.
Genevieve Brock and Cassie Dart are often mistaken for sisters but are of no relation. The director based the character of Bernie on herself and Genevieve, taking different elements from both their lives partly in tribute to their friendship and partnership as co-producers.