It would have to be a rarity for Perth to be mistaken as London but that is exactly what Callan Durlik set out to achieve for his feature directing debut with film, It Only Takes A Night.
Inspired by his love of UK films like Four Weddings and a Funeral and Notting Hill, and having spent a year in London going to nightclub Koko, the Perth writer/director/producer — who wrote and starred in 2019’s The Naked Wanderer with comedy legend John Cleese — may have set his rom-com in London, but the entire production was filmed at real locations in Perth.
As the streets and laneways of Perth’s CBD stood in for London, real-life club Magnet House on Murray Street was used for all the club scenes in the film that follows four best friends on a girls’ night out.
They end up on a path none of them expected, discovering it really does only take one night to change your life.
The four-week film shoot began in May 2021 under strict pandemic protocols, featuring all-Australian cast Eliza Taylor, George Pullar, Sana’a Shaik, Arielle Carver-O’Neill, ‘Ana Ika, Charles Grounds and Jaime Ureta.
NightOwl chief executive and Magnet House owner David Heaton says he is thrilled Magnet House was chosen as the filming location for the captivating nightclub scenes in It Only Takes A Night.
“Seeing our venue showcased on the big screen to a global audience is a testament to the vibrant and unique atmosphere NightOwl Entertainment created here,” he adds.
“It’s great to be a part of this cinematic journey. (I) can’t wait for everyone to see the magic that was created at Magnet House when they watch It Only Takes A Night.
“As a group we love supporting local talent, so to have the opportunity to be involved with Callan’s production here in Perth was an honour and we look forward to watching his very well earned successes in the film industry.”
In news from behind the scenes, Memories by David Guetta featuring Kid Cudi was the most played song on set in Magnet House to get all the film’s extras in the clubbing mood.