In a city known for its craft coffee, big ideas, and indie spirit, Denver filmmaker Justin Heinz and his new film blend all three. Key Lime, his latest feature, shot entirely in and around Denver, it is both a love letter to the city’s creative grit and a satirical look at the pursuit of success in the age of start-ups. We sat down with Heinz to talk about his journey into filmmaking, the quirks of shooting locally and the inspiration behind a film that’s anything but bland.
What inspired you to pursue filmmaking in the first place? Could you share a defining moment or early experience that sparked your passion for storytelling on screen?
I studied music production and composition in school but deep down I knew that I also really wanted to be an actor. I never really thought that I could do it until I reached out to an old teacher of mine and we started talking about the possibilities of working together one on one, he became a mentor to me, basically having an acting workshop for two and half years. With acting being my main pursuit, I would study and watch and rewatch certain actors and their styles, but also during my studies I started to learn the writing side of things as well. I’ve always had a strong fascination for characters and story and what kind of characters I’d like to play and that kind of led me to also start writing and coming up with stories.
How did your journey lead you to the independent film scene in Denver? Were there local experiences or mentors that shaped your creative path?
Once I got to a certain point with my studies with my mentor it was time to take the next step. My mom lives here in Denver and I thought, ok , here is an opportunity to go somewhere and start going to auditions and getting my foot in the door and give it my all. This was fall 2014, I basically started living at the Colorado Film School going to open casting auditions and acting workshops and anything else I could to keep learning and gain experience. It was during this time that I got a phone call to come in and read for a leading role in Timothy N. Navarro’s thesis film, a phone call that would end up being monumental in my journey. I came in and read for Tim and a few days later got a call and was offered the part. Tim and I would instantly click and become fast friends, more like bros. We have been making films together now for 10 years, 6 films under our belts with plenty more to go.
Tell us about Key Lime. How did you come up with the balance between comedy, ambition, and moral pitfalls?
I first started thinking about the idea of Key Lime in late 2022. I knew that I wanted to try something fun and funny but also still have some pretty serious, tense moments. I kept with this idea of three friends and some kind of crazy, wild situation they get into. That was the fuel, keep with that idea, keep brainstorming that. I knew right away that I wanted my dear friends Edina Loskay and Zach Mclaughin to play the other two friends, it had to be them. I also wrote a role specifically for my dear friend Joe Bevilacqua. I knew with those three I could tackle the elements of the story the way I visioned and they would roll with the idea, after that it started to really take off. Zach and I would have bi weekly meetings and talk over the story and I would send Edina chunks of the script. I told them it would be a wild ride and they both had my back and went on this journey with me.
Denver itself is almost a character in Key Lime. Which locations did you choose for shooting, and did they play a special role in the story?
I really wanted to shoot in the neighborhood I live in and also the neighborhood where my mom lives, Cap Hill and North Alamo Placita. These are both areas that I spend a lot of time in and I kept picturing certain scenes in certain areas. My favorite coffee shop, Pablo’s on 6th has always been a place of inspiration for me, so I knew right away that I wanted to shoot there and around there. We shot a huge sequence of the film at the Grant – Humphrey Mansion, it was great. The more and more I kept envisioning the story being set in these neighborhoods, it just seemed to really vibe more with the story, I got this cozy vibe, a story set in the summer, three friends and the places they go and the people they know. It was really special to me to shoot in these locations, my favorite parts of Denver.
The film touches on entrepreneurship, friendship, and ethical ambiguity. How did you work with your cast to find that sweet spot?
As a cast we talked a lot about the story. I spent a lot of time talking with the other actors about the vibe and journey that these characters go on. There was a huge amount of trust among us. The cast trusted me fully, even if there were questions that I couldn’t quite give the best answer to they would still trust me and the story. It was very inspiring to see a group of actors come together and make this thing happen.
What was your approach to collaborating with your actors and crew? Any standout moments or creative solutions that emerged during production?
The crew was amazing. We adjusted on the fly with locations getting hectic or weather conditions, having to reschedule a big shoot day due to rain, you name it, this crew rose to the occasion each and every day. With some of the more difficult locations sometimes things might not be going the way we planned and we were able to pivot and try shooting a scene a completely different way and it would work. We were always there for one another and came together as a team during crunch time, people stepping in and wearing multiple hats without missing a beat, it was really something special to see.
Denver can bring logistical challenges or surprises, what was the hardest thing you faced while shooting here?
A few locations were challenging, not in any bad way, every location I approached was so helpful and supportive. Shooting with customers in a few locations was tough but a great learning experience. That was definitely one of the hardest days, it was a smaller space and it was busy. We had to shoot some very dialogue intensive scenes and we had to adjust to our surroundings to make it work all the while making it feel natural and part of the story but in the end we were able to get it done.
Without spoiling too much, what themes do you hope viewers walk away with after seeing Key Lime?
I think one of the biggest themes is friendship and the length that friends are willing to go to help each other when they need it the most. Friendship and pride, there is a lot of pride with several of the characters and it doesn’t always work in their favor.
The premise involves a seemingly innocent business idea that quickly spirals. Do you see Key Lime as a cautionary tale about chasing quick success, or more of a lighthearted look at ambition?
I see Key Lime as a little bit of both. Quick decision making and chasing an idea without fully thinking about any consequences and also the passion that comes with ambition all wrapped in one. There’s been this punchline that we’ve been saying about the film during post production, “these twists and turns are getting sour!!” (pun intended). What may have started off as a sweet idea, is quickly starting to become sour and not so pleasant.
What’s next for you after Key Lime? Are you planning to stay rooted in local storytelling, or are you exploring new genres?
I’m currently writing a new script. I’m taking my time, really doing some research with it. Hopefully getting that off the ground soon. I’m also looking forward to continuing working with some directors that I’ve worked with before and very excited to work with some new collaborators and filmmakers that I’ve met along the way. I’d love to keep working locally here in Colorado, to keep pushing and striving and help other artists and build each other up.
Where can we watch Key Lime?
Key Lime will premiere July 10th, 6pm at The Sie Film Center in Denver Colorado. The film will also be available on blu ray and perhaps streaming services.
Thank you so much for offering insight into your craft, Justin! We look forward to your next script and seeing it come alive on screen.