Conchords star transformed into 'hunky romantic lead'

Filming has begun in Auckland on Rhys Darby's latest movie Love Birds - which sees the Flight of the Conchords funnyman cast as "hunky romantic lead".

Darby plays Doug, an ordinary road worker whose life collapses after he's left by his girlfriend Susan, played by Faye Smythe of Shortland Street.

When an injured native duck crash lands into Doug's life he decides to nurse it back to health, and crosses paths with animal specialist Holly, played by British Golden Globe winner Sally Hawkins.

Rosie Carnahan Darby, Rhys' wife and professional partner, said he is "really excited about playing the hunky romantic lead".

"He is also really excited about filming in his hometown of Auckland and showing the world why he loves this city," Darby says.

"He loves that he is playing a road worker and playing an everyday job that many do. He feels like he is giving the thumbs-up to road workers everywhere."

The film is a collaboration between director Paul Murphy and screenwriter Nick Ward, who last teamed up for Second Hand Wedding in 2008.

The ensemble cast of 12 also includes Emily Barclay from In My Father's Den as Holly's best friend, Craig Hall from Outrageous Fortune, David Fane from Sione's Wedding and Australian actor Bryan Brown.