Auditions for Animal Kingdom took place in 2008 with about 500 young men competing for the lead role of "J" Cody. Filming commenced in 2009, causing some disruption to Frecheville's studies as a Year Twelve high school student. At the 2010 Sundance Film Festival (where the film won the World Cinema Jury Prize, Dramatic), The Hollywood Reporter described Frecheville as "a brilliant casting choice."
