As 5,000 people prepare for their moment in the spotlight, details have been revealed about Hollywood’s invasion of Gorleston beach.
Oscar-winning director Danny Boyle has already shot numerous scenes across the region for his latest project, which is written by Richard Curtis.
However, today the crew will be shooting their biggest scene by far, with thousands eagerly awaiting their big screen debut.
Last month, an appeal was launched for 5,000 extras to volunteer for a ‘concert scene’ and within days more than 7,500 people had applied for tickets.
Now, details of what is in store have been revealed.
The film imagines a world in which The Beatles did not exist and on Wednesday a rooftop concert will be filmed from the balcony of the Pier Hotel - with extras playing fans on the beach below - in a scene designed to pay homage to the Liverpudlian band’s famous gig on the rooftop of Apple Corporation in Savile Row, London.
By this point in the film the lead protagonist, Jack, who is played by Eastenders actor Himesh Patel, has become a major international singer-songwriter. Other famous actors who will be there on the day playing friends and family of Jack are Downton Abbey star Lily James, Sanjeev Bhaskar and Meera Syal from Goodness Gracious Me, and Kate McKinnon from Saturday Night Live.
Danny Boyle will direct the crowds from up on the roof with large speakers, and small cameras will be dotted around the beach to film individual groups.
As such, when members of the crowd go to see the film when it is released in autumn next year they may find that close-up shots of themselves have been used in the final cut.
Weather permitting, there will also be a helicopter filming the crowds from above.
Borough council leader, Graham Plant, said: “Our officers have worked very closely with the production team and partners to ensure that our borough stars in this film. It’s also great that local people have been invited to be part of it.
“The beach gig is the big feel good scene towards the end of the film, which is really appropriate for Gorleston.
“While the northernmost part of the beach will be designated for the filming, Gorleston will remain open to visitors as normal.”
The filming is scheduled to take place between 11am and about 8pm, with most of the crowd shots expected to be wrapped up by 5pm.
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