SANDBANKS will be transformed into Venice Beach' complete with giant palm trees, and venues across Poole will masquerade as California when a film crew comes to town.

Twist Films will be in the area for a week shooting scenes from their forthcoming feature film Morris - A Life With Bells On.

And they are inviting 1,000 local people to get their 15 seconds of fame as extras in a crowd scene in the Lighthouse arts centre, Poole.

This comedy spoof documentary is about a Morris dance group and leader Derecq Twist. He is cast out from the Morris Circle for his pioneering Extreme Morris style and travels to Los Angeles to dance with the flamboyant Morris men of Orange County.

Confirmed stars include Sir Derek Jacobi, Ian Hart, and Greg Wise among a top-drawer cast.

Part of the film sees the Morris dancers perform on Venice beach, but assistant director Richard Hatherell said Sandbanks would work just as well thanks to its "perfectly matched" horizon.

The Bowlplex in Branksome, Le Café in Poole, and Bournemouth University will also feature.

Mr Hatherell said: "Poole council and the tourist board have been phenomenal - so helpful and encouraging. It's something you don't normally get shooting in London."

He said they wanted as many local people as possible to join the "whooping, banner waving crowd at The Lighthouse."

"The scenes at the Lighthouse are some of our biggest and most fun," he said. "It promises to be quite an event. What's more, everyone taking part on the day will be entered into a prize draw and one lucky winner will win a speaking part."

The Lighthouse shoot will be on Friday, June 1. To register as an extra visit morrismovie.com Shooting is on Sandbanks Beach will take place on May 29 and 30. On the May 31 it will be at the Bowlplex. On June 2 the crew will be filming at Bournemouth University.