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ANTICIPATION is building in the tiny town of Werris Creek ahead of a visit by one of the world’s most famous faces today.
The feature film Unbroken, directed by Hollywood megastar Angelina Jolie, will begin filming in Werris Creek this morning and wrap up on Monday.
Ms Jolie reportedly arrived at Tamworth Airport on board a Virgin Australia, Boeing 737-800 jet last night and was quickly ushered away into a waiting car by security.
It is understood film extras and crew were at Werris Creek bright and early this morning.
The movie, based on a best-selling book, tells the story of Olympian and fighter pilot Louie Zamperini, who was shot down during World War II over the Pacific Ocean and spent 47 days in a life raft.
Part of Werris Creek’s Single St has been recreated to represent a Southern Californian town called Torrance, where Louie grew up in the 1920s and ’30s.
“The architecture of Werris Creek works well for filming, though we will need to dress some buildings and erect sets to reflect local American culture at the time,” Unbroken location manager Carl Wood said.
Single St was closed to traffic between Anzac Pde and Coronation Ave from 6.30pm yesterday and will re-open at 8.30pm tomorrow. The crew will then film at the historic Werris Creek Rail Station on Monday.
Co-owner of The Magpie’s Nest Cafe on Single St, Karen Hollier, said the town was abuzz with excitement ahead of Ms Jolie’s visit.
“There are a lot more people in town and everyone is very excited,” Ms Hollier said.
“Everyone wants to get a glimpse of Angie. It’s great for the town and great for business. Hopefully the movie is a blockbuster and we can become known for it.”
A “splinter crew” will move from Werris Creek to Tamworth’s King George V Ave tomorrow to shoot another scene, however Ms Jolie is not expected to attend the Tamworth shoot.
Traffic and pedestrian control will be in place in both Werris Creek and King George V Ave during filming.
Mr Wood urged Werris Creek residents to abide by the controls to ensure the integrity of the movie.
“We recognise that it’s not every day a film comes to town, however, in order for the shoot to be a success, we’d ask all of Werris Creek to take filming activities on board as their own,” Mr Wood said.
“It is anticipated Unbroken will become a very popular film and we know all in the community will be proud they contributed in no small way.”
It is not known where Ms Jolie is staying during her time in the region but a publicist told The Leader she would be “secreted away at a private location”.