Hollywood is coming to Midsomer Norton, with a new feature film telling the story of the campaign for an Independent Town Council.

Centre of the Universe is the working title for the film, which will be set in 2009 and will follow the campaign mounted by B&NES Councillors, Paul Myers and Chris Watt, to replace Norton Radstock Town Council with new Town and Parish Councils for Midsomer Norton, Radstock and Westfield.

Although casting is still at an early stage, it is rumoured that La La Land actor, Ryan Gosling, has been approached for the role of Paul Myers, with Downton Abbey star, Hugh Bonneville, lined up to play Chris Watt.

The movie is being touted as a latter-day version of the Ealing classic, Passport to Pimlico, which saw a small part of Pimlico declared a legal part of the House of Burgundy and exempt from the post-war rationing.

It is hoped that the filming of Centre of the Universe will start in the autumn, pending Covid restrictions. The producers are keen to hear from anyone who was involved in the campaign, as the screen play is currently being developed. There will also be opportunities for residents to appear as extras, with filming planned in a variety of locations around the town, including the Town Hall, High Street and Welton Rovers.

Anyone wishing to contact the producers with information or requests to join the cast should email: [email protected]