TALENT-SPOTTERS will be at the Kings Hall tonight on the hunt for extras to appear in a film. They are working on the film Souled Out, which will chart the rise of the Northern Soul scene in Stoke-on-Trent during the 1970s.

Producers want 1,000 extras with the right look or moves to appear.

In the film, the Kings Hall will be used to replicate the legendary Wigan Casino, which shut in 1981, where much of the action takes place. The rest of the filming – which starts next month – will be at various locations in Stoke-on-Trent.

Producer Christina Alderson said: “We will be at the Kings Hall with flyers, looking for young dancers and people with the right feel.

“If they have the look, we can teach them the basic steps. The look is more important than being able to dance, although we need some excellent dancers as well.

“We are not really looking for people over 25, although we can be a bit flexible with age. We are looking for young people into soul.

“We will need them for at least a full day, and some of them for a few days' filming.”

The film's Oscar-nominated costume designer, Elvis Davis, who worked with Mel Gibson on Braveheart and has recently been in Bulgaria working with Jean-Claude Van Damme, said: “The film is set in 1974 and that is quite specific.

“The boys would wear baggy trousers, usually about 28ins wide, with a four-inch waistband, made out of corduroy, or a light suit-like material.

“They were mostly specially made because they weren't available in the shops. They used to wear short sleeve shirts or vests.

“The girls would wear tops and circle skirts which would billow out as they danced, or summer clothes from the High Street. The key was to stay cool while you danced, sometimes for about two hours non-stop.

“They would all wear badges, and carry a sports hold-all, decorated with badges from Northern Soul clubs, which would carry a change of clothing and deodorant, talcum powder to put on the floor and perhaps records.

“Some of the dancers would leave home on a Friday night, go to a couple of clubs and then not return until Sunday.”

DJ and promoter Kevin Roberts has staged Northern Soul all-nighters in Stoke-on-Trent since 1996, and is behind tonight's event.

Mr Roberts, who was one of the original DJs at Wigan Casino, said: “Northern Soul is bigger now than ever. It is the accepted face of music for over 35s. Amy Winehouse, Mark Ronson have all helped to introduce Northern Soul to a new generation.”

Souled Out tells the story of Stoke City fan Joe McCain, who learns about life and love through the music.

The film stars Martin Compston (Sweet Sixteen) in the lead role of Joe and Alfie Allen (Atonement) who will play best friend Russ.

Tonight's Northern Soul all-nighter runs from 9pm to 6am. Tickets are available by calling 01909 515150.