The filming of a Netflix musical has brought an extra benefit to the city - in the shape of a boost for its hotels.

Eastern Daily Press: Actor Forest Whitaker. Photo: Thore Siebrands/WikimediaActor Forest Whitaker. Photo: Thore Siebrands/Wikimedia (Image: Thore Siebrands)

Christmas came early to Elm Hill this week as it was turned into a Victorian winter scene for the filming of Netflix musical Jingle Jangle.

Forest Whitaker, known for Black Panther and The Last King of Scotland, stars as a toymaker as he struggles to get his magical new invention to work in time for Christmas and it is directed by David E Talbert and produced by singer John Legend.

The 12-week production schedule included filming in Norwich from June 4 to 7 and businesses on the street have been compensated for the closure.

Some have also featured in the musical, such as The Games Room which has been a newsagents and Olive's Cafe as a supply store, and it will be uploaded to Netflix during the Christmas period in 2020.

Eastern Daily Press: Snow on lamps and window sills as Elm Hill is transformed into a Victorian style winter setting for the filming of the musical Jingle Jangle being produced for Netflix by John Legend. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYSnow on lamps and window sills as Elm Hill is transformed into a Victorian style winter setting for the filming of the musical Jingle Jangle being produced for Netflix by John Legend. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2019)

Over 80 local extras hired to act in the background of scenes in Elm Hill and a further 10 Norwich locals and three Norwich University of the Arts students joined the location team as marshals.

Meanwhile, the production team has purchased over 1,800 hotel room nights in Norwich across the preparation, shooting and dismantling period.

David E. Talbert, writer and director, "When I wrote the script, I always imagined a magical cobblestone town as the centrepiece of the film.

"Little did I know, this town already existed.

Eastern Daily Press: John Legend. Credit: Ian West/PA WireJohn Legend. Credit: Ian West/PA Wire (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)

"Thank you to all the beautiful people of Norwich for your hospitality and for sharing your historic city with the world."

Stefan Gurney, executive director at Norwich BID, praised the benefit of such projects and added: "Norwich has welcomed another international film crew to the city and our reputation as a 'go-to' filming destination continues to grow.

"The international PR, marketing and profile raising of Norwich having films like Avengers and Jingle Jangle is invaluable.

"We know that "SetJetting" is a growing market in tourism, so any big films or TV using Norwich as a backdrop drives increased visitor numbers and spend in the city.

Eastern Daily Press: Snow on lamps and window sills as Elm Hill is transformed into a Victorian style winter setting for the filming of the musical Jingle Jangle being produced for Netflix by John Legend. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYSnow on lamps and window sills as Elm Hill is transformed into a Victorian style winter setting for the filming of the musical Jingle Jangle being produced for Netflix by John Legend. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2019)

"We will also see a direct economic impact from production which will be a real boost for Norwich."