World renowned photographer and filmmaker Simon Emmett to chart the band's huge success, break-up and comeback in fan funded documentary.

Eastern Daily Press: Dan Hawkins of the Darkness on the opening night of their tour at the UEA in 2015. Picture: Paul BayfieldDan Hawkins of the Darkness on the opening night of their tour at the UEA in 2015. Picture: Paul Bayfield (Image: PJBAYFIELD)

A documentary about the rise and fall, and rise again, of Lowesoft rockers The Darkness is being made by one of the world's most sought after photographers.

World renowned celebrity portrait photographer and filmmaker Simon Emmett, who has photographed the likes of Jay-Z, Matt Damon, Michael Caine, Helen Mirren and Adele, met the band when they reformed and realised they had a story to tell. His film is set to tells the incredible journey from the bottom to the top and back again and more.

In 2003 The Darkness opened the mainstage at Glastonbury and the following year they headlined Reading Festival. In between they won four of the main awards at the 2004 Brit Awards - Best British Group, Best British Rock Act, Best British Breakthrough and Best British Album.

It was an extraordinary 12 months for the band who had cut their teeth on the local music circuit – their 2003 debut album Permission To Land went five times platinum in the UK alone.

Eastern Daily Press: Dan Hawkins of the Darkness on the opening night of their tour at the UEA in 2015. Picture: Paul BayfieldDan Hawkins of the Darkness on the opening night of their tour at the UEA in 2015. Picture: Paul Bayfield (Image: PJBAYFIELD)

They were one of the most talked about bands of the moment with follow up One Way Ticket To Hell…And Back in 2005 and a whirlwind of global tours and madness. Then in 2006 lead singer/guitarist Justin Hawkins left the band, checking into rehab and The Darkness fell apart.

In 2014 the band reformed and are set to release their fifth studio album in late 2017.

The film is still seeking funding through crowd-funding website Indiegogo until July 31. It means fans can become involved in the project getting everything from a copy of the film plus outtakes to a preview screening with the band and an executive producer credit in exchange for pledging support.

Emmett has so far recorded over 250 hours of footage to date capturing the past, present and future of The Darkness, what happened after they imploded in 2006 and most importantly their unique comeback story.

Eastern Daily Press: The Lowestoft band's debut album Permission to Land went five times platinum in the UK alone.The Lowestoft band's debut album Permission to Land went five times platinum in the UK alone. (Image: Archant)

He said: 'It's going to be a huge treat for fans and music and documentary lovers alike, revealing the bands members in a way you've never seen them before. But it will also be funny, philosophical, personal, insightful, sad and, as always with The Darkness, massively entertaining. Justin, Dan, Frankie and the key players both inside and outside the band each give deeply personal interviews and access to chart this incredible story.

'The film will also be a real insight into the unique mind of Justin Hawkins – one of the most distinctive, loved and out there vocalists of our time.'

• Find out more about the project HERE• The Darkness play the UEA LCR in Norwich on December 7. Details HERE