Would-be actor Neil Man is hoping to swap housing estates for Hollywood after being picked by a top film company.

Mr Man beat hundreds of hopefuls to star alongside Kirsten Dunst, of Spiderman fame, on the big screen.

Crews from Working Title Films, the company behind Bridget Jones's Diary and Four Weddings And A Funeral, started filming part of their next production in Brighton yesterday.

Mr Man, who lives with his girlfriend and five-year-old son in Portslade, is one of 75 extras from Sussex who will be paid £60 a day to be in the film Wimbledon.

Most, like Mr Man, will stay in the background and will not have a speaking part.

Mr Man said: "I'm not necessarily going to be the next Hugh Grant but I'm going to give it a go and enjoy myself.

"I've been told I'll be playing a tourist or passer-by and have been asked to take my bike.

"I love British films and it's great to have the chance to be a part of such a huge production featuring Brighton. I'd happily pay £60 for the opportunity."

Mr Man, a project manager for the Downland Affinity Group, was one of hundreds of people who queued for hours at an open casting for Wimbledon in Brighton last month.

The film is a romantic comedy set at the famous tennis championship.

Part of the action takes place in Brighton, home city of the main character Peter, played by Paul Bettany, who appeared as Russell Crowe's imaginary roommate in A Beautiful Mind.

Peter, who is unlucky in love and sport, gets into Wimbledon by a fluke and falls for American tennis star Lizzie, played by Dunst.

The stars will be in Brighton filming this week.

Fellow acting wannabe Julie Collins, of Woodingdean, has also landed a place as an extra on the film.

The 29-year-old was told to drive to Marine Parade at 4am yesterday.

Miss Collins has been trying to get into show businesses since her teens.

She said: "I couldn't believe it when I landed a part in such a huge film. This is a tough business and you need a lot of luck."