Behind the scenes: Flip viral video

Today we were at the filming of the viral video being prepared for the launch of the Flip camcorder range in Australia.

All images in this photo gallery are stills taken from a Flip MinoHD camcorder. Clickthis to view the towel surfing video.

On a warm spring day, perched on the main boardwalk near the main lifesavers' lookout at Bondi we awaited the filming of the Flip viral video.

"Quick guys, let's whip out our Flip camcorders and look like members of the public."

"Umm, mate, the Flip's not yet available to the public."

This section of the crowd was taken over by the "flash mob" members. Note how packed with people it is.

And this is what the rest of the beach looked like with unpaid members of the public enjoying the sun and surf.

There were 21 cameras capturing the occasion. A few were conspicuous, others like this camera operator hid their gear under towels and in bags unless they were filming or calibrating their gear.

The director giving instructions in person and via walkie talkie.

The central character gets up to dance to Ben Lee's

There were about 200 people dancing, only 50 of whom are professional dancers.

Some of the more photogenic dancers were located on the boardwalk.

We witnessed three takes of the dance routine. Near the end of the first take, beachgoers are alert but not alarmed.

By the third take, a significant crowd had built up, cameras and camcorders in hand.