Alright Mr Steel, Tauranga is ready for its close-up.

Filming is now underway on the Bay of Plenty Film Collective's new 'Tarantino-esque” short film Just Three Girls, with the opening scene being shot on The Strand in Tauranga this afternoon.

Shooting for Bay of Plenty Film's new short film ‘Just Three Girls' got underway in Tauranga today. Photo: David Tauranga

Shooting for the film will take place at several locations across Tauranga's city centre from today until Sunday, and is just one of the attractions of the inaugural Tauranga Winter Carnival.

BOP Film president and Just Three Girls directorAnton Steel says the premises of the short film is 'one magical ancient relic, one power hungry warlord, 100 trained assassins – just three girls”.

'I wanted make something fun and entertaining and didn't take itself too seriously,” he explains.

'We're hoping to make a nice little showpiece for BOP Film and something highlighting the city and what a beautiful place it is which could be potentially utilised by BOP Tourism.”

It stars actors Katherine Kennard (Street Legal, Spartacus), BOP Actor's Tanya Horo (Z Nail gang, Shortland Street) and up-and-coming local actress Melanie Bevan.

Along with the Tauranga CBD providing a wonderful backdrop to the film, it will feature spills and thrills, lots of witty one-liners, plenty of action and an incredible stunt team headed by Mana Davis (Ghost in the Shell) and Thomas Kiwi (The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogies).

Even Joe and Jane Bloggs are getting in on the action with BOP Film putting out the call recently for locals to appear as extras, otherwise known as ‘the rampaging mob'.

Once everything is shot it'll be a tight turn around, with plans to premier the short film before the Open Air Movie Night screening of Rio which takes place on Wharf Street on Saturday, July 23.

Along with the shooting of Just Three Girls, Mainstreet Tauranga's inaugural Winter Carnival will also feature acrobatics, music, kids pop reading rooms, Shakespeare, comedy, movie screenings, light displays and even a Greek Summer Party which kicks off the the week-long event tonight.

'Although it's colder and darker outside, this shouldn't stop the public from going out and having fun, whether it's an outing with friends, a trip with the kids or a night out with the whole family,” says evetns coordinator Rose Webb.

A total of 28 events will be taking place across the city centre from tonight up until July 23.

For more information and the full list of events visit: www.downtowntauranga.co.nz