Sarah Polley's new film, Take This Waltz, is shooting in Toronto and Louisbourg, N.S. (CBC)

The Nova Scotia town of Louisbourg is getting ready for its closeup, as a star-studded cast arrives to film Sarah Polley's new movie.

Polley is the writer and director of Take This Waltz, starring Seth Rogen, Michelle Williams, Sarah Silverman and Luke Kirby.

Filming has been underway in Toronto. But it's Louisbourg's turn this weekend.

"It's going to be very exciting," said Ciaran MacGillivray, a singer/musician with the Cottars, a Celtic group from Cape Breton, who will be making his first appearance in a feature film.

"But I have to try to keep calm, remember the lines and deliver them as competently as possible."

The budding actor will appear in a scene with Williams, known for her roles in hit movies such as Brokeback Mountain and Shutter Island.

MacGillivray said the Fortress of Louisbourg is another star in Polley's film.

"They keep mentioning and reminiscing on the lighthouse of Louisbourg, the Fortress of Louisbourg, Cape Breton, and they keep saying those words over and over, so it's a great thing for the fortress, a great thing for Cape Breton," he said.

There are more than 75 cast and crew members, and they've booked every room in town.

Hotel owner Linda Kennedy said she's eager for the business because the number of visitors tends to drop this time of year.

"It's when the families are going back home for the children to prepare for school and the seniors, the retirees have not started to travel yet. So this is usually a lull week in our season, so this is certainly filling the gap," she said.

Stars in their eyes

Restaurants and shops are also looking forward to the visit by the movie stars — and the eager fans they attract.

"I think it's going to bring a lot of people from Cape Breton Island or at least industrial Cape Breton out to maybe hopefully sneak a peak at some of these celebrities," said Kennedy.

But for budding actor MacGillivray, it marks a new challenge.

"It's something I'm going to enjoy, and I'm looking forward to sitting in the theatre and seeing my very embarrassed and nervous face on screen," he said.

Take This Waltz is expected to hit theatres next year.