ROYAL OAK, Mich. -- Downtown Royal Oak has turned into Hollywood.

Film crews began shooting a movie for the Lifetime network at Washington Avenue and City Hall in Royal Oak on Tuesday.

More than a thousand people showed up at 7 a.m. for their chance to be an extra in the movie "Pray for Bobby."

The movie is based on the suicide of Bobby Griffin. His mother, Mary shot a segment with producers talking about the issues her son faced as a homosexual.

She hopes the movie brings awareness.

"It is hard to put into words to see my life flash before my eyes," said Griffin.

Sigourney Weaver will play Griffin in the movie. Other actors expected to be in the movie are Henry Czerny and Dan Butler.

The downtown area looks quite different. Around 400 rainbow flags and banners were hung around the city, which are the symbol of gay pride.

Washington will remain closed from Lincoln to Fourth Street until midnight on Tuesday to film scenes.

Washington businesses will remain open.

Film crews will also be at City Hall from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday.

On Thursday, the areas of Fourth, Main, Third and Center streets will be shut down for more filming.

The movie will be released next February.