Behind the scenes: Flip viral video

Patience pet

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.

(Credit: Derek Fung/CNET Australia)

Going incognito

"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."

(Credit: Derek Fung/CNET Australia)

Population density high

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

(Credit: Derek Fung/CNET Australia)

Population density low

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

(Credit: Derek Fung/CNET Australia)

Cameras ready!

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.

(Credit: Derek Fung/CNET Australia)

I want more magnum

The director giving instructions in person and via walkie talkie.

(Credit: Derek Fung/CNET Australia)

So you think you can dance?, part I

The central character gets up to dance to Ben Lee's Catch my disease. From our well informed sources, he's a tap dancer.

(Credit: Derek Fung/CNET Australia)

So you think you can dance?, part II

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

(Credit: Derek Fung/CNET Australia)

So you think you can dance?, part III

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

(Credit: Derek Fung/CNET Australia)

Eh, what?

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

(Credit: Derek Fung/CNET Australia)

Take three

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

(Credit: Derek Fung/CNET Australia)