A new film project from Oscar-winning director Peter Jackson will feature never-released footage of the Beatles in the studio, shot in January of 1969. While the group was filmed extensively during the 1960s, little footage exists of the band at work in the recording studio.

The January 1969 sessions produced the band’s twelfth and final album, Let It Be , which was finally released in May of 1970, several months after the band’s breakup. Approximately 55 hours of footage from those sessions will provide the basis for the film.

According to a statement about the project, the filming was originally intended for a TV special but “organically turned into something completely different”.

The project was announced today, exactly 50 years after the band performed their final public show from the roof of the Apple’s Saville Row London office. The historic event also serves as the climax of the film.

“The 55 hours of never-before-seen footage and 140 hours of audio made available to us, ensures this movie will be the ultimate ‘fly on the wall’ experience that Beatles fans have long dreamt about,” said Peter Jackson in a statement.

“I was relieved to discover the reality is very different to the myth. It’s simply an amazing historical treasure-trove. Sure, there’s moments of drama – but none of the discord this project has long been associated with. Watching John, Paul, George, and Ringo work together, creating now-classic songs from scratch, is not only fascinating – it’s funny, uplifting and surprisingly intimate”.

Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Yoko Ono Lennon and Olivia Harrison are all co-operating in the making of the film.

The project is currently in production and and still untitled. A release date will be announced soon.