Extras wanted as film production gets underway in Leitrim

Leitrim locals are being invited to appear on screen as a new film production gets underway in Drumsna. The production team is currently looking for extras of all ages to take part in the short film, which is being shot in the county this week.

Set in 1980s Leitrim, the short film follows a television crew documenting Ireland's oldest altar boy. What begins as a quirky human-interest story develops into a moving tale of self-discovery and growing up later in life. Filmmaker Luke Curley, who is originally from Carrick-on-Shannon, said it was important to bring the production back to his home county. "As someone from Carrick-on-Shannon myself, it was really great to be able to film in Leitrim," he said.

The project is being supported through the Creative Heartlands programme, a funding initiative designed to support regional filmmakers and creative projects. The production team is now appealing for local people of all ages to get involved as extras.

"We're looking for local people of all ages to appear as extras, especially people with an 80s look and style," said Luke. "It'd be a great opportunity to experience a film set and be part of a local production." No acting experience is required, with the filmmakers keen to hear from anyone who fits the period look.

"We're just looking for people who look the part," he explained. While the roles are voluntary, Luke said it offers a unique opportunity to see behind the scenes of a film production and contribute to a project being made in the local area.

He believes Leitrim has enormous potential as a filming location. "Leitrim has a unique atmosphere and landscape that I rarely get to see on screen, but it's incredibly cinematic," he said. "Being from here, Leitrim stories have been very important to me and it's been great to bring a project back and work with locals."

The new production follows Luke's previous short film, My Poor Boy, which was filmed in Carrick-on-Shannon earlier this year and stars Fiachra Corkery, Michael Harding and Owen Colgan. The film is expected to appear on the festival circuit later this year. Anyone interested in appearing as an extra can contact the production team through its social media channels for further details.