Real-life extras star in Ricky's new movie
Ricky Gervais' hit television show Extras gave a distinctly unglamorous portrayal of the life of a bit part actor.
But that did not stop people volunteering to make up the numbers when he was shooting his latest film.
The comedian, his writing partner Steven Merchant and a 100-strong film crew spent last week filming scenes for Cemetery Junction on location at the Great Central Railway and Taylor's Bellfoundry in Loughborough.
The film, about three young men stuck in dead end jobs in 1970s England, stars Gervais himself, Ralph Fiennes and a cast of up-and-coming actors.
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"They will share the screen with around 20 volunteers from the steam train attraction and the foundry who were recruited to act as extras.
Among them was Jill Clarke, operations director at the foundry.
She said: "It was great to be asked to be in it, but it wasn't exactly very glamorous. In fact, it was a lot like his show, Extras.
"I turned up at the Great Central at 6.30am and spent a lot of time just hanging around to do a few shots.
"We got on and off some trains and made the platform look busy.
"I'm not expecting an Oscar or anything. I might well get left on the cutting room floor, so I'm not giving up the day job.
"I was only there for a bit of a laugh because they had done some filming at the foundry, but they had recruited some proper local actors who were very excited. They were desperate to get noticed by Ricky and Steven and were very serious about the whole thing."
Mrs Clarke added: "All the producers and directors were lovely, but you do get bossed around a fair bit.
"It was very regimented and it was certainly a case of doing exactly what you were told. They had a lot to do in a very short time."
Around a dozen bellfoundry workers were also dressed up in 1970s clothes, and given large sideburns, for the shots they featured in.
Mrs Clarke added: "They loved getting the chance to be in a film and I'm sure they will rush to see it when it is in the cinema."
The Great Central Railway's commercial manager, Alan Brassey, said: "We hope a few of our volunteers and staff end up in the film because they were asked to be extras.
"Of course, we would always say it is the station that is the star of the show. There are always major challenges with a big shoot like this but we were delighted to accommodate the crew's needs."
Cemetery Junction director Charlie Hanson said: "We were very pleased to be able to give some people from the town a chance to get on screen. Everyone has been very welcoming and that always makes filming much easier. Loughborough has been a great location for us."
Cemetery Junction will be released in April.
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