ON THE JOB

Focus on people who do unusual summer work: Ruairí McDermott (21), film extra.

When did you start?

I went for an extra job on King Arthurbut I was at school and I didn't get the job. I was in fifth year. I wanted it because I hated school.

What was your first job?

Tudorsis the first thing I worked on properly. I've been in both series. I was a musician, pretending to play this violin-looking thingy last year. I don't play but they got the impression I was able to. This year I am a tradesman.

What's your costume like?

Last year's costume was red velvet. It was very tight around the neck. It could cut off your air supply if you leaned back. There were wings on the sleeves with huge pockets. You'd hide your money in there and your smokes.

My tradesman's costume is very long and sort of dress-like. I have to wear tights under it and they're very uncomfortable, made of tweed material. It's roasting.

Where does the filming take place?

All over the place, but mostly in Ardmore Studios. Some of it is out in Wicklow in the countryside.

What's the money like?

You make at least €90 a day. If you get overtime, it can be quite a lot. I was busy last year. It's not so busy this year. Last year I was doing at least three days a week.

Is it interesting?

It's incredibly mind-numbing. They call you in for 6.30am. They put you in your costume and do your make-up. Then you could be sitting there until 3pm in the day. You try to read. I always bring these books that I have no interest in and I do end up reading them.

What kind of make-up do they put on?

It's stuff to make your skin not shine and they trim your beard if you're a guy.

Do you get to see how a film is made?

It can be interesting seeing the film going on. I did television and film in college for almost two years.

Have you worked on other films?

I worked on PS I Love Youand A Tiger's Talewith Brendan Gleeson. In that I was standing in the background in a club and I had to pretend to talk to a girl, which was quite awkward. They tell you to mime and you look like a complete idiot. That's the worst part. If it's someone you know, it's fine but if not, it can be awkward.

What do you like about the job?

It's fun to dress up. It can be quite fun sometimes. You get fed meals every day, the food is usually nice with a proper caterer, you have a choice of three meals, and if you don't get lunch you get €15 extra in your cheque. When you have a few of your friends working on it, it's good to sit around in the holding area and talk. You can sit around all day.

Is there a future in it?

It's just a bit of fun with money attached to it. The money is fairly good. It's easy work even though it's fairly boring. I know I'm not going to be doing extra work for a long time. I can't imagine myself working as an extra for more than three years. I'd just get sick of it. But it's something to do with my day rather than sitting at home.

- in conversation with Catherine Foley.