FILMING of the new Young Offenders television series continues in Cork with bystanders included in some of the scenes.

A six-part series based on the smash-hit film has been commissioned for BBC Three and BBC Comedy, in association with RTE.

While on a visit to one of the locations, trainee Assistant Director Adrian Spillett told the Evening Echo the team often bring in people for background scenes.

“We bring in our own background actors, but on the bigger days, especially around the city centre if there are some lads that are just really keen on watching and if they are interesting and they look like they could add something then they are pulled in and they are asked if they wouldn’t mind.

“Like last week we were filming something down by the Bridewell with the Garda bikes and there were three lads just watching and the camera panned and they were caught, but it was just perfect.

“So we went up and asked them would they mind hanging around for half an hour and filming a few more shots, and they were grand, they signed the papers and they were happy to be there, so that has been happening throughout the filming.” 

According to Mr Spillett, the locals are very on board with the filming of the series and extremely interested in the production of the six-part TV series.

“People are really taking this show to heart, wherever we go the first question is it the young offenders, everyone knows what we are shooting. 95% of the people are delighted to stop for us and help us out with that.

Mr Spillett said the crew is currently working 12 hour days, five days a week and are on schedule to finish up filming in roughly two weeks time.

“We are more or less on schedule, there were one or two hairy days at the start where it looked like we were behind, but we pulled that back.” 

Running through a typical day, Mr Spillett said his job as Assistant Director involves making sure everyone knows where they are supposed to be and when.

“Our job is to make sure everyone gets the relevant information for the day. All the scripts and sites go out, walkies, location information, times and where everyone needs to be.

“We make sure the actors go through the works, wardrobe, hair and makeup, on time but then when we get to set it is more about scene management on our side.

Adrian said there are roughly 30-40 people on average on set, although this figure can rise to as much as 100.

“It’s a lot of people to mind.

“Usually we have someone to mind if there is a big bunch of extras like 50 people. We liaise with ourselves, and the different departments and as long as people know what is happening we don't really have to manage anything. Communication is key.” 

Speaking about the challenges they face on set, Adrian said the weather is their biggest problem. “Generally the weather is one of the major things that is always a concern, those heavy showers are always a problem, we can keep going in the mist but heavy showers will stop us.” Talking about getting on with together on set, Adrian said everyone gets on with everyone and there are no problems.

“The banter on set is important especially with a small team if there is any niggling issues or anything you get them out of the way fast.”