My Job: West Cork's new extras agency lands 'Jimmy' film and ad work

Extra Extra, a Cork-based agency founded by Cashell Horgan has quickly became a success

Extras having their costumes checked in the “line up” before they go on set and filming starts. Picture: Neil Michael.

Name: Cashell Horgan

Occupation: Founder, Extra Extra

Background: Cork-based agency providing extras for film productions and advertising shoots. Recently completed work on feature film ‘Jimmy’, which filmed in West Cork

The start of 2026 has been a busy time for Extra Extra, having been part of the film production ‘Jimmy’, shooting around West Cork and its hinterland. 

The film chronicles Hollywood legend Jimmy Stewart’s decision to enlist as a bomber pilot in the US Army Air Corps during World War II after winning the best actor Oscar for his role in The Philadelphia Story. The production began principal photography in September, with a plot that follows Stewart’s journey from small-town Pennsylvania unknown to eventual Hollywood stardom, and his decision to enlist during World War II, before returning to the silver screen in the 1946 film, It’s A Wonderful Life, for which he won the Best Actor Academy Award. 

Cashell Horgan founder Extra Extra.

“Given that Extra Extra was set up only last April, being part of such a major film so soon after was a huge help in getting the company up and running,” explained Cashell Horgan. “Film productions are obviously major events for us, but we also work with a lot of advertising companies making adverts in the region – that work has helped to keep us running on pretty much a constant basis as well.” Having spent over 20 years working in the film and television world, ranging across roles as an animator, editor, director and producer, his acquired knowledge of casting, co-ordinating and directing actors laid the foundation for Extra Extra. 

A poster seeking extras for the film on the life of Jimmy Stewart that was shot in Cork.

“I saw the opportunity to provide the service on the basis that there wasn’t an agency for extras in this part of the country. As a producer with experience as an extra, we totally get what’s needed to make a production work and how to treat the talent right.” The increasing activity at Troy Studios in Limerick and The West Cork Film Studios provided an opening for the constant requirement of extras in a series of large and small productions. “The essential idea day one was to cater to whatever work was happening in the region, and that really ramped up when the ‘Jimmy’ production began toward the end of the summer.” Enlisting people keen to work as background bodies and minor roles in the production presented no problem to the fledgling company: “The response was quite amazing - we had people coming from all over the country, many from the local Cork area, of course – but also from as far away as Galway, Donegal, Dublin, and even from the UK. They all just wanted to be part of the film.”

With ‘Jimmy’ scheduled to premiere in cinemas next November, the attendant publicity will doubtless further boost the commercial fortunes of Extra Extra. In the meantime, the advertising work helps to fill the in-between periods until the next major film production takes shape. “Happily, the advertising work does keep coming in, and already we’ve worked on projects with Midleton Whiskey, Rockshore, and a promotion for The Ryder Cup. I was actually surprised to discover how many adverts are being made in the south of Ireland.” 

While the beauty of the region has been a magnet for productions of various sizes over the years – The Wind That Shakes The Barley, Ondine, Song For A Raggy Boy – Horgan credits the Young Offenders in more recent times as having generated a renewed focus on the area by the global film industry: “The Young Offenders film and TV series did help in promoting the idea of shooting outside of Dublin. The expense of accommodation and associated costs of a production filming in Dublin weighed against the reduced costs of coming down to Cork and the filmmaking facilities now established here has certainly made us more attractive to movie companies. The more productions that are made in the Munster region, the more talent that will be trained here and available to service the needs of the industry. In the end, much of the decision to film in Cork comes down to money.”

Running an extras company requires knowledge of multiple areas – not least adaptability. “Extra Extra isn’t just your typical extras agency, we are a one-stop shop for all things extras. Whether companies need a co-ordinator that can handle casting, scheduling or budget management – we’ve got that covered. We know how crazy film schedules can get, so we’re always ready to roll, even after hours, to handle last-minute changes. We work closely with all departments to make sure the production runs smoothly and stays within budget – no stress, no hassle.” Amongst the co-ordinator services offered by Extra Extra are the selection and hiring of extras, liaising with Director and Assistant Director, on-set management, crowd control, handling issues on set in addition to ensuring safety and welfare. As to the requirements of being an extra, there is more to the job that standing around waiting for the command – “action!” In terms of age, there is usually a spot for everyone. “Whether you're a child, teen, adult or senior, there's a role for you - casting calls typically have age requirements, but we’ve got something for all ages.” 

Extras might need to fit a certain look or play specific roles like business types, tourists or students: “Appearance can definitely help for certain gigs.” Availability and flexibility are paramount: “Be ready for long hours - sometimes with little notice, and possibly even multiple days, depending on the production. Flexibility is the name of the game. Showing up on time and being punctual are key.” Having no acting experience is not a problem: “You don’t need to be a pro actor, but being able to take direction and look natural on camera is key.” Maintaining sensible on-set etiquette is a key lesson for every extra, he explains: “Keep it cool on set, stick to your designated areas, no sneaky photos or videos, and avoid causing distractions while the cameras are rolling. It’s about staying in your lane and letting the magic happen.”

The old cliché – “you’re only as good as your last job” – holds true in the film business. For Cashell Horgan and his crew at Extra Extra, the level of talent and efficiency delivered on the Jimmy film set did not go un-noticed. “Cashell did a wonderful job on a very challenging project,” said Aaron Burns, ‘Jimmy’ Director/Producer. “He was creative, resourceful, and relentless in his efforts to make sure we had the exact right background performers for each day of our production. From Old Hollywood crews, to WWII soldiers and airmen, to swing dancers and band players, they all looked great on set.” Later this month, the crew of Extra Extra move to Donegal for another major feature film – ‘The Flying Mountain’. Described as “a powerful and visually striking drama”, it follows two very different brothers on a life quest from the cliffs of Ireland to Tibet’s mythical Flying Mountain.