The combination of gripping storylines set against a naturally dramatic backdrop helps make the Shetland television series such compelling viewing. The BBC crime series has piqued viewers' interest worldwide. It has also provided locals with the exciting opportunity to step into the world of television as supporting artists or "extras".
The benefits of living in Shetland include our vibrant communities, spectacular scenery, and stress-free commutes. A less obvious one may be the occasional opportunity to appear as an 'extra' on the popular television drama, 'Shetland'.
Decade of appearances
Fiona Cope is a ten-year veteran extra on the show. She was aware of some locals being used in the first series when it was filmed in 2012. It was not until the following year that her curiosity about the filming process drove her to participate in Series 2. That decision led to a decade of involvement with the programme.
Retired teacher and gift shop owner, Fiona, says: “I didn’t know what to expect but I thought it might be an interesting experience – something very different from my normal life in Shetland.”
As an extra, no two days are the same. However, the working day usually starts with a drive to check in to wherever the base is situated.
Actor Douglas Henshall (Jimmy Perez) with Fiona Cope (veteran 'Shetland' extra). Courtesy of Fiona Cope
Fiona relishes the busy yet welcoming atmosphere of the set, describing the base as “a bit like a village, with the catering truck at its heart!"
“You’re often right in the thick of it all […] but I find it especially fascinating seeing the amount of work that goes into even filming a short scene.
"The team all have their respective roles, whether that’s actor, director or all the crew members – lighting, props, runners, etc. They’re like cogs in a well-oiled wheel, very professional.
"What struck me the first time was how friendly all the team are, and they are lovely with the extras.”
One of the many advantages of being an extra is the chance to rub shoulders with cast members. Fiona recalls the time she was asked to report to Lerwick cemetery and bring two other extras.
“I roped in a couple of neighbours, and we discovered we were the only extras for a scene being shot with Douglas Henshall [who played detective inspector Jimmy Perez for 8 seasons] and other actors. After an increasingly cold few hours on the breezy hillside, we were told that that was a ‘wrap’, so the only thing we could think of was to get a hot cup of coffee pronto.
“We headed off to the Peerie Shop Café and who should be inside the door, waiting for his takeaway coffee, but Douglas Henshall. He’d beaten us to it.”
Fiona seized the opportunity to get her photo taken with the star, joking: “After 10 years of extra work on the programme, my only photo of me with a cast member is a great one of Dougie but a not so good one of me with my eyes closed!”
Having fun on set – Fiona Cope with fellow extra Austin Taylor. Courtesy of Fiona Cope
Thrilling experience
Compared to Fiona, Angela Watt is a relative newcomer to the supporting cast of Shetland. Although she’d seen advertisements for extras before, it wasn’t until last year that she plucked up the courage to seize the day and apply to be an extra.
She was delighted to land the role of a Scene of Crime Officer, an experience which was marked by good weather and great company. Angela describes the experience as being: “a terrific way to get to meet people and to do something that I'd always wanted to do”.
Seeing herself on screen for the first time was particularly thrilling for Angela, even if her appearance was obscured by her costume.
She recalls: “I was in full SOCO (scene of crime officer) gear. So you couldn't actually tell it was me. I was sitting watching it with my family going, ‘That's me, that's me!’ I was really excited because I never thought I'd ever get to play a part like that on national television.”
Scene of the crime ... Angela Watt in full forensics outfit ready for her appearance in 'Shetland'. Courtesy of Angela Watt
The excitement for Angela peaked when she was chosen to play a pivotal role in an episode from series eight. “I played the SOCO that found a piece of clothing in a bar," she explains. “I got to be on the set with the three lead characters – so that was an amazing day for me.”
I was really excited because I never thought I'd ever get to play a part like that on national television.
'Marvellous opportunity'
As Shetland continues to intrigue global viewers and boost tourism, Fiona and Angela see the value in locals participating, whether as seasoned extras or newcomers eager to experience the magic of television from behind the scenes.
Angela says: “I think it's a marvellous opportunity for Shetlanders, young and old. And it’s right on our doorstep.”
Fiona describes it as “an honour” to have been a part of a show that has Shetland at its heart. “It’s been amazing seeing the series develop over the years into the huge national and international success that it has become.
"It’s been a terrific boon for Shetland and helped to increase visitors to the islands as well as increasing interest in the place generally. It’s really put us on the map!”
If you are a fan of the 'Shetland' television drama don't miss the self-guided trails taking in locations used in the series.