AN EXTRA who starred in the latest First World War-inspired film 1917, which was partly shot on Salisbury Plain, admits it was an “interesting” and “immersive” experience.

The world war history enthusiast, who cannot be named until the film is released tomorrow, applied for a role when the casting advert was released last year, and was given the opportunity to be in scenes shot locally.

Speaking to the Journal, he said he was “lucky to be involved” alongside around 600 other extras.

The film, directed by Sam Mendes, follows the journey of two British soldiers in a race against time, as they cross over into enemy territory to deliver a life-saving message.

The extra’s role was as a soldier on the front line, and he described the rehearsal process as “long and intense, but interesting”.

He added: “We were surrounded by military and historical advisors, and their attention to detail just blew me away – I couldn’t even wear my wedding ring.”

The 33-year-old described his favourite moment on set as an “adrenaline rush”, when another character runs along the line during a series of explosions.

“I’ve never seen anything like it, it gave us such charge,” he said.

A stand-out element of the film is its illusion to appear as if it was shot in one long take, and the extra said this was a difficult part of the filming process as weather, lighting and colours had to be consistent.

When asked what to expect from the motion picture, he said: “You get to see how it all worked on the inside. You don’t have to be interested in the First World War to watch it, the way it is shot means that audiences live and breath in it with us.

“It was an amazing experience, and it is immersive for both the actors and those who watch it.”

1917 won Best Motion Picture- Drama, as well as Mendes securing the Best Director accolade, at the Golden Globes on Sunday.

The film is dedicated to the director’s grandfather and those who served in the armed forces in the war.