Casting 5,000 extras for 'The Vikings'.

The story of the 8th century Norse warriors stars Gabriel Byrne as chieftain Earl Haraldson and was filmed in Ashford, Co. Wicklow. Last summer, there was a casting call for 5,000 extras.

So what makes a good Viking? Caitríona Perry talks to some of the hopefuls auditioning for the show in this RTÉ News report from 5 June 2013. Some dream of being actors, others have nothing better to do. Denis Fitzpatrick, the assistant extras co-ordinator, says that apart from long hair and beards, they are also looking for people who can row or who have experience of battle re-enactment.

Viking Auditions 2013