IFTA Discussion with Lead Cast of 'Vikings' the Internationally Acclaimed TV Drama

The Irish Academy is delighted to host a discussion with key cast from the highly acclaimed VIKINGS, including Katheryn Winnick, Clive Standen, John Kavanagh and Moe Dunford.

The panel discussion will explore the ‘making of’ and the ‘behind the scenes’ process on Vikings from the point of view of the actors, and will provide insight into various topics including creating the look and feel of their characters, rehearsal & shooting, filming mainly outside throughout Ashford Studios and Wicklow, the physical demands of the series battles and action scenes , working with Michael Hirst’s script and the evolution of the successful series from the first season.

There will also be a special focus on the challenges of shooting episodic drama for television.

This will be an invaluable opportunity for Irish Academy Members especially those within the Acting, Directing & Television Chapters to engage with and learn from the cast involved in an extraordinarily successful show that is shot and produced in Ireland and that is currently being broadcast in over 100 territories worldwide.

Actors Bios: Making Of and Behind the Scenes of Vikings

Kathryn Winnick
Kathryn Winnick is a Canadian born actress whose performance as the fierce Lagertha has earned her several Best Actress nominations from Canadian Screen Awards, Critics Choice Television Awards, Gemini Awards, Golden Maple Awards and Women's Image Network Awards. Her credits show a diverse range of experience across both film and television.

Clive Standen
The Northern Ireland born actor behind the pinnacle character of Rollo is no stranger to the historical battle scenes of ‘Vikings’, having taken lead roles in television productions such as ‘Robin Hood’ and ‘Camelot.’ Most recently Clive has taken on the lead role of Bryan Mills in the NBC ‘Taken’ series, previously played by Liam Neeson in the original film franchise.

Moe Dunford
Dunford received his second IFTA for Best Actor in a Supporting Role in Drama in April this year for his portrayal of Aethelwulf; his first win in 2015 was for his lead role in Terry McMahon’s ‘Patrick’s Day.’ Dunford’s career on the small screen has gone from strength to strength, from his role in ‘The Tudors’, to his roles of Niall in ‘Raw’ and Christian in Irish language series ‘An Crisis’. ‘Patrick’s Day’ proved a huge step for Dunford the following year, preceding his role in ‘Vikings’ and John Butler’s ‘Handsome Devil’, (which screens for IFTA Members on December 13th); other recent work includes The Flag (opposite Pat Shortt)

John Kavanagh
John currently plays the roles of the Ancient Seer and Pope Leo X in the History Channel's ‘Vikings’. Kavanagh’s 80+ credits as a screen actor include ‘Braveheart’, ‘The Butcher Boy’, Alexander’, The Tiger’s Tail’, Closing the Ring’, ‘The Invisible Woman’, ‘Some Mother’s Son’, and ‘The Stag’. Television roles likewise range from a recurring role as Cardinal Campeggio in ‘The Tudors’ and ‘The Clinic’, ‘Holby City’, ‘Titanic: Blood and Steel’, and ‘George Gently’. Kavanagh is a unique part of the ‘Vikings’ cast, playing the roles of both The Seer and Pope Leo IV.