10,000 Spaniards apply to be extras on Game of Thrones TV series

More than 10,000 Spaniards have applied to work as extras on Game of Thrones, one of the world's most popular television series, part of which will be shot in southern Spain later this year.

With the country having one of the highest unemployment rates in Europe, it is hardly surprising that the Spanish firm in charge of producing the fifth series has been inundated with requests from people eager to appear on the show.

"Thank you for wanting to participate," said Fresco Film Services following the huge response. "In less than 24 hours we have received more than 10,000 requests."

The Malaga-based firm had earlier put two e-mail addresses on its page, one for extras and the other for technical crew. A spokesman said Fresco had met their technical requirements.

The casting is only for extras, not for speaking parts. The firm says its confidentiality agreement with producer HBO prevents it from revealing more details.

Extras' casting would take place until September and the shoot is expected to begin in October. Various locations around Seville have been proposed, including the Moorish palace Real Alcazar, and various places in the Osuna region.