ActionActors has just launched and is a new temp/part time contract employment agency dedicated to sourcing non acting work opportunities for actors and other performing artists between acting jobs.

Co-founded by Bruce Hopkins (former Limbs dancer, stage and Lord of the Rings actor) and Anthony Hurst (PeopleMax, Digital Productions), the service is receiving great support from both the actors and their agents and already has more than 40 actors on the books.

"We have some of New Zealand's best known faces, also plenty of up and coming actors but we need more - lots more," says Hopkins, "often people assume that because an actor has been in a successful film or television series they are probably comfortably off financially, this is often far from the brutal reality for freelance performers, even with some great work in their resume"

Based on his own 32yr history of working in the performing arts, Hopkins says having to continually look for part time work between acting jobs requires both time and focus, so being with Action Actors will help to free actors to focus on developing their craft.

"Actors and performers have skills that are ideal for promotional, branding and a vast array of other work opportunities, with the Rugby World Cup 2011 now underway and summer around the corner, we believe demand from clients will be strong."

Hopkins says that ActionActors aims to source actors work "between roles" to provide increased financial security and the ability to be more selective in their acting or performing choices.

'We're really impressed with the skills these people offer and the scope of work they can perform, we are confident employers will find what they are looking for" says Hopkins, "we have already been able to place actors into work through my business partners existing company PeopleMax. They have a contract with Auckland Transport. I've done a couple of shifts myself during this second weekend of RWC and can confidently say it is work that actors can do with ease".

Actors / performers are invited to take a look at www.actionactors.co.nz and sign up online. Action Actors personnel will be sent work opportunities as they arise, they can then accept any work offered if it suits their personal situation".

To hear a National Radio interview with Bruce and Action Actor Matt Halliday, check Lynn Freemans Arts On Sunday

More information is available from Bruce Hopkins; bruce@actionactors.co.nz or cell phone; 021 573 344