Boy is now a man

James Rolleston plays a young warrior in The Dead Lands.

Young actor’s face may be on the big screen but his growing feet are solidly on the ground.

Teen star James Rolleston is building for the future. His latest film, Maori action flick The Dead Lands, shot to No1 at the New Zealand box office last week, leapfrogging Brad Pitt's World War II movie Fury.

Rolleston, 17, is earning rave reviews at home and overseas for his role as warrior chieftain's son Hongi, who avenges his father's murder.

But while moviegoers flock to the hit, Rolleston - who shot to fame in 2010 dramedy Boy - is quietly finishing school at Opotiki College in the Bay of Plenty and applying for jobs as a trainee builder.

"It is exciting The Dead Lands is doing so well but I need something to fall back on if this whole acting gig doesn't work out," he told the Herald on Sunday.

"I'd like to get a proper trade under my belt and I am going to either hook up with a local builder for an apprenticeship or do a building course in Whakatane or Tauranga.

"The money for being in movies is good-as for a 17-year-old, but it makes sense to learn some other skills. I'd like to be self-employed and earn some extra cash in between acting jobs."

Rolleston plans some hands-on experience over summer helping a mate's dad on a construction project.

"My dream eventually is to build my own house in Opotiki, then I would be pretty well set up," he said.

Rolleston finishes school soon and is relieved he has no more exams to sit. He also reckoned his classmates will be glad they will no longer have to sit beside a movie star.

Rolleston shone as troubled teen on the edge of gang life in box office smash The Dark Horse, out on DVD next month. He is also the face of expensive advertising campaigns for Vodafone.

"My mates at school have been great for keeping me grounded and they don't get freaked out a bit that I am in the movies," Rolleston said.

"We have all been friends since we were boys and relationships like that don't change. They probably get sick of the sight of my face and some of them say they change the TV channel when the Vodafone ads come on.

"It is the same with my teachers. They treat me as normal and everyone is pretty chill about the whole situation."

As he sorts out a building apprenticeship, Rolleston is also considering a rugby league star role in a low-key Aussie film.

"So far I've been pretty pleased with what I've done and being in an action film like The Dead Lands is bit of a dream come true," he said.

"Some of the battle scenes were intense and I got a few war wounds from the weaponry. But I don't feel I have to suddenly move to Los Angeles or start chasing a big career yet. If the film in Australia comes off, great. If it doesn't I'll get on with building a few things."