Get name in lights, actors urged

John Roestenburg is seeking lower North Island actors who want to publicise their talents and get paid work.

The former accountancy manager for Doyle & Associates started his own business, Hothouse Photography, in 2009. He used his own images on his new website, theone.co.nz

The site has the pictures and biographical details of models and actors in the lower North Island, from Wanganui south to Wellington.

The listings are free, but Mr Roestenburg is hoping to eventually charge organisations that hire people found through the site.

He already has about 20 models on it, and has asked every theatre group in the lower North Island for actors who would like to put themselves out there.

It struck him there was a wealth of talent in the provinces, and that corporates or the Wellington film industry might like to make use of it.

"We have invested a reasonable amount of money and effort into a pretty cool and professional promotion facility," he said.

It's a zippy site, with glamorous moving pictures and sound.

Mr Roestenburg also has other irons in the fire. He has at least one other website and gives workshops for small to medium-sized businesses.

His Hothouse Photography business started slowly, but is picking up momentum with specialist real estate pictures taken from above.

It is also getting an increasing number of weddings, including one about which Mr Roestenburg has been sworn to secrecy. He is sure it will provide fodder for women's magazines. The nuptials take place in early 2013 near to Wanganui.

His partner, Germa Stoepker, helps with the wedding photography.

"We like to think our unique approach, including using two photographers, a reception slideshow on the day and a guest photobooth has created this excitement for our work," he said.