NZ actors named for King Kong

Two New Zealand actors known for television roles as a gay stripper and a sneaky public relations boss have joined the cast of Peter Jackson's film King Kong.

John Sumner, best known as Giles O'Connor on the satirical show Spin Doctors, will play Herb, a cameraman in a film crew headed by American actor Jack Black, which tries to make a movie on Skull Island, home to the giant gorilla.

Craig Hall, who played gay stripper Clint in television series The Strip, will also be member of the film crew.

The two are the first New Zealand actors named in the cast, which includes Hollywood stars Black, Adrien Brody and Naomi Watts. Filming of the $200 million movie began in Wellington on Monday.

Sumner, who has also worked in marketing, has appeared in several films and TV shows. His credits include Whale Rider, Shortland Street and Xena: Warrior Princess. He also played a deputy in Jackson's 1996 horror movie The Frighteners.

Hall also appeared in the New Zealand film Savage Honeymoon and The Vector File.

Both actors are also in the New Zealand vampire movie Perfect Creature, shot earlier this year.

- NZPA