Steve Kenis, former managing director at William Morris Agency (WMA) in London, has launched UK-based talent agency Steve Kenis & Co to represent clients including Peter O'Toole, Richard Harris, Bruce Beresford and Rowan Atkinson.

Kenis, who left WMA in May when it closed theatrical activities in London, has recently cut deals for actors including O'Toole, who is to star in Sidney Furie's upcoming production Global Heresy. Another client, Omar Sharif, is to take a cameo in DNA Films' Steve Coogan vehicle, The Parole Officer.

Kenis is also involved in talks with Warner Bros for Harris to take a role in Harry Potter And The Sorcerer's Stone.

"The aim is as it has always been for me - to provide effective representation for actors, writers and directors, both in the UK and internationally, based on my knowledge, experience and past successes," Kenis said.

Also on Kenis' roster are Julie Andrews, Peter Ustinov, Jacqueline Bisset, Janet Suzman, Geraldine Chaplin, John Lynch and Jeanne Moreau. Writers and directors include Frederic Raphael, David Ambrose, Gary Sinyor and Danny Cannon. Atkinson is represented for features only.