ASK & DISCUSS
INDEXCasting parents with babies
6 years, 1 month ago - Zan Barberton
Hi,
I need to cast a series of younger parents with babies for an educational film. I'm new to casting - how do I go about it? Can anyone advise me as to how much time to allocate, do I hire an audition space? How much do I pay the actors etc? Anything I haven't thought of...?
Also any younger actors (especially those with babies) please do get in touch!
Thanks!
Zan
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6 years, 1 month ago - Yen Rickeard
Parents love to show off their babies, but you have to make the environment comfortable enough for them. Talk to any mother, she'll tell you what they need, but try to put in stuff they would like, quiet area, play things, and loads of water and other drinks for the mums. Make it as much like the space you are going to film in, so they don'e get any shocks.
Look in the resources here for actors, and also Mandy.com . If you are still looking, try advertising outside schools/preschools.
Remember filming is going to take a whole lot longer. Babies are very demanding actors, they know they are in charge and will get whatever they want - or else! Good luck with it
Response from 6 years, 1 month ago - Yen Rickeard SHOW
6 years, 1 month ago - Sally Newsom
Above all, it's about time and patience as Yen said, partly so you can get to know the mums - if the mums are more relaxed, the babies will be too. Schedule a staggered casting so they’re not waiting around for ages.
If you're casting a larger group, it might make sense to allow for the fact that one or two might not make it on the day due illness etc (babies are more susceptible). Depending on the length and nature of the scene you’re filming, for any crucial roles you could cast 2 or more similar mums/babies to fill the same role as there’s no way of predicting how they’ll behave when the camera’s rolling. Even the most docile baby might suddenly become upset or be having an off day. Also, allow as much filming time as possible.
Definitely invest in a suitable, professional-feeling casting space with easy access for prams, chairs, water and a separate space for auditions away from the waiting area (babies are noisy!): if you're asking people to bring their babies to film, you need to build trust and remunerate them for going to the time and effort it takes to get a baby anywhere, especially an audition or shoot...
Your location will need quiet space for sleeping, feeding etc.
Make sure lighting isn’t too intense and the environment is as comfortable as possible.
Good luck!
Response from 6 years, 1 month ago - Sally Newsom SHOW