ASK & DISCUSS INDEX

11 years, 10 months ago - Pat Garrett

Depending on where you are based, there are some very good agents representing young people and that could work as a good filter. And if you go the agent route, make sure that it's a reputable one who only takes commission on any money earned. I know of a very good one who also runs acting, singing and dance classes for young people. Stage schools also have weekend and evening classes for young people and often also run agencies. I would be cautious about anything you apply for and always make sure that a chaperone is employed by any company working with young people. Good luck :-)

11 years, 10 months ago - Vanessa Bailey

Hi! I would agree with everything Paddy has said about being there with your son to protect him and help him learn the system in a safe way. Never let him work for anyone who doesn't treat you or your son with respect from the outset. I've worked several times with child actors on professional sets and on un-paid projects run by professionals who are shooting a no-budget project and they are always really well looked-after.

As a Mother of three (now all teens) my instinct would be to keep him away from roles that you are uncomfortable with. Twelve in still very young to be dealing emotionally on-set with issues such as child abuse, drug abuse or working in horror etc... Whilst it's true that a child needs to play those roles, whether it's the healthiest thing for them to do is very much up for debate. I'm going to stick my neck out as a professional actor and Mother say I think it's very hard for younger children to handle in the same way an older actor can. They don't have the same processing skills developed yet. I find it hard myself sometimes after a challenging role, how much more difficult for a child to work through what they've done. The main thing is to find quality work that will develop your son's skills and there are roles out there without you having to feel unsure about what you submit him for. :) Best of luck!

11 years, 10 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin

All actors need to be able to play different characters, films with stock characters are generally bottom-scrapers. Non-stars will play different character roles with different character flaws. That's where you can go from being 'kid who performs' to 'young actor'. Classes make all the difference, and build on latent talent. Even actors who we associate with pretty stock characters (Ray Winstone, for instance) are usually character actors who often choose similar roles (Winstone went to an expensive stage academy, for instance). That may include roles like 'groomed kid' TBH - someone has to play those roles, and they go to versatile young actors.

The best thing you can do to help foster and nurture a young actor is to be a good chaperone, and help them keep away from trouble. There are several big-name Hollywood former child actors who have been taken advantage of, it's not nearly so bad in the UK, but your presence will help keep it that way. Familiarise yourself with the rules and regs around child actors - working hours, school/tutoring, etc. Work creatively with producers whose productions often have different demands than those rules allow. Adults work long, harsh hours - kids can't, so work out with producers openly how to work to mutual advantage. Good producers/productions will be very happy to get the best result for all concerned, welcome you on set, etc.

There will always be child roles in films, so help your son get professional training to be a versatile and solid actor, and know it will soak up a lot of your weekends!