ASK & DISCUSS INDEX

7 years, 8 months ago - Marlom Tander

https://www.gov.uk/child-employment/performance-licences-for-children

Also, you might want to talk to DBS - they might want people checked out, maybe not all, but possibly some. Certainly you will want to avoid situations where any children could be alone with a member of cast or crew. (Hence the chaperone).

7 years, 8 months ago - Nathan Hannawin

Hi Anthony,

I have directed a child actress previously so I can give you some advice on that aspect.

The best thing I found was maintaining the fact that they are having fun as there can be long pauses between takes and setup time. I took this time to explain what everyone was doing, what every piece of equipment was and so on. A few time's I would get her to call action and cut as well as I never wanted her attention to waver.

Something I do with all my crew is to ensure they are eating a very healthy diet, cutting out heavy foods and, especially with children, sweets and any high sugar drinks which can cause a sugar crash.

We also had a swear jar to try and cut down on any profanity that can occur on set and then donated it to charity at the end.


I would recommend getting a good producer to deal with all the other aspects of working with child actors as there can be a fair bit of paperwork/insure etc involved

I hope this helps

7 years, 8 months ago - Anthony Hett

Hi Marlom, that’s a good point. I will look into that. Thanks.

& thanks Nathan, yes that’s very helpful. Lots of great information there and some things I’d not thought about.

7 years, 8 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin

The local council will have requirements and suggestions for chaperones, tutors, missing schooltime, working hours, etc. It's common to film all the wides and kids angles in one go in the morning, then in the afternoon get reverses and adults scenes

7 years, 8 months ago - Tegan Harris

Hi Marlom
As Paddy has mentioned, it is definitely worth a chat with your local child performance officer as they can save you a lot of reading and can provide the licence forms. There are circumstances where licences aren't needed (ask about the 3 day rule). A professional chaperone could cost circa £80 - £120 a day (the CPO will have a local list) but one of the parents may hold a licence and be willing to help. You may be able to have their parents instead but they can only look after their own child (unless they have a licence) so it would mean 3 on site.

The CPO will ask questions about location, safety, missed school, chaperoning, hours to be worked.

To keep casting simple, it could be worth looking for a local performing arts school; full time arts schools for older pupils will also have part-time classes for younger children. You may also be able to cast on their premises.

7 years, 8 months ago - Tegan Harris

Sorry, that should have been addressed to Anthony. Dashing between classes!

7 years, 8 months ago - Mandy Bainbridge

Hi Anthony - all the above very good advice. My kid is into acting and I am a Registered Chaperone so feel free to pm if you need to. We also own a Performing animals business so see lots of different sides of everything! Its good you are asking the questions in the first place as that makes parents/agents feel reassured. The local LEA where each child lives issues the licences, you'll need to find out from parent the info then e.mail for an application form. Give them about 14 days for casting to filming, though some can be quicker. They'll want to know such as toilet facilities etc, to have a separate child only toilet is great if possible. You'll need to follow the statutory breaks, and DBS on the crew if possible is really good. Hours kids can work change with age so if you want a 4 year old might be worth getting a younger looking 5 as 5-8 can work much longer etc. Restricting Sugar on set def a good idea and check for allergies. My son always enjoys it best when the Director discusses things with them and as Nathan says get them involved. The majority of child actors really want to do a good job so a word of praise here and there they will thrive on. Love the swear jar! And don't call them to location for 7am if their filming slot isn't until 12. If its just a day most parents will be happy to chaperone, especially if you give them a small fee, say £30. If a parent has travelled a child to a location then is turned away at the door as you have a chaperone they can be quite (rightly) fed up,a s they then have to find 8 hours to go somewhere, so even if you do employ a registered chaperone you still might end up with parents on set. As long as you can have a green room you should be fine. Casting wise there are a few good websites where you could ask the kids for casting tapes etc, pm if you want a list. Hope that helps :-)

7 years, 8 months ago - Jane Sanger

All the above advice good, but are you paying them? The fee can be as low as £80 a day plus travel expenses - so Cast children near you. Mums are nearly always willing to chaperone. Some will travel great distances without pay to give their children a chance. Never cast from photo alone, see them in the flesh, even showreels are not enough as the bad bits are cut. I have taught Drama to 6-21 age for 25 years and made films for 6. I am presently casting for several films with children and know many that are good depending where you are based. I can help you Cast if you want for free if you email me. Info@luminofilms.co.uk. Depending on age you are after the reason you need to see them is to hear their voice, check their talent , see concentration levels and if they listen and take direction, what Mum is like if they are to be on set. Believe me their are some nightmare pushy parents who interfere and you need to subtlety rule them out before the shoot. That is one reason why bigger productions have chaperones. Also look at my site www.luminofilms.co.uk/current-projects and you will see some child castings I am doing on there.

7 years, 8 months ago - Jo Fiander

Hi I’m a producer/writer with child actors of girl 15 and boy 9. My daughter has been in a bbc 1 film and both have acted in my shorts. I link with a drama teacher and would be happy to chat. Thanks Jo