Children and Teens in the Film Industry
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We all love our kids. Every parent is convinced that his or her child is the most beautiful, most talented and certainly the most delightful. That said, though, not every child is cut out to work in the acting business. So, if you are thinking of involving your child in the industry, you may want to consider the following first.
The entertainment industry is a business and being the parent of a child performer is a very demanding job. A Stage Parent must be prepared to give up tremendous amounts of time and energy - to schedule and attend casting sessions, auditions, fittings, rehearsals and shooting. They have to organize photos, resumes, read scripts and understand contracts and collective agreements. They have to keep accounts and deal with the tax man on behalf of their child. And, most important of all, they have to accompany their child to set, stay with them for hours and be prepared to be firm on matters pertaining to their child's welfare.
It's a tall order. Particularly if it is a long shoot - stretching over days or weeks.
And even if you, as the parent, feel that you're willing to make this investment - you have to really take a hard look at your child. A film set is an industrial site. Yes, it can be an exciting place - but it is first and foremost, a place of work. It can be a pressure-cooker where grown men get stressed out. Do you really want your child there? The actor's life is one of constant rejection punctuated with occasional paying gigs. It takes a very special child to withstand these highs and lows without losing their confidence. They have to be able to stayed focused and even for hours. If you child has a hard time sitting still and quiet for long periods of time - this may not be the line of work for them.
The parent also has to keep the child's academic career in mind, as well. Can your child handle the combination of school, auditions and a work schedule?
As a stage parent, you must be confident that you can maintain your child's happy, healthy attitude towards themselves and the people around them. If your child is struggling emotionally or has trouble keeping his or her marks up at school, this is definitely not the extra-curricular activity for them!
That said, being the parent of a child who works in the industry and enjoys it can be very rewarding for both of you. If you are well-informed and dedicated to your child's best interests, it can be an adventure you share together.
With some 2000 members across the country and over 10% of our membership here in the Maritimes under the age of 18, it's safe to say that minors are an integral part of ACTRA and of the Canadian film and television industry. Both ACTRA National and ACTRA Maritimes have committees dedicated to the issues of our child members and their parents.
And ACTRA has put together a manual The Stage Mom Survival Guide, which is provided free of charge to the parents of our members and for $15.00 to general public.
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