With a television in every living room and a movie theater in every town, the dream of becoming a television or movie star is a real possibility for the young actors of today. But as there are hundreds of talent agencies out there that are only after your money, you much be careful that you and your child are not exploited. Your Child in Film and Television in a practical, how-to book on the movie and television industries that shows you how your child can become a successful actor on TV and in movies. By explaining the ins and outs of the business, this book will help you to jumpstart your little actor's career with tips on promotions, casting calls, auditioning, and call backs.
Introduction ix1 Do You Have the Time to Involve Your Child in Film 1or Television?2 Assembling Your Team 5Do I need an agent? 5How are agents paid? 6How do I find an agent? 7Choosing a good agent 12Getting agents to come to you 15What if I live out of town? 15Do I need a manager? 16Should my child take classes? 16Talent and model searches 173 The Casting Call 19How does casting work? 20How do they decide who will audition? 20Breakdown services 22Internet breakdown services 22Auditions 23Who will be at the audition? 23iiiCONTENTSiv Your child in film & televisionHow do directors decide which child to use? 24Who decides who gets the part? 24Why is more than one child often hired? 25How does casting differ for film and television? 25Taping auditions 26On hold 26Casting background 26Internet message boards 274 Headshots 29How important is a good headshot? 29What to send out for your agent search 30Taking your own headshots 30Choosing a photographer 30Preparing for the photo shoot 31Choosing the headshot 32Making reproductions 335 The Audition 43Keeping track of the details 43Who goes to the audition? 43Day/date 46Time 46Place 47Casting director 47Project 47Scene 47Appearance 48Lines, sides, and storyboards 48Callback dates 50Shoot dates 50Expenses 51Got callback 51Some guidelines for making auditions go smoothly 51Take only the child that is going to audition 52Check in with the assistant when you arrive 52Keep yourself occupied 54Familiarize yourself with the proceedings 54What if my child is reluctant to audition? 55What happens in the audition? 55What time will auditions be held? 566 Working Background 57Scheduling your time 57Working conditions 58Upgrading 58Some tips for working background 59Keeping track of the details 60Location 60Project and scene 60Wardrobe 60Wrangler/assistant director 64Expenses 64Background performer vouchers 647 How to Behave on the Set 69What to do on set 69What not to do on set 738 Working Conditions for Children 75Parent must be present 76Performance requirements 76Child not required to perform in dangerous situations 76Physical, athletic, or acrobatic activity 77Parent's written consent required for all stunts 77Work with animals 77Children employed in scenes depicting child abuse 77or carnal actsResponsibility of the parent 77Parent actions are subject to review 77Parent must accompany child when traveling 78Parent must be familiar with child's role 78Permits 78School permit 78Working permit 78Canadian Union Work Permit 81Emergency medical authorization 81Parent disclosure 81Contents vvi Your child in film & televisionWorking hours 81Rest and recreation 81Five-out-of-seven-day work week 81Hours of work for children 81Meal break 83Working with infants 83Infant defined 83Minor defined 83Physician's statement 83Adequate facilities for infants 83Exposure to light 84Handling infants 84Altering an infant's appearance 84Schooling 84Wages for time on set 86Dressing/change rooms 86Child's coordinator 869 The Unions, the Money, and What You Really Want to Know 87Working in a union 87Payment scales and minimum rates 88Background rates 90Actor rates 90Session fees and residuals 90How long before I get paid? 94Your agent's commissions and deductions 94Protecting your child's income 9510 Who Does What in the Film and Television Industry 97IATSEjobs 98Director 98Second unit director 98First assistant director 98Second assistant director 99Production manager, unit production manager, 99production coordinator, and their assistantsAccountants 99Locations manager and assistants 99Production designer/art director 99Editing 100Sound team 100Foley artist 100Photography department 100Gaffer 101Grips 101Greenspeople 101Makeup and hair artists 101Construction/painters 102Property master/props 102Publicist 102Script supervisor 102Set decorating 102Colorist, color consultant 103Special effects 103Video special effects 103Matt artists 103Teamsters 103Producers 104Producer 104Executive producer 104Co-producers 104Associate producer 105Line producer 105Appendix: Online Resources 107Glossary 109Contents viiviii Your child in film & televisionChecklists1 Are you ready for the film and television industry? 32 Questions to ask an agency 83 Permit application 79Diagram1 The road to stardom 21Samples1 Letter to agent 102 Resume 113 Contact sheet (two-year-old) 344 Enlargement (with insert) 355 Contact sheet (four-year-old) 366 Enlargement (four-year-old) 377 Contact sheet (older child) 388 Enlargement (older child) 399 Contact sheet with bad lighting 4010 Storyboard 4911 Location Map 6212 Nonunion extra voucher 6613 Union background performer voucher 6714 Call sheet 7115 Commercial engagement contract 8916 Payroll extra voucher 93Table1 Approximate payment scales 91Worksheets1 Agency tracking 132 Audition tracking form 443 Child's information 534 Background tracking 61
