1 Director’s Responsibility
Understand Child Actor/Model
Directors must understand the following:
- Children are intelligent
- The child actor/model wants to be there
- The child actor/model wants to do her/his best
- Make certain the parent/guardian is present and visible
2 Directors must Listen to Child Actor/Model
With Genuine Respect
Directors are usually adults. When working with child actor/models consider:
- Listen to the child’s words and emotional tone
- Take cues from child’s performance for your direction techniques
- Be aware of child’s energy level and adjust the set action accordingly
3 Importance of Rehearsals
With Child Actor/Models
Children are attentive:
- Embrace the child actor/model desire to be on the set
- The child actor/model wants to do her/his best
- In simple terms explain the reason for the action
- Rehearse the photo pose
- Rehearse the filming action
4 Action must be Age Appropriate
Consider Including Child’s Youthful Spontaneity
To keep the Child Actor/Model’s attention
- Make the business moment fun
- Let the Child know they are engaging positively in the activity
- Comfort is paramount in the filming/photographing process
A well-adjusted child actor/model will achieve the finished product the director desires for success.