We’ve noticed a lot of amazing Tongal Videos that feature child actors in them recently, which got us thinking…what’s it like to cast and direct kids? If you’ve been wondering the same, check out this fantastic advice from Tongal All-Stars Jeff and Noah, Side of Fries and SnapBrothers Productions.
At the Audition
Gauge their ability to take direction
- “We look for one thing above anything – the child’s ability to take direction. We don’t go over any of the commercial’s content, instead we do exercises that test a child’s ability to listen and react. If they can do that, we can get what we need come shoot day.” – Side of Fries
- “In auditions, we always like to have them do a short cold read, then repeat it a few times with some different, strong directions to see how well they respond to them.” – Jeff & Noah
See how they register on camera
- “Always video kids auditions. Just like adults, they can appear very differently on camera than they did in the room.” – J&N
Meet the parents
- “Parents know their children better than anyone else. It’s always easier to direct, when the parents are on set to help you communicate” – SnapBrothers Productions
- “Every kid is different on set, and as such must be treated so…get the parents on board and make sure they understand their role as enforcer if the kid begins to goof around.” – SoF
Cast older kids
- “The older child is, the easier they are to work with! When casting children’s roles it helps to find children that look younger than they are” - SBP
While On Set
Be a positive role model, keep the energy up and stay focused
- “Behave how you want the kids to behave. As the director, you are their role model on set.” – J&N
- “Keep your energy high and focused! Kids can easily become bored and then their performances slip.” – J&N
Keep the atmosphere on set “low-pressure”
- “We would just give them various motivations and explore the reactions they invoked.” - SoF
- “Even the most outgoing kid can become nervous with enough people watching them perform. Try and have as few people on set to keep stress low.” – J&N
- “A little trick we do is leave the camera running after calling ‘cut.’ On more than one occasion the child has practiced his line or reaction with total authenticity thinking he was no longer being watched.” – SoF
Allow for extra time and flexibility in your schedule
- “Schedule extra time. Kids are unpredictable and trying to rush them never seems to end well.” – J&N
- “We got our best footage when we just let them play together in their extra time, rather than trying to over-script.” – J&N
Reward them for their work
- “Having a good rewards system always helps get them to do what you need! Throw a few fruit snacks their way or promise them ice cream after the shoot!” – SB
Armed with these great tips (and hopefully some candy!) you should feel confident venturing into the world of working with child actors. You got this!
