How to Keep Kid Actors and Models Safe
It’s a subject that rarely gets discussed but one that we feel is super important when working with kids. And that subject is of course safety for kid actors and models.
You may wonder what on Earth we’re talking about here. After all, your child certainly won’t be doing any dangerous stunts or action pieces. But the truth is that no matter where your child is, it always pays to be extra careful just in case.
With this in mind, we’ve decided to outline exactly how we (and you) can keep our kid actors and models safe from any potential dangers.
Protecting personal information
This is where it all starts for us here at Bubblegum Casting. Your child’s personal information is always under lock and key. And although we allow casting directors to view our directory that includes photos and names of our talent, we never give out any other information.
Your agent should work as a go-between for your child so that no personal details such as home address, phone numbers, or email addresses are shared unless you the parent agree to it. This is an essential requirement before you agree to work with any agent.
Safe and secure locations only
Auditions and casting calls are always held in a professional environment. Most importantly, your agent will always know where you should be. Any change of location will come through your agent, and if not, it’s always a good idea to double-check.
Shoots can take place anywhere but once again your agent will always know beforehand. It should be them who informs you of the location and the time you need to be there. If you feel that the location is unsuitable or unsafe for your child, then you have to let your agent know as soon as possible. Remember that safety always takes precedence over editorial needs.
Always keep your eyes open
Generally speaking, a photo shoot or a filming location is quite safe. There are always plenty of people watching your child. However, you or your agent (if there) should always have your eyes on your child especially during breaks in shooting. You don’t want your child wandering off unattended or touching anything that might hurt them.
Treat the shoot as you would a trip to a department store. Just keep your eyes on your child, and everything should be absolutely fine.
Stranger danger
Okay so here’s the big fear that all parents have and it’s to do with strangers approaching or talking to your child. At a shoot or audition, you’ll find that you are surrounded by strangers and this could make you feel uneasy.
However, it’s worth noting that in order to work with children in the entertainment industry, employees of the production company who are supervising children must undergo a ‘working with children check.’ This is to protect any child from coming into contact with anyone that has a criminal record.
Again, as we mentioned earlier, it’s always best to keep your eyes on your child. That means never leaving them alone with an adult under any circumstances. We’re not trying to scare you here, but as we said, it always pays to be extra careful where children are concerned.
Protect your child’s image
Whether it’s a photo shoot or filming, you should only allow your child to be represented in a way that you feel comfortable with. This means the clothing your child is asked to wear or the props they may use in a photo shoot. If you feel that anything could have a negative impact on your child’s image, then speak up.
As for filming, you must pay attention to the costume and any actions the director asks your child to perform. If you feel that anything is inappropriate, you must speak up. If you don’t, the production team will assume you are okay with it.
Teach your child about safety
When a child spends a great deal of time in auditions and on location for shoots, they may start to feel comfortable around strangers. It’s your job as a parent to make sure that they remember to protect themselves at all times. You’ve likely had this conversation with your child several times already when talking about staying safe in the local park. But just remind them that although there may be adults they know all around them, they still need to be careful no matter where they are.
At Bubblegum Casting we do everything we can to ensure that the kids on our books are protected at all times. For us nothing is more important than the safety of a child. And that’s how it should be for any talent agency that represents children. So before you sign up with an agency, ask them about the measures they take to ensure that your child will be safe at all times.
If you’re looking for representation for your child or you’re considering changing agents, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now to join Bubblegum, and we’ll get right back to you as soon as we can. Who knows, your child might be just the right fit for the Bubblegum family.
