Showbiz: Is It For Your Child?

By Carol Geiger

The Lower Mainland has become a hotbed for film and commercial production in recent years. Many Vancouver parents have signed their children with talent agents, or at least know someone who has.

Whether your child is a pre-teen interested in acting -- or a baby that ‘ought to be in pictures’ -- it is ultimately you who will decide if your child gets a kick at the showbiz can. Before getting involved in show business, you may want to ask yourself a few questions:

Getting Started

Are you ready for the commitment? Being a parent of a child actor often requires a huge amount of time and patience. Driving your child to auditions can take up a large chunk of the day, depending on traffic and the scheduling habits of casting directors. Also, waiting to find out if your child has been casted can wreak havoc on the nerves.

Show business is unpredictable. Having a flexible schedule is a must -- unless you have a nanny or family member available on short notice to take your child to auditions. For example, your child’s agent might call in the morning for an afternoon audition. Your child may get called several times a week, or not for several months. Much depends on your child’s age, ‘look’, skills and what the current market is looking for.

Your Child’s Temperment

Performing in film, television or commercials can provide a creative outlet for your son or daughter. But is show business really for your child?

Children in the business are generally outgoing and comfortable with meeting new people. If your baby cries whenever he sees a new face, maybe now is not the time to introduce him to the industry. On the other hand, if your six-year-old loves to ham it up in front of a video camera, perhaps she is ready for the challenge.

Finding a Reputable Agent

When seeking an agent, shop around and be aware of your child’s rights. The sad truth is that there are illegitimate agencies out there preying on the dreams of the uninformed.

What constitutes a reputable agent is outlined in the BC Employment Standards for Children in the Film Industry. Talent agents must be licensed by the Director of Employment. Agents are not permitted to charge fees up front. Photo fees ($25) are acceptable, but deductions must be made from the actor’s earnings. Be suspicious of agencies offering photography, web pages, or acting classes for inflated fees.

Contact your local branch of the ACTRA (Alliance of Canadian Cinema Television and Radio Artists) for a list of reputable agents. Once you’ve made a short list, compile a proposal package for distribution. Include a business style cover letter stating your child’s height, weight, age, hobbies and skills. You can also include photos of your child, but professional head shots aren’t necessary. A school picture and a full-length body shot are sufficient. Allow a couple of weeks to pass before following up with a phone call.

Your Responsibilities

Like agents, parents have responsibilities in this industry. Be aware of employment standards, occupational health and safety and labour relations rules for child actors.

The Province of BC has specific rules for children working in film, television and commercials. Among them is that school comes first. Regulations require an employer to provide an on-set tutor for children working three or more consecutive school days. If your child must miss school, you are responsible for making sure he or she does not fall behind. Arrange with your child’s teacher to provide school assignments on set.

It is your responsibility to ensure your child obtains an annual child employment permit from the BC Employment Standards Branch. There is no fee for this permit, and it is required before your child can work. Your agent can fill you in on standard audition procedures.

Finally, do your research! It is important to remember that the interests and feelings of your child remain first and foremost. You are the liaison between your child and other adults in the industry, and you need to know when to step in.