Your essential guide to filming with kids

Behind the Scenes with Rising Stars: A Comprehensive Handbook for Productions, Crew, and Agencies

Working with children on set can be an incredible adventure! Whether you’re directing a tiny tot or wrangling a lively group of teens, navigating the world of young performers requires some special know-how. Let’s dive into the essential guidelines to ensure a smooth, safe, and spectacular shoot for everyone involved.

 

Cue the Legalities: Child Licenses – Your Golden Ticket

First things first: child working licenses. These are a non-negotiable legal requirement for anyone under 18 participating in a production. Think of them as the backstage pass that makes everything official. The production team, in collaboration with the child’s agent, parent, or guardian, and the local authority, will handle this. Expect to provide detailed information about the production, the child’s role, and their working hours. Local authorities need all the details to ensure everything aligns with child labor regulations. Pro tip: the process can take up to 10 working days, so plan ahead!

Safety First! DBS Checks – Ensuring a Secure Environment

Depending on the production’s scale and scope, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks might be required for crew members. If you’re working on a longer series with a child in a prominent role, expect DBS checks for anyone in direct contact with the child. This includes makeup artists, costume assistants, sound assistants, and close-working adult actors. While not all productions require this, especially short shoots like commercials, it’s an important safeguarding consideration.

Time for Lights, Camera, and… Breaks! Hours and Rest – Keeping the Energy Up

There are strict guidelines about the amount of time children can spend on set and in front of the camera. These vary depending on age, but rest time and meal breaks are always mandatory! For example, a child between 5 and 8 might be on set for up to 8 hours, on camera for up to 3, called no earlier than 7 AM, and wrap no later than 11 PM (check your local authority’s website for the most up-to-date regulations). Keeping the day structured and child-friendly is key!

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work! Parents, Chaperones, and Tutors – The Support Squad

Every child under 18 needs to be accompanied by a parent or guardian, or a DBS-checked chaperone provided by the production. Chaperones with on-set experience are gold dust—they know the ropes and can answer the million questions young performers often have. For longer productions disrupting school time, a tutor should be provided to keep education on track.

Creating a Sanctuary: The Green Room – A Safe and Happy Place

Separate green rooms for children and young people are highly recommended. This gives them a safe, comfortable space away from the hustle and bustle of the main set. It’s a safeguarding measure and also helps keep everyone organised. Make the space child-friendly and absolutely remove any potentially hazardous items.

Let the Magic Begin!

Working with children is a unique and rewarding experience. At Filming With Kids, we’ve had the pleasure of working with incredible young talent on everything from photoshoots to blockbuster films. We know how to make the experience exciting and memorable for everyone involved.