I live in australia and need children actors to play in a film. any suggestions?

Question

any advice?how can I get them?and how much should I pay them?

Answer 1

You better be sure you have had all the appropriate police checks, have done the DOCS training  and you have chaperones etc. We take child care very very seriously in this country. If you are genuine then the obvious thing to do is to approach artist management agencies. They too will expect police checks etc.

Answer 2

Checkout the agencies above.  Anyone working with children is required by law to have the  "Working with Children Check' a simple matter of filling out a form which will be presented to you  by the agency.

Answer 3

I agree with the others on getting your security checks all sorted

When dealing with child actors though, keep in mind that the ones in casting agencies are put there by their parents after being brought up as "performers", sure there's going to be the odd brilliant one there, but at that stage it's just their parents dreams and money that's put them there. Not their skills or ambitions in acting. They have been taught the theory of putting on a character, but the the best qualities of acting have to be either learned with experience (years that children don't have) -OR- are present from birth.

I think the most raw performances of child actors have come from the un-trained ones people have "stumbled across". Think of Wale rider, Rabbit proof fence, and even Harry Potter.  

It depends what film you're making though, trained child performers/actors may infact be more appealing in their performing style to a child audience, Or more suited to a glittery, hollywood style script.

I'd try approaching primary schools, or even members of the public (parents of an asthetically suitable child). Just make sure you've got a business card and some studio time handy (it could easily sound pretty dodgey otherwise)

As far as paying is concerned... i'd suggest $10.00p/h minumum.

Answer 4

Suggest that you only use a reputable casting agency.

The AFC has an advice line for Producers.

Showcast is the biggest Casting Agent.

Bubblegum specialises in casting children.

Answer 5

How are you going to make a film? If you come on here and ask such a question???