Why do american television programs use adults to play high school kids?

Question

In england, we use teenage actors to play teenagers, why do americans seem not to? And how is the effect of making a 25 yr old look like a 16 yr old achieved?

Answer 1

Yes, labor laws. Why pay a 16 year old to be in a film where you can only use them for a certain period of time, on certain days, etc when you can get an 18 year old, who easily look 16 but CAN work all those hours? This is a business and studios want to maximize their dollars. Every extra day that a film needs to be shot means more money spent. If they can get a shoot in 1 longer day, why do it in 2? Minors cost more money.

You don't have to use special make up for making someone younger. It's easier to age actors though makeup and prosthetics, but you can't reverse it. CD's hire actors that LOOK the age they're trying to cast. Most of these actors are in the 18-22 range and can very convincingly play a high schooler. No magic, no special lighting, no makeup.

Answer 2

because the law is retarded

Answer 3

Because it's easier and cheaper for them. They don't have to school the over 18 actor, and they can work longer hours. Child labor laws.

Answer 4

Its probably so they can overcome the child labour laws, anyone under a certain age can only work for a certain amount of time before it becomes illegal. I wouldnt be to sure about what you state about the UK. Waterloo Road, the programme about a school, I saw the actors interviewed and most of them were in their twenties.

Answer 5

I know and it was worse years ago, you'd have someone of 40 playing a teen, it's mad.

Answer 6

(1) These adult actors are doing this for a living, not as a hobby.

(2) Most teenage actors are pretty awful anyway.

Answer 7

I think the reason they do this (though now it's not as common) was because of the child labor laws. If you're under 18 you can only work so many hours a day, you have to have a teacher on set, etc. If adults are playing teens you can film for longer and you can also do more mature story-lines. You get a 25 year old to look like a 16 year old by hiring actors who look younger than they are and dressing them like teens. You can also use a different type of lens (soft focus) to dull the wrinkles & imperfections.

Answer 8

Thank YOU!!!!!  As an american it really kinda disturbs me, and grosses me out, frankly, and they wonder why we have a fear of getting old.......and looking old.

Answer 9

teenage 'actors' are not always as good, qualified, committed as adult actors. Of course there are pretty horrid adult actors too.

Answer 10

Second question first - make up.  Latex (liquid plastic.) in extreme cases.  With the make-up that most girls have with them, I can give you virtually any age. (played 82 when I was 29)  First question.  Child labor is illegal in most countries. And to avoid contractual arguments. As an ex director, being involved in school plays (ages 7 to 18)  I would only use 30 year old. :-)     Peace.

Answer 11

Adults can work longer than kids on set.