Role of back up child

[lollypop]

Could anyone share their experiences with me on what a back up child does on a shoot day? Do they just sit off set all day? Does it vary? Thanks, as always

[riverdancefan]

I'm afraid it's what it says on the tin...We have been back up once and it was a very boring and frustrating day for Ds who watched another child do what he could have done just as well.
You are there for emergencies only.
I have friends who's back up kids were also used as extras, but that was unusual.
You can also be back up but stay at home or go to school in occasion too
DS wouldn't do back up again just because it's not worth him
Missing school for, especially not going into GCSE years.
Others may have better experiences?

[twirlymum]

My DS was booked as a back up child for a commercial last month. I had warned him it might be a long boring day, so took plenty to occupy him. On the day he did get taken to wardrobe and hair & make up, but he didn't look anything like the other little boy, who was playing a younger sibling (both were blonde, my son is dark haired) but they did film him doing the scene too.
Last week our agent got a call to say he was in the final edit instead of the other little boy, so it can happen! I did feel a bit bad, but at the end of the day it's not our decision as parents, it comes down to the director and ultimately the clients.
The ad should be on tv in a few weeks.

[sophiesocks]

my dd was a back up a few years ago, it was dull but we were only there a few hours and once they got to the point where they filmed the other childs face they released and us and a car took us to the station. it was our first professional job so it was a bit frustrating, but i think if you have realistic expectations its not too bad. my ds is filming a commercial this week but they have booked double the kids they need so we have no idea what to expect so we are loading up iPads with new films and games, taking a nice picnic and just going to enjoy having a day together, and keep our expectations really low so we won't be disappointed. good luck i hope it goes well for you, i would just remind my child they were being paid for sitting around doing nothing and how lots of adults would love a job like that....

[Flosmom]

...and bear in mind that your DC can spend hours (days) delivering a role and not make the final edit.

It's all part of the process.

Deb x