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advice please, baby offered part on tv production

Posted: Wed May 02, 2012 12:54 am
by malayka
Hi there, I am new to this entire performing business and hope to get some helpful advice here, thank you in advance for any help!!!

Our 9 month old baby has been offered a part on an upcoming TV production through an agency which has been described as reputable on this board, he had been on their baby file for a few month after someone told me that they are looking for a baby like him (in terms of ethnicity). Now it was all very short notice, we found out yesterday that the production company want to book him (without casting/audition, just per photo - is that normal for babies?) and we had to decide by today and said yes, because the agency put us under quite a bit of time pressure. All sounds great and very exciting in general, but I feel they were not too forthcoming with information for someone in our position, i.e. completely new to the whole thing, and actually rather impatient in response to my many questions.
We have been offered a fee per day including fee for one parent as chaperone and the baby of which the agency is deducting their commission. Could someone give me a rough idea of average figures in terms of fee per day for baby&chaperone, so that I know if the offer is ok/good/bad? Also how much commission will an agency normally take off? Lastly, could you please give me some hints and tips on what to look out for/what to ask and share some of your experiences with your babies on a film set? I have no idea what to expect in terms of logistics, i.e. feeding and resting and playing, will I be present at all times, i.e. during the actual shoot? And what happens if my baby should get distressed or else --- can I insist on taking him home? Obviously I would be committed to sticking to the agreement I have entered, but my baby's welfare will always come first, so is there any emergency way out once you have taken on a part for your baby? So many more questions, if anyone is willing to chat via PM that would be much appreciated! THANKS!

Re: advice please, baby offered part on tv production

Posted: Wed May 02, 2012 10:09 am
by islandofsodor
Hi, it is all confusing for a first timer and especially I imagine for the parent of a baby. My dd was much older when she started performing.

As the designated chaperone not only are you entitled to be on set at all time it is a legal requirement. Children aged 0-4 have set amounts of times they can work/have rest breaks etc but again as chaperone it is your legal duty to ensure that breaks are taken when you feel your baby needs it.

A child aged 0-4 can be on set for a maximum of 5 hours between 9.30am - 4.30pm and may be "performing" for a maximum of 2 hours within that time. They must have a rest after every 30 minutes.

My LEA produce a handy leaflet for parents chaperoning their own children and I also have a pdf of a booklet covering all the rules and regulation which they send out to licensed chaperones if you would like me to send it to you.

Re: advice please, baby offered part on tv production

Posted: Wed May 02, 2012 12:36 pm
by Genevieve
I would imagine there will be other babies, at least one other in case there's a problem on the day,like the baby won't settle etc, but if I were you I'd ring the agent with a list of prepared questions, or list them in an email, and follow up with a phone call if there's anything not clarified, so that you feel more comfortable with things beforehand - You will have enough to worry about with the welfare of your baby, you'll feel better for doing so, and the agent must expect you to even moreso when there's a baby being cast !
I am sure it will all go smoothly, and everyone around you on the day will be very supportive.

Re: advice please, baby offered part on tv production

Posted: Wed May 02, 2012 7:38 pm
by Welsh Mum
DD's godson was in Casualty when only 6 months, the whole process was very good, they were all well looked after (mum and baby) and it was a good experience. I would not worry, I am sure it will be fine, there are a lot of regualtions and rules that will make sure that is the case. Let us know how it goes ;)

Re: advice please, baby offered part on tv production

Posted: Wed May 02, 2012 9:04 pm
by riverdancefan
I think you may have more answers from the modelling thread on Netmums, they tend to be the ones who have the babies and young children working.
Most of our children are older...
Do you not think maybe you are reading more worry into this than need be?
Of course the agency were pressing you for a decision , this might be a valuable deal for them, they have done what they signed up with you to do, get your baby work, and they probably had to say yes ASAP, or they lose the deal, last minute is the name of this game unfortunately.
End of the day the production team are no doubt very experienced and will know exactly the dos and don'ts. you will ne there with your baby so will be in control of everything that happens to your baby, my experience has always been very positive on set. It is more than their licence/reputations are worth to do anything they shouldn't.
As for fees if you are with a reputable and large agency they are likely to be on a par with everyone else and it is usual
For commission to be taken from chaperones fees( although I don't agree with that) [-X
It is also very common for a baby who fits a brief to be cast from photos, no doubt many mums would be biting hands off to get this opportunity that you will be experiencing, so relax, enjoy it, and look forward to banking the fees for your baby's future.
This is what you signed up for, and you have a job for your little one, just go with the flow :D