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Talent
Casting
11.11: Talent Manager seeks new faces
11.09: Casting Director seeks newborns for TV show
11.09: Talent Agent Seeks Babies, Kids and Teens
11.08: Talent Agent seeks Korean, Indian, Middle Eastern, African American, Caucasian talent
11.08: Utah Talent Agent seeks kids and teens for possible representation
11.05: Talent Agency seeks Union and Non-Union Kids
11.05: Utah Talent Agent seeks energetic kids
11.05: Talent Agent searching for gorgeous teen boys
11.04: Kids needed for Pepsi Max spec commercial
11.03: Pennsylvania Manager seeks new talent for possible representation
11.02: Casting Director seeks dancing babies for commercial
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Giving Your Child's Career A Minor Consideration
Celebrating CIF's "Giving Back" month with Paul Petersen
Last year, Children In Film was proud to announce that 50% of the monies raised for charity (via proceeds from Enhanced Membership) were donated to Paul Petersen's non-profit organization, "A Minor Consideration," to honor and support the tireless effort put forth on behalf of child actors.
As an Enhanced Member of ChildrenInFilm.com you're doing a part to give back to the entertainment community and specifically to child-actor families.
Paul Petersen, former child actor (Mickey Mouse Club, The Donna Reed Show) and current child advocate has been very active in current media as there has been an influx of reality shows involving children.
"A Minor Consideration started in 1991 to provide support and guidance to kid stars through the efforts of other kid stars who had already negotiated the deadly transitions that give so much trouble to young performers who achieve fame before adulthood," explained Petersen.
"Kid actors who achieve early fame have a tendency to think they are unique in all the world, but a fair review of our history reveals many common threads that remain consistent across generations. Once I had identified these common threads it was just a matter of time before AMC began applying the lessons learned to the current crop of working kids and their families."
When it comes to the current subject of reality shows, many producers are simply unaware of entertainment laws and standards and often do not regard children as cast members or employees of the production.
In a recent FoxNews.com article entitled "Being on Reality TV is Unhealthy for Children," Petersen explained that child labor laws tend to be a state-by-state system, though there is some federal legislation, and reality show producers take advantage of the holes in the system.
"They deliberately go to states with no child labor laws," he said.
As a former child actor Paul has seen it all. He obtained his first professional job at age nine, but was also fired from the Mickey Mouse Club in 1955 for "conduct unbecoming a mouse." Paul also played Jeff Stone on The Donna Reed Show from 1958-1966, wrote his first screenplay at age 16, and recorded a gold record by age 17.
"My advice to parents has remained the same for 30 years," Petersen commented. "First make sure you are certain of your child's talent and character; second, never believe you are the first parent of a talented or famous child or that you are smarter or love better than that of past stage parents. Next, always have an exit strategy so your child can gracefully leave the stage if that is what they want. Guard your money; think ten years ahead. Seek out other people who have lived the experience and finally, be cautious. Your child will only have one childhood."
So, when it comes to your child's career, what should you consider?
Among other things Children In Film encourages you to consider the fact that you are your child's best advocate. The industry is not perfect, and you should not expect that it is considering every detail of your child's well-being. Secondly, when needed rely on organizations like "A Minor Consideration," and finally, remember that children who learn the importance of giving back and earnership are more likely to successfully transition into adulthood as responsible, contributing members of society.
To read more about Children In Film's Giving Back program, or to read about Paul Petersen and "A Minor Consideration"
Want to suggest a charity for our "giving back" efforts? Simply contact us. |
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