Let's Wrangle Some Babies
"A Discussion on the art of coaxing kiddies to perform for the camera"
Of all the job titles in showbiz, "Infant Actor" and "Baby Wrangler" have got to be two of the most amusing. At the very least, it definitely raises some eyebrows when the topic comes up.
"A baby wrangler does what with babies?!"
When it comes to filming infants and toddlers, producers often enlist the help of an experienced Baby Wrangler to help them get the shots they need. So what exactly does this person do, you ask? And where does one go to learn this special skill?
A Baby Wrangler is a member of the production crew who is skilled at coaxing babies and kids in order to achieve certain reactions and emotions during the filming of a commercial, television show or film. Baby Wranglers also do a lot of work on print jobs, helping still photographers inspire reactions out of the youngest of models. But baby wranglers aren't limited to infants; they have been used on sets with older children as well.
Baby Wranglers indeed hold a unique position and are very skilled at their craft. Obviously a baby wrangler must have a natural gift with small children, but beyond that, there is technically no predetermined list of qualifications necessary to become a baby wrangler. Many are also acting coaches or have backgrounds in the industry which they utilize to produce the quality reactions that the director may need. Some wranglers started as children's entertainers (thing Bubbles the Clown) and some are Studio Teachers who are required by law to be present on set, so these individuals have been observing other wranglers for years.
And because few have mastered the art of baby wrangling, those who hold this title are often known within the industry. At Children In Film, we believe that you as aspiring showbiz families will want to know them too! Please allow us to introduce and recommend three of our CIF family members:
Dawn Jeffery-Nelson has been on the set of hundreds of commercials - everything from Pampers to JC Penney to Leap Frog, but her experience doesn't stop there. Dawn is closely connected with Hollywood, having worked hand in hand with Steven King on films like The Shinning, and on the set of shows like 7th Heaven where she was the acting coach and baby wrangler for seven seasons.
Elaine Hall-Katz is a baby wrangler and acting coach who has worked on shows like Grace Under Fire and films like Honey I Blew Up the Kid and Akeelah and the Bee (starring CIF Success Story, Keke Palmer). Elaine also works with an organization dedicated to coaching kids with autism. The organization is called "The Miracle Project" and is one of the organizations CIF supports in our giving back efforts.
Mark Allen Reugg is also an active member of CIF and is currently ranked as the top-rated Baby Wrangler on ChildrenInFilm.com. As a founding member of "The Party Animals" (Rock Concerts for Kids), Mark uses his skills as an entertainer to bring out the very best in young performers.
As you continue your learning journey, remember staying informed and connected on ChildrenInFilm.com means connecting with pros like these!
If you're interested in learning more about the baby wranglers on ChildrenInFilm.com or if you want to hire a Baby Wrangler for your production
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