Well Children In Film Family, 2012 has come and gone ever-so-quickly! This month we prepare for the new year while looking back at all of the accomplishments that have been made by Children In Film members and the industry as a whole.  From the merging of the actor's unions (SAG and AFTRA), to the disturbing arrests of former industry professionals, to the exciting award nominations and wins for former child stars and esteemed professionals, this year has seen its fair share of highs and lows.  And as the industry finishes the year with a bang with films like The Hunger Games, Moonrise Kingdom, Breaking Dawn: Part 2, The Hobbit and Les Misérables we can rest assured knowing that 2013 will bring no shortage of roles for young performers as children are undoubtedly an integral part of storytelling!

Like Children In Film's members, many of the cast members of these blockbuster films got their starts at early ages and began working on their careers long before they were recognized as the stars they are today.  Kristen Stewart, for example, started in talent shows at her local school and moved on to smaller television roles before starring in films like Panic Room opposite of Jodie Foster.  At the age of 15, Robert Pattinson was acting in plays for the Barnes Theater company, and Taylor Lautner had a passion for Martial Arts before his instructor encouraged him to audition for a Burger King commercial at the age of seven.   

You may think you had never seen Jennifer Lawrence until that first captivating scene in Hunger Games, but she'd been shooting arrows at the actor-target for a while-- playing roles in commercials and small films-- before booking big-break roles in Winter's Bone and X-Men: First Class.  Many years, many acting classes, and many auditions later, these actors are where they are today.

For Children In Film members, the story is the same: a lot of time, effort and money is spent before success - at least in the eyes of the general public-- is achieved.  Did you know that Hailee Steinfeld (True Grit), Stefanie Scott ("A.N.T Farm"), and Jackie Evancho ("America's Got Talent") have all been a part of the CIF family?  Reaching the "glitz and glam" level of success is an ever-changing process, but 2012 has surly seen a variety of noteworthy accomplishments for many CIF members.

Dylan Sprayberry, for example, landed the role of young Clark Kent in the new Superman film Man of Steel.  Rio Mangini and Chase Vacin both landed roles in the new Little Rascals film.  Plus, our photo contest winners have seen numerous successes: Saxon Sharbino booked the lead in Usher's untitled pilot;  Olivia Faye booked a feature role in and composed a song for the upcoming release of Hello Herman starring Garrett Backstrom and Norman Reedus ("Walking Dead"); and Sumaya Bouhbal recently made her off-Broadway debut as Jessa in the New York premier of Paula Vogel's "A Civil War Christmas."

Children In Film's industry professionals aren't lacking in their 2012 accomplishments either with many of them earning award nominations for the Heller Awards and the Artios awards which took place this fall.  Jeremy Apody took home the award for Commercial Agent of the Year, Meredith Fine took home the award for Youth Theatrical Agent of the Year, and Francene Selkirk took home the award for Commercial Casting Director of the Year.

Overall it has been a very productive year and we can't wait to reveal what 2013 has in store for all of us!  

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