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A Filmmaker's Guide to Working with Children is a vital resource for ethical filmmaking with child performers. Building on their collaboration on the film
Snake, the authors provide practical strategies for creating safe and joyful environments across all production stages, from casting to release.
Features include age-specific techniques for infants to adolescents, inclusive casting methods, trauma-prevention protocols, and a compendium of drama games. The book is enriched by interviews with Directors Jennifer Perrot (
The Midwich Cuckoos), Likarion Wainaina (
Supa Modo), and Matthew Warchus (
Roald Dahl's Matilda: The Musical); also, Acting Coaches Miranda Harcourt (
Lion), Bree Peters (
Sweet Tooth) and Amanda Brennan (
Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children). The chapters also cover case studies such as
Room,
Capernaum and
The Florida Project. Readers will learn to foster confidence in child actors through playful, respectful methods, helping to achieve captivating performances. The book also teaches how to navigate relevant legal, logistical, and ethical considerations, and to craft compelling stories while safeguarding young talent.
Aimed at directors, producers, and aspiring filmmakers, this guide is an essential tool for anyone committed to ethical, impactful storytelling in film and television.
List of contents
1. Introduction 2. Casting 3. Pre-production 4. Rehearsals and Preparation for the Role 5. Facilitating Children During Production 6. Directing the Child on Set 7. Infancy (0-2) 8. Early Childhood (3-6) 9. Middle Childhood (6-12) 10. Adolescence (12-17) 11. Preventing Trauma 12. Post to Release 13. A Compendium of Games 14. Moving Forward
About the author
Meg Rickards has directed four multi-award-winning feature films:
Snake,
Atlantis,
Kaalgat Karel and
Tess. She also directed a mini-series called
Land of Thirst, as well as co-directed a feature documentary,
1994: The Bloody Miracle. She has directed work for South Africa's Sesame Street and written scripts for a UNICEF media campaign. She studied at London Film School and holds a PhD
has 25 years of experience as an actor, director, teacher, and as a movement and acting coach. She has written and directed her own short films, including
The Innocents and
Blood Rose. Tamryn teaches at ACT Cape Town, which is affiliated with the New York Film Academy, and works with the intimacy coordination company Safe Sets SA, which is affiliated with SAGAFTRA.
