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Original poster

Should my child audition for this film?

46 replies

Coronawireless · 10/03/2021 20:51

Hi there,
Just looking for some advice. DD (9) was forwarded (by a friend) an application form from a reputable casting agency looking for a girl to take the lead role in a film - no further details at the time. She has never acted but has often mentioned that she’d like to be on TV. Without telling her, I sent off some photos and a description and have now had a reply inviting her to audition. They want to start filming very soon. Details of the film were sent. It is based on a commercially successful novel. The lead character (DD’s role) is very troubled and there are revelations of child sexual abuse and incest involving the character. I think it’s a no from me but a family member has gasped and said I’m potentially ruining her big chance. Can anyone out there advise?

OP posts:
Evidencebased · 10/03/2021 20:57

NO.

SquirtleSquad · 10/03/2021 20:57

No I absolutely wouldn't, that sounds vile.

But then I also wouldn't have sent off photos of my child without their permission, especially to a stranger with no control over who gets to see them or what will happen with them.
On our local multiple birth Facebook group there are often wanted ads for twins to play roles on tv or in movies and some of the horrific horror stories I've heard would shock even the most open minded person including where "audition" head shots have ended up.

autumnboys · 10/03/2021 20:57

Definitely no.

Iremembertheelderlykoreanlady · 10/03/2021 20:59

Nope

Mammaaof · 10/03/2021 20:59

What the actual fuck?! No are you mad!!!! Put your child first!!

Original poster
Coronawireless · 10/03/2021 21:01

The casting agency is reputable and the author of the novel is mainstream and well-known.
That aside, even the first few replies here have absolutely confirmed what I had thought. In fact, now I feel bad that I even applied.

I don’t need to hear any more!!!

OP posts:
Original poster
Coronawireless · 10/03/2021 21:03

Christ - feeling so bad now!!!
Thanks for the short sharp advice. What the hell was I thinking.

OP posts:
mummywantstobeslim · 10/03/2021 21:03

Read the novel and see if it's as graphic as you are expecting? I wouldn't allow my dc to audition though.

Original poster
Coronawireless · 10/03/2021 21:04

No, it’s not graphic.
But it’s still a no!!!

OP posts:
BlueLikeASmurf · 10/03/2021 21:08

I'm a bit confused. Will your DD just be playing the girl a few years before the abuse happened to her? If so, why is this a problem?

Findahouse21 · 10/03/2021 21:10

I'd enquire about how they would protect my child.

SquirtleSquad · 10/03/2021 21:11

@Coronawireless

Christ - feeling so bad now!!! Thanks for the short sharp advice. What the hell was I thinking.
Don't feel bad, it's one of those things where parents get a bit swept away in the excitement of it all.

If you do pursue any sort of modelling or acting work for your child please be careful. I don't mean to sound rude or judgey- just a friendly warning.

One of our friends went with a very very well known and reputable agency who used a child modelling Instagram account to promote their client children.. there were maybe 50-100 overt peadophile accounts following that Instagram. This was one of them. They pray on "teen model/actress" accounts where parents are more than happy to keep posting photos of their children all made up and posing for them. The worst of the worst come up on the child gymnastic and dancer promo pages. It's a fucking mine field.

I know you can't protect your children for ever and wrap them up in bubble wrap or shelter them forever, but it is a scary place out there.

Should my child audition for this film?
Original poster
Coronawireless · 10/03/2021 21:11

She would be playing a child who is very troubled due to abuse that happened previously. The abuse comes as a revelation towards the end. It is not shown.

OP posts:
BlueLikeASmurf · 10/03/2021 21:12

@BlueLikeASmurf

I'm a bit confused. Will your DD just be playing the girl a few years before the abuse happened to her? If so, why is this a problem?
Blimey, totally wrong word! After, absolutely after and definitely not before!!

So. Will your DD just be playing the girl a few years after the abuse happened to her? If so, why is this a problem?

Sleepyquest · 10/03/2021 21:15

If she has no acting experience, it's unlikely she'd get the part. What about letting her audition for the experience? As long as the audition was not unsuitable

Original poster
Coronawireless · 10/03/2021 21:16

It’s the association I guess. And the character is very damaged by it. I read the audition lines and knew before I even checked the novel what the “twist” would be.

OP posts:
Original poster
Coronawireless · 10/03/2021 21:17

@Sleepyquest

If she has no acting experience, it's unlikely she'd get the part. What about letting her audition for the experience? As long as the audition was not unsuitable
I was wondering this. But I guess if I wouldn’t let her do the film even if she got it, why get her excited about the audition?
OP posts:
Oneearringlost · 10/03/2021 21:19

So very, very wrong.

Comefromaway · 10/03/2021 21:20

Who’s the casting agent?

The likelihood of her actually getting the part is slim, but it could be a good experience. has she been asked to self tape?

With regards to the content there are strict procedures in place to protect children in entertainment. Everything will be vetted by education welfare etc. The child will not be present during disturbing scenes.

Tickledtrout · 10/03/2021 21:21

No. And if this was legit they'd cast a teenage actress who looks younger to play the part. Because it makes life easier for the production company in lots of ways; hours they can work, safeguarding

iMatter · 10/03/2021 21:24

Absolutely not

LIZS · 10/03/2021 21:24

Is it that the material itself is making you uncomfortable or the context? Rules for protecting children in performance are strict, so she would not be directly exposed to anything sinister during filming, but obviously she may be affected and exposed by association. If you have doubts don't do it. There are other opportunities to shine.

Original poster
Coronawireless · 10/03/2021 21:26

If anyone has read or seen “The Butcher Boy” by Patrick McCabe this would be a very rough approximation. No graphic sexual scenes but the character was destroyed by abuse.
I actually enjoyed both novel and film. The boy who played the lead was older than DD.

OP posts:
RunningFromInsanity · 10/03/2021 21:27

If she’s not actually going to be exposed to the abuse at all, then I don’t think there is a problem. It’ll just be like any other role.

Palavah · 10/03/2021 21:29

Even if they manage the filming in such a way that your daughter is none the wiser about the nature of the storyline, as soon as she can google herself she'll find out. So will her friends and peers. And you can't control what is written about her character (or her) in media (social or otherwise).