7 Brilliant Tips to Build Your Kid's Acting Career

Child actor, Naman Jain in 'Bombay Talkies'

1. Decide

Have you made sure that your child or children want to go down this road?  It is paved with hard work, rejection and very little financial benefit for most.  Often the hours are long and kid actors' families need to be committed.  There may be situations where you may have to drop everything at a moment's notice and rush with your child to an audition 20-30 kilometers away from home.

2. Confirm Credentials

Make sure to check for casting calls that are legitimate. Make inquiries. Search internet for their credentials. Secondly, always accompany your children. (Same for when they get work and are in sets as this is the law).

3. Don't Pay   

Again.... Never pay for an audition or on a promise to get your kid’s entry into films or TV.  There are many fraudsters in Mumbai and other towns in India. This should be a mantra for all parents of actors.  The temptation is great as people will promise you the sky if you pay, however, don't.

4. Make your kid practice a lot

Have your child read a lot... Aloud.  Let them be comfortable with simple one minute monologue. (You can contact us in writing and practicing a monologue specially designed for your child).  Good reading and memorization skills are key.

5. How to prepare for an audition

When you get a call to audition, remember that it is a competition.  Usually only a few people (or maybe one) "wins".  The others go home and get to practice and start again.  Sometimes, you will audition and not hear anything for weeks, then "the" call comes in that your child got the role. Be prepared. Truly anything can happen.  Here is my smart advise-When you go to an audition pack a bag and be prepared to stay.  Have extra headshots and resumes, a change of clothing and anything important, especially if you are traveling a distance for this audition.  Sometimes, auditioners want to see the child again later the same day for a "call back".  This is in essence the second part of an audition process where they have shortlisted your child.  

6. How to behave on set

• When your kid wins a role, be a good parent on the set and have your child demonstrate excellent patience and congeniality.  
• Parents who do not follow directions on the set and those who are only trying to get roles for their children to meet celebrities are often not asked back. 
• Chances are first roles will be those of an "extra" and you will find that a good behavior from your kid and you as a parent can be of benefit. 
• Let me cite an incident which happened in front of me. One time, my granddaughter was on the set for a major television show.  We were told not to bring any cameras.  One father did bring and then was after some of the "stars" for photos with his son. They were sent off the set.  Later that same day, the director noted that my granddaughter was very friendly and had a real interest in filmmaking.  He invited her to watch the acting from behind the cameras when she was done with her scene.   

7. Develop friendships

Make a support system with other parents you meet at auditions and on the set. Many a times, the hours are long. The cast is usually just a few so at any time, you may meet wonderful parents and if you are nice to them, they will be your friends and you establish an excellent kid’s acting information communication channel which can help to both beyond imagination. It doesn’t matter if often the "kids" are up for the same roles, but it will be nice to start building relationship with wishing other parents and their children the best of luck and champion everyone's success.  If you go into the business with this attitude and your child actor has the same.