An Example Of A Child Centred Approach

Often when we take a child centred approach when working with children it involves not one person but the input and assistance of several people.

We often talk about safeguarding children and who’s role is this but when involved with children in film and tv safeguarding is only one aspect and the care of children falls to everyone who has contact or involvement in their day.

Over the last year I have worked with young actors more regularly on ADR sessions Automated Dialogue Replacement. Where actors re-record their lines in a quiet studio while watching themselves on screen. It helps give production the lines clearly and not with any background noise that can be picked up on set.

I noticed and got feedback from young actors that this is often a new experience and very different to being on set and performing on set with their colleagues. Sometimes seeing themselves on a tv can throw them too and it’s a new environment with different people involved.

I acted on this feedback and contacted the production I am involved with and suggested maybe that young actors before the sessions got a pack/guide with what to expect, how ADR works and who would be there. I find children even adults all feel more comfortable when they know what to expect. The production agreed and contacted the post production facilities who created a wonderful guide for the young actors of what to expect.

This is prime example of everyone working together and meeting the needs of individual young actors people communicating doing some extra work to help young actors thrive and be supported.

The feedback was the pack helped the young actors feel confident doing something new and gave them an understanding of what to expect.

We often take a child centred approach but just aren’t aware we doing it it’s just natural to care givers or people that work constantly with young actors. Not everyone works with children that’s when it’s important you have the confidence to speak up and recommend best practices and how we can meet specific needs of under 18’s.

It’s important to always do this politely and remember we are all part of a team and each person assists each other as everyone that is involved with children is crucial to creating the best environment for them to develop and succeed.