Children and Teenager Scenes

Children and Teenager Scenes

When working towards scenes featuring children and teenagers, a delicate balance of structure, encouragement, and rehearsal is required to bring the vision to life. Without the right approach, it can feel like an insurmountable task. However, with the right guidance and support, it becomes a rewarding journey that not only yields a successful filmed episode but also instils valuable life skills in young aspiring actors.

At NFD (Northern Film and Drama), we understand the importance of discipline and preparation from the very beginning. Our unique approach serves as a stepping guide to ensure a successful day of filming.

 

Let’s take a closer look at the process.

1. Script Development

The journey begins with script development. In our lessons or workshops, we delve into the scene in great detail. This involves brainstorming ideas, improvising, and outlining the scene together. Sometimes, students even contribute their own lines, making the process collaborative and enjoyable.

2. Auditions

Once the scene is completed on paper, the production team conducts auditions. Whether held at the studio or through self-tapes, the casting team carefully chooses each actor for their role. Offering a role to a student is a heart-warming moment, reflecting the culmination of their hard work and dedication.

Abbi’s Self-Tape for the part of Scarlett in The Chewing Gum Scene in Platform 2C

https://vimeo.com/935089947

3. Rehearsals

Rehearsals are the backbone of a successful scene. We typically conduct three to four rehearsals, each lasting 30 minutes. This timeframe ensures that the young actors stay engaged and focused. Throughout rehearsals, I provide direction and encouragement, guiding them towards their best performance, helping to look at the characters in depth and breaking down the plot to authenticate the scene. Here is one of our blogs on this subject. How to create new characters in a script

4. Organisation

Organising the scene requires meticulous planning. Meticulous planning is required to organise the scene, including sending out call sheets and ensuring costumes, props, and snacks are ready, accounting for every detail. This preparation sets the stage for a reliable filming experience.

5. Filming

With everything in place, it’s time to bring the scene to life. Filming day is an exciting culmination of weeks of hard work and preparation. Each actor steps into their role with confidence, knowing that they have thoroughly prepared.

6. Editing and Sharing

After filming wraps, the editing process begins. Once we have reviewed the footage, we select the shots that best convey the intended emotions, actions, and storyline of the scene. This involves choosing wide shots, close-ups, reaction shots, and any other angles necessary to tell the story effectively. Next, we move on to building the sequence. Editing is a meticulous process, often requiring significant time investment. On average, it can take approximately 8 to 10 hours for every few minutes of footage. However, when working with less experienced or learning actors, the process becomes more intricate. Actors may forget their lines or disrupt continuity, causing additional adjustments to ensure a seamless final product. We occasionally face the challenge of replacing scenes that may have initially seemed superior to alternatives that better align with the overall narrative flow. This iterative process contributes to the time-consuming nature of editing.

Once we polish the scene, we share it across various platforms, including social media and our Platform 2c series. This not only showcases our actors’ talent but also generates interest in the casting industry.

7. Impact and Success

Beyond auditions, our goal is to empower young actors with confidence, self-worth, and happiness. The skills learned in our environment set them up for life, shaping their future in profound ways. It’s incredibly humbling to receive emails from students thanking us for the best years of their lives.

In conclusion, pulling a scene together for children and teenagers is a challenging yet immensely rewarding endeavour. Through structured guidance, encouragement, and rehearsals, we not only create captivating filmed episodes but also nurture the talents and aspirations of our young actors, paving the way for a bright future in the entertainment industry and beyond.

 

Our latest scene with our teenager and children actors Platform 2C The Bubble Gum Prank

https://youtu.be/NXRogizVutE?si=W0A70fcOB6VJb4b_

 

For more information for our screen acting classes for children and adults please follow the link www.northernfilmanddrama.com