If at all possible, avoid children and animals. They are complicated to book, have an enormous number of rules and restrictions attached to their use and need a lot of looking after – even though they come with a retinue of chaperones, tutors, trainers and handlers. Often their minders can prove more of a problem to organise than they are.
Children and animals can waste an immense amount of time during shooting. On balance, I prefer children because at least (if they are old enough) they understand what you are saying – but trying to make an animal do something on cue requires superhuman effort and patience – and a flexible shooting schedule.
Children come from two sources, stage schools and non-stage schools. Much can be said for and against both.
Some directors never seek children at stage schools, preferring to make the rounds of ordinary schools and engage the help of drama organisers. Others cast solely from stage schools as they feel that the children will have a certain knowledge of the business and sense of discipline to start with.
Wherever they come from, in the UK if they are under 16 they need licences from the local education authorities before they can appear in films.
Before the licences are granted, the authorities have to ensure that the Children (Performances) Regulations 1968 will not be contravened. An application form for a licence has to be filled in and submitted, and this form goes into searching detail about every aspect of the shooting.
Children and Animals
Children and animals can be difficult to work with. Both need more time than the usual shooting schedule can allow and vast amounts of patience.