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How much does it cost to register?
Registration is free. As a general rule, any agency that charges a registration, admin or membership fee is acting illegally so do not sign with them. Always do your research before registering with a casting agency, recommendations are always the best way forward.
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What ages can register with Briz Kidz?
Briz Kidz represents children from 0-17yrs.
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How do I register my child?
Briz
Kidz have 2 registration weekends per year. The first is in April in
Cardiff and then one in October in Bristol. These are run by appointment
only and the online booking form opens around 4 weeks prior to each
event.
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How do I register my baby?
Babies under 2 years can register at any point during the year. Email info@brizkidzcasting for more information.
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Does my child need to audition?
No
– Briz Kidz doesn’t audition children. Registration Days are all about
meeting you and your child and getting to know a bit more about you,
which we can’t really do that at a formal audition setting. We've found
that meeting you is the best way to see how your children how well they
settle into a strange environment. This can often give us an idea on how
well they take direction and what roles would suit them.
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My child has additional needs, can they still register?
YES!
Briz Kidz welcomes all children from all backgrounds and abilities.
There are already children from neuro-diverse backgrounds and children
with specific medical needs. And yes – these children have been out
working on film sets. Some have even worked across multiple productions.
If you feel your child would like to register then do get in touch.
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How does it work?
Once
you’re registered, it is often a case of waiting for the opportunities
to come in. Sometimes this can be really quick and other times it can
take a while. Filming productions and casting agents will contact Briz
Kidz with specific requirements for a role (someone who can skate, or
has red hair and green eyes for example). If you get short-listed I will
then call parents for either an availability check or with a casting
call. It’s worth noting that Briz Kidz will not post casting calls or
work offers on social media.
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What happens when my child gets work?
All
children involved in a performance are required to be licensed by their
local education authority. The application is submitted by the
production but parents do need to provide some information. This will be
explained at the point of booking but will include filling in Part 2 of
the children’s license application and providing photos and a birth
certificate (both how which are asked for at the registration so will
already be on file).
If you would like to know more about child
entertainment employment, we recommend you take a look at the National
Network for Child Employment & Entertainment (NCEE) website where
you will find lots of information about the governing laws and
legislation: NCEE Website
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Will my child need to miss school?
Most
productions work on a Monday-Friday schedule so it is very likely that
bookings will fall on a school day. If this happens, the school will
need to give written permission of absence as part of the licence
application. Schools are often supportive but they can refuse to give
permission. This is usually for attendance levels so keep the school on
your side by going to classes and behaving well.
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Will my child get tutoring on set?
This
will depend on the booking. If they are booked for one or two days of
filming, then they won’t need tutoring. If, however, they are lucky
enough to get a role that requires more time away from school then the
production will provide a tutor to cover any missed educational hours.
This can vary with individual cases, councils and schools but this will
be explained at the point of booking.
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Will my child be paid?
All
bookings through Briz Kidz are paid. Each booking will include the fee
information. It is often the case that you will need to make your own
way to the location and travel will not be covered. Briz Kidz takes 20%
commission on all performance fees.
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What sort of roles can we expect?
The
majority of roles we cast are Supporting Artists (or extras, as they
used to be called). However I also work with local production companies
who produce commercials, on-line content and corporate videos. Other
roles can include lead roles for BFI funded short films, voice overs for
animated productions and then there are the Cast Roles in drama
productions filming in the Southwest and Wales.
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What roles don’t Briz Kidz help with casting?
There
are roles that we do not help with. These are usually the ‘experience
only’ opportunities, open auditions or student films. I also very rarely
offer theatre auditions as these usually require a London base (even
with touring theatre). I also do not offer modelling opportunities.
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Can we get work outside of Briz Kidz.
Yes.
There are some great opportunities to attend open auditions or work
with short films which Briz Kidz do not cover. If you which to put your
child forward for these, then go for it! If these should be paid
opportunities, the Briz Kidz will not charge commission on these.
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Is Briz Kidz a Sole Agent?
Briz
Kidz is a Semi-Sole agency. This means that you can have other agencies
that specialise in other genres (modelling, voice over or theatre for
example).
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What is it like working on a filming set?
Being on a
film set is really exciting and very busy. There are lots of people,
cameras, lighting, sound and rigging equipment all with a specific task
for that day’s filming. It can be quite daunting, especially for the
younger children, but the crew are all very friendly people who help
make the day lots of fun. You will be looked after by the 2nd Assistant
Director who will guide you through everything from getting into make-up
and costume to where to get lunch.
If you would like to know more
about what it’s like being a Supporting Artist (or SA’s as they are
known in the industry) then have a look at our blog:
What’s it like being a Supporting Artist Blog
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What does my child need to wear?
This
will depend on the project. There are those, like a period dramas, who
will have costumes for the children and you may need to go for a fitting
before the day of filming. There are some productions that will ask
your child to wear their own clothes and will give a costume brief for
these. I always advise not to buy outfits for this and always use what
you have in the wardrobe as you will not be reimbursed for these.
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Do I need to stay with my child?
That
depends on the child. With those who are pre-school age then I
recommend that parents stay to help the child settle. With children over
6yrs parents don’t need to stay as there will be a chaperone present.
For children with additional needs then we can discuss the best approach
for their comfort and welfare needs.
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How are my personal details used?
Briz
Kidz sends your profile out to casting directors and productions. This
profile consists of your photos – the headshot and full-length photos
you need to provide us with – and key information about your appearance.
Briz Kidz will not share your personal details (such as your
contact details and address) without your knowledge or permission and we
keep all your information secured in line with the Data Protection Act.
Briz Kidz Casting Ltd is registered with the Information
Commissioner’s Office (ICO) details of which can be found on their
website: ICO website
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Where can I get Headshots done?
Your
headshot is what ‘sells’ you; it’s your first introduction to casting
directors and production companies. It is also what will get you that
call or audition. Therefore, it is very important that you have great
headshots. Briz Kidz offers a headshot session at all registration day
events and hold specific update sessions across the year. If you are
unable to attend these, you can book a one-to-one session with Entwisle
Productions, the photography company we use at all events. (Link to
page)