Self-Tapes on the Decline? Boost Your Child’s Acting Career!

Insights for Parents and Carers of Child Actors from Melanie Ash – actor, agent and owner and director of Meladrama established in 2005.

As someone who appeared on TV as a child, I understand the ins and outs of acting. I’m also a mother to Leo Ashton, a well-respected child actor who has landed lead roles in hit shows like The Bay, Deep Water, and House of the Dragon. This unique perspective allows me to empathise with parents who are concerned about their children’s acting careers.

If you’re worried that your child isn’t getting enough self-tapes despite having representation, you’re not alone. It’s common to have questions that leave you feeling uneasy. For example:

Why are other kids getting opportunities your child isn’t?
Why is it so quiet now when you used to get loads of auditions?
What can you do to help your child succeed in this industry?

Are Other Kids Getting Opportunities Your Child Isn’t?

The acting world can be a maze of variables. It can be disheartening when it feels like other children are getting opportunities your child isn’t. However, there are often factors at play that aren’t immediately obvious.

Casting breakdowns can be hyper-specific. They may require details like accents or specialised skills such as horse-riding or gymnastics. Sometimes, even something as seemingly minor as eye colour can make a difference when matching an existing cast. Familiarity plays a huge role, too. Casting directors tend to stick with kids they’ve already met and trust to deliver. This is especially true if those children have gone through lengthy recall processes before.

Moreover, if two children are equally talented and look similar, the one who’s already built a relationship with the casting director is likely to have the edge. Your agent must navigate this dynamic carefully. If they know a casting team already likes a particular child, it makes sense to prioritise that child for submissions. This strategy helps maintain the agent’s reputation with the casting team.

The good news? This can benefit your child in the long run. If another child in your agent’s roster impresses a casting director, it opens the door for new talent from the same agency. It’s happened at my agency several times.

Additionally, there’s the issue of self-tapes and availability. A casting director’s job is to present the best possible options to production. If two kids are equally skilled and meet the brief, the decision often comes down to whose tape resonates more. Furthermore, availability is crucial. Some roles require extensive commitment over weeks or months. If your child has conflicting dates, platforms like Spotlight’s Tagmin system might automatically filter them out of submissions.

Understanding these behind-the-scenes factors can help you manage expectations. Focus on what your child can control—delivering brilliant self-tapes, staying committed, and honing their craft.

Is It Really Quiet Now, or Is My Agent Using That as an Excuse?

The UK film and TV industry faced significant challenges in late 2024. Consequently, noticeable slowdowns occurred across the board. Here’s why things have been so quiet:

Economic Struggles: In 2023, UK production companies saw revenues drop by £392 million. Commissioning budgets fell over 10%. These financial difficulties continued into 2024, slowing down production.
Strike Effects: The SAG-AFTRA strike in the U.S. impacted the UK. Just last year at this time, 68% of film and TV workers were out of work, facing financial uncertainty. The repercussions of delayed and cancelled projects are still being felt.
Reduced Spending: Production spending in the UK fell by 45% in early 2024 compared to the previous year. This resulted in fewer projects being launched. We are still reeling from this.
Indie Challenges: Independent production companies are under pressure, facing a £400 million funding gap. Many focus on survival as broadcasters cut back on commissions and costs rise.

Despite these challenges, I believe the industry is slowly realigning. When it does, there’ll be plenty of opportunities waiting.

Did Your Old Agent Get You More Self-Tapes, and Should You Find a New Agent?

Timing is everything in this industry. Quieter periods, such as summer holidays or festive seasons, can naturally slow things down. Productions might face delays due to budgeting or scheduling issues. However, this doesn’t mean your new agent isn’t working hard—it’s just the nature of the business.

It’s worth considering the quality of the castings your child received with their previous agent. While it might feel like they had more self-tape requests in the past, were those opportunities the right fit? Sometimes, having fewer, carefully selected auditions for roles your child is best suited to can be far more effective than hundreds of irrelevant submissions. I often see parents posting and boasting in Facebook groups or even worse (agents posting about kids they have subbed)….. it doesn’t mean anything! My son is signed with top agents in the States and the UK – they post when a client’s latest project airs!

Your agent may be doing a lot of work behind the scenes. They could be chasing up submissions with personal phone calls and emails to push an unknown talent if they’re right for the job. A good agent knows how to strategically promote talent without overwhelming casting directors with irrelevant submissions. This approach ultimately protects your child’s chances.

Remember, the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. I’ve left agents in the past (in my 20’s) swayed by social media hype or other actors’ testimonials, only to regret my decision later. A good indicator of whether you should switch agents is to ask yourself: would you consider this move if your child had booked the jobs that your agent secured auditions/meetings for? If you are securing self tapes from subs but not booking – then chat to your agent! Ask their advice – believe me they want your child to book a job more than you! It’s their bread and butter! Finally if you really do have itchy feet I suggest looking at AGENTS OF YOUNG PERFORMERS ASSOCIATION for a list of reputable and trusted agents.

Proactive Steps to Support Your Child

Your child’s Spotlight profile is their most crucial asset in the industry. Some larger agencies might not have the time to ensure their clients’ profiles are optimised for success. Therefore, keeping your child’s Spotlight up to date and compelling is essential.

High-quality headshots should focus clearly on their face. I always recommend a tighter crop to avoid long hair leading to headshots that go down to their waist. This makes it hard for casting directors to see the expressive faces they want to work with. They often see the original submission in a smaller thumbnail. So, who are they going to click on for more info out of thousands of submissions? A blur of skin, hair, and shoulders or a clear and expressive face?

In addition to maintaining an impressive Spotlight profile, consider investing in high-quality training in screen acting. A dedicated mentor can guide your child through the nuances of self-taping. I always review a couple of versions of their self-tapes before submission, ensuring we have time to refine the scenes together. While some agents may provide feedback on self-tapes, it’s crucial to ensure that your agent is proactive and involved in this process.

While the waiting game can be tough, there are plenty of constructive ways to keep your child engaged and prepared:

Encourage Their Passion: Remind your child why they love acting. Enrol them in reputable child actor training programmes.
Create a Self-Tape Routine: Turn self-tape practice into a regular activity. This keeps your child camera-ready and adds an element of fun.
Work With Your Agent: If you’re feeling uncertain, reach out to your agent for a submissions list. Discuss ways to enhance your child’s Spotlight profile.
Get Their Spotlight Profile Right: The “About Me” section should be unique and interesting. Casting directors want specifics—not just generic statements about their passion for acting.

By taking these proactive steps, you can help your child remain focused and prepared while they wait for their next opportunity.

Getting the Self-Tape Right

When your child lands a self-tape request, it’s vital to make it shine and potentially increase your chances of not just a recall but being chosen to tape for other projects. Here are some quick tips to help them nail it:

Lighting and Sound: Ensure they’re in a well-lit, quiet space.
Performance: Authenticity is key! Sometimes, less is more—overacting can hurt their chances.
Direction: Pay close attention to the brief! Make sure they follow any specific instructions regarding tone, movement, or style.
Acting Tips: Encourage your child to think about the character’s circumstances. They should listen and react to the other actor, playing the subtext throughout the scene.
Stand Out and Be Unique: Encourage your child to bring their unique flair to the performance. Offering two versions of their self-tape can show versatility.
Confidence: Most importantly, encourage your child to enjoy the process! A relaxed and happy child will always shine brighter.

By keeping these tips in mind, your child can deliver a self-tape that truly showcases their talent and helps them stand out!

Unlock Your Child’s Potential: Join Our Online Coaching or Local Classes!

If your child is feeling stuck or needs personalised support, we offer online group classes, one-to-one private coaching, and face-to-face sessions tailored to their needs. Together, we’ll enhance their self-tape skills, boost their confidence, and fine-tune their Spotlight profiles.

Email melanie@meladrama.co.uk to book a session or course. Give your child the edge they need to succeed!

Stay hopeful, and remember to enjoy the journey. You’re not alone in this acting adventure!

As Meryl Streep wisely said, “The worst thing you can do is take the job too seriously.”

Embrace the process, and let’s work together to unlock your child’s potential!

Melanie Ash
Director, Meladrama Acting School & Chaos Actors Management 🎭

📍 “From chaos comes creation” – Celebrating 20 years of nurturing professional talent and inspiring lives across the North through drama.

🌐 Website: www.meladrama.co.uk
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28 January 2025