A parent-friendly guide to on-set etiquette for kids — what to expect during filming, who to communicate with, and how to help your child behave professionally.

The Parent’s Guide to On-Set Etiquette for Kids: What Happens During Filming

Once the kid actor&rsquo;s application to a casting call for a role in a film or television production has resulted in an invitation for an audition and they successfully nail it, it will be time for the child to work on a film set. As kids will always be accompanied by their parents, it means they have to ensure the young performer is also on their best professional behavior during the process. Continue reading below to learn about the various written and unwritten rules for kids while on the film set.

<ul>
	<li>Parents need to ensure adherence to the rules. Filming sets are typically a busy environment, and even the slightest deviation can cause disruption.</li>
	<li>All inquiries have to be solved through specific personnel. Overstepping the said boundaries can be deemed, at the very least, unprofessional.</li>
	<li>The kid actor&rsquo;s well-being between the sets is the parents&#39; responsibility. While awaiting filming their scenes, the child must continue to be well-behaved.</li>
</ul>

textual

Textual

Learn how parents can film high-quality self-tape auditions for kids using only a smartphone—covering setup, lighting, audio, and filming tips.

How to Film High-Quality Self-Tapes for Kids Using Only a Smartphone

One of the most recent trends in auditions has been self-taping. It is a whole brand new spin on the traditional way of kid performers trying to impress casting directors with their performance talents and convince them that they are the right candidates for the job. Among the many advantages of self-tapes is that this process can be done from virtually anywhere and at any time, as long as the footage is submitted within the given time period. More good news? There is no need to invest in filming studio equipment, as the video can be shot on a simple smartphone. Learn how to do it step by step below.

<ul>
	<li>The average smartphone camera is sufficient. Parents do not have to invest in additional cameras for their kids&rsquo; self-tapes.</li>
	<li>Self-tape audio is equally important to visuals. While the microphone in the smartphone should work out fine, the filming location should be quiet.</li>
	<li>The final cut of the self-tape can be edited on the phone. Though the footage should not feature additional filters or special effects.</li>
</ul>

Discover the top child acting trends for 2026 and what casting directors are really looking for—from authenticity and confidence to preparation and professionalism.

2026 Child Acting Trends: What Casting Directors Really Want This Year

The new year means new hopes and dreams for every person. Of course, it also includes casting directors who are already starting to check their wishlist for 2026 when evaluating kid actors. Learn more about the trends that are set to define the upcoming months of the kid actor casting call results below.

<ul>
	<li>Kids are valued for who they really are. Any gimmicks for standing out are unnecessary at auditions, as casting directors wish to see the child actor&#39;s true personality.</li>
	<li>Being confident is key. Acting is a public art form and requires kids to feel comfortable while doing it.</li>
	<li>Slacking off won&rsquo;t work out. Botching the first impressions virtually defeats a child actor&rsquo;s chances of getting the acting gig.</li>
</ul>

Expert-backed tips to help shy kids feel confident and prepared during auditions—plus guidance for parents on setting expectations and building confidence.

How to Help Shy Kids Shine During Auditions: Expert Tips for Parents

Besides the various challenges that kids and their parents face when pursuing acting or modeling dreams, there is often another barrier to overcome: shyness. As it can affect their confidence levels and ability to self-express freely, parents can look for ways to help their child and even turn being shy into an advantage. Learn more below.

<ul>
	<li>Preparations will boost their confidence. While remaining in a supportive environment, being well-prepared for auditions will help you overcome anxiety.</li>
	<li>Parents must ensure grounded aspirations. Having unrealistic goals can do more damage than good for shy children.</li>
	<li>Shyness can be a pro rather than a con. The natural observatory abilities can help shy kids to better execute their performance roles.</li>
</ul>

More brands are casting real families instead of traditional models. Learn why micro-modeling is growing and how kids and parents can benefit from this trend.

Micro-Modeling for Kids: Why Brands Are Casting “Real Families” More Than Ever

As kids start to develop aspirations to become models, it means that their parents will have to be involved behind the scenes as much as they appear in front of the cameras. Yet the emerging trend lately has been casting the kid model&rsquo;s whole family for commercial projects. Learn more about it below.

<ul>
	<li>Audiences are shunning artificial images. They are looking for authentic and even imperfect people appearing in promotional materials.</li>
	<li>Real families have immediate chemistry. It streamlines the entire production process.</li>
	<li>Social media has a major influence on this. Gathering models who are strangers to each other just is not enough for Millennials and Gen Z.</li>
</ul>

Acting

United States

Casting young talent for Walmart commercial, please see the details below
ONLY LOCAL TALENT WILL BE ACCEPTED.

Rate:
No travel paid
$650/session, $1500 buyout, -20%af

Additional info:
All talent must be social locals, no exceptions*
Must be avail Jan 21 - 24, 
Will shoot one day within that time frame

If you are interested please apply.

$2150 / Project

Commercials

MUST HAVE PROFICIENT-EXCELLENT SOCCER SKILLS 
MUST BE ABLE TO KICK A BALL INTO A TREE TRUNK
Cute, good comedic timing, comfortable with dialogue.

African-American

Latino / Hispanic

White / Caucasian

Other

Asian

Middle Eastern

Native American

Pacific Islander

Indian/South Asian

Both genders

REAL Soccer Player Kid

Looking for Kids in Paid Walmart Commercial

Dancing

We’re looking for boys and girls ages 5–10 ( real age) , all ethnicities, for an upcoming paid commercial project shooting in Los Angeles, CA.

Details:

Roles: Kids (male & female)
Age Range: 5–10 years old
Ethnicity: Open to all

Rate: $2,000 + travel & lodging provided for non-local talent

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Union Status: Non-Union

Shoot Dates: TBD (Flexible within upcoming weeks)

We’re seeking expressive, natural, and confident young performers with great personalities and camera presence!

$3500 / Day

Modeling

Looking for expressive, natural kids with great energy!

Nordstrom Catalog

Seeking Talents for "Nordstrom Catalog" Commercial Shoot

Looking to cast child actors for Libman Commercial. Please see the details below.

ONLY LOCAL TALENT WILL BE ACCEPTED.

Rate:
 Rate: $500 / 10 hours/ Footage used in perpetuity (10-hour guarantee + time and a half after). Must be able to commit to being on set 12+ hours.

Additionla info:
TYPE: Non-Union Featured Background
LOCATION: Nashville, TN area (local hires only)
Monday 2/2 -  This will be for a :30 tv spot
*Minors will NOT be on set 12 hours

When applying, please send the following:
Subject line: LIBMAN
Include:
-Name
- Height
-Location
-Cell number
-Over 18?
- If submitting for a minor, age?
 Attach 1 current photo of your face, 1 full body current photo + 1 additional photo. Please do not submit video or additional info. We only need the info listed above.

$500 / Project

Female

1x "daughter"

Male

1x "son"

Child Actors Needed for Libman Commercial

Young male talent needed for upcoming Netflix documentary. See the details below.
ONLY LOCAL TALENT WILL BE ACCEPTED.

Rate:
Featured Talent: $450
Background Talent: $200

Additional info:
DATE + TIME
Sunday, Feb 1, 2026. Time is TBD. Keep this day open and flexible with time.
LOCATION: Phoenix, AZ 
The exact address will be provided upon booking

When applying, please send:
1. Your current headshot or non-edited photo (no selfies), Solid background.
2. Include: Teen's name, age, parent/guardian name, if under 18, cell, & confirm shoot date availability.
Please use the Subject Line: "Male Teen."

$450 / Project

All body types.; looking for specific looks.

Teenagers

Сasting Teenagers Boy for Upcoming Netflix Documentary

ONLY LOCAL TALENT WILL BE CONSIDERED.
The company is seeking families with kids for Turks & Caicos Island travel ad. See the details below.

Rate:
 $4K -20%af PER FAMILY + daily per diem while traveling (5 days/4 nights) + flight, hotel & ground transfers.

Additional info:
WILL BE FLYING TO TURKS AND CAICOS AFTER ONE DAY SHOOT IN MIAMI
Must be FULLY available week of February 22nd - March 2nd
South Florida based, NO TRAVEL
One day shoot in Miami, then will fly to Turks & Caicos for 5 day/4 night shoot.
ALL TALENT MUST HAVE PASSPORTS!
NO TRAVEL PAID TO SOUTH FLORIDA, IF ELSEWHERE.

When applying, please submit your information to request an upload link.

$4000 / Project

Mom + Dad - 35-45 years, all eth. (Looking for models types, aspirational look, with exp in sports,
have swimming ability, ideally can play Paddle Ball)
Kid A
Kid B - (8-10 years)
Must be a family of four (4)
OR
(1) Mom + (1) Child
(1) Dad + (1) Child
Ideally a whole family of four unit, but single parents with at least one child are welcome to submit as well!
No single people without kids. Real Families only!

Kid A

Mom + Dad - 35-45 years, all eth. (looking for models types, aspirational look, with exp in sports,
have swimming ability, ideally can play Paddle Ball)
Kid A - (4-6 years)
Kid B
Must be a family of four (4)
OR
(1) Mom + (1) Child
(1) Dad + (1) Child
Ideally a whole family of four unit, but single parents with at least one child are welcome to submit as well!
No single people without kids. Real Families only!

Kid B

Casting Families with Kids For Turks & Caicos Island Travel Ad

Unearth the Perfect Casting Call for Kids ➤ KidsCasting! 🎥 Ignite Your Child's Future With Top Auditions. ⭐️ Turn Kid Dreams Into Reality Today!

Our Talent Dominic DiGravio on Jimmy Fallon Show

Our Talent Dominic
DiGravio on Jimmy Fallon Show