A Filmmaker's Guide to Working with Children
By Meg Rickards, Tamryn Speirs
Copyright 2026 - Routledge Taylor and Francis Group
ISBN 9781032953298282 Pages 31 B/W Illustrations Published April 3, 2026 by Focal Press
A Filmmaker's Guide to Working with Children is the essential resource for ethical and impactful filmmaking with young actors. Co-authored by Tamryn Speirs, the book provides practical, stage-by-stage strategies—from pre production, through casting, into production and beyond—for creating safe and joyful production environments.
It features age-specific techniques (infants to adolescents), trauma-prevention protocols, and guidance on navigating legal and logistical considerations. Bolstered by case studies (e.g., Room, The Florida Project) and insights from top directors and coaches (including Matthew Warchus and Miranda Harcourt), the guide ensures filmmakers can foster confident, captivating performances while safeguarding every young talent.
Written as an essential tool for directors, producers, and aspiring filmmakers, A Filmmaker's Guide to Working with Children offers comprehensive, practical methods for ethical filmmaking with child performers.
Building on the authors' industry experience, the guide covers key areas:
Safety & Ethics: Detailed protocols for trauma prevention, inclusive casting, and navigating legal/logistical requirements.
Performance: Age-appropriate techniques (infants to teens) and playful, respectful methods to foster confidence and achieve captivating acting.
Critic's Reviews for, 'A Filmmaker's Guide to Working with Children'
"A Filmmaker's Guide to Working with Children is an indispensable exploration of one of the most mystifying parts of filmmaking — and how to get it right."
Jim Mickle, Director/Showrunner, Sweet Tooth
"If you've ever felt torn between 'we need the shot' and 'is this right for young performers?', this book resolves it with usable steps. Clear, humane, actionable. A rare book that changes behaviour on set. Buy it, mark it up, and make it policy."
Likarion Wainaina, Director, Supa Modo
"A thorough, honest, gentle and practical must-read for anyone who is thinking about having a child actor on set. Not only essential for directors but also useful for all members of the crew. This book might be the spark of a revolution in how we direct kids on screen."
Matthew Kalil, Author, The Three Wells of Screenwriting