What a Studio Teacher says…

I recently had the opportunity to speak with a long time studio teacher…  and colleague Christine Bloomingdale:  Studio teacher with a fantastic zest for life!

She is an awesome studio teacher who has worked with amazing kids for years… more than 15– WOW!  She knows her business and she continues on at a steadfast pace helping kids on sets — not only with  homework, but also growing up in show business.

One of the greatest questions she brought to my mind was this: (maybe you should think about it)
“How will this effect your (my) entire family?”
Once in this business everything changes, hours of work for mom and dad, hours of school, missing friends, activities, travel, traffic, schedules, phone calls, the way you show up in public, how you speak to people.  The list is long… how will it effect your younger brother, or your older sister who will not or doesn’t want to be in the business… what if your family frowns upon such jobs as not being “smart” enough…
When she said this I was suddenly struck with what I observe on set myself, either while working with kids on a set, or while producing and watching moms trying to handle their one child on set while holding onto the other who is only three and “being” three…  running around throwing things… LIFE!  This business effects everyone!  There is so much to consider before jumping straight into it all, are you really ready?  Is mom?  How about dad?  Think, think, think.
We continued to talk about how the industry can largely effect a child’s development and what it is a studio teacher really does…  this is what I gathered from her (which I think is great.)  The studio teacher is there actually because the STATE LAW demands it…  yep that’s right. I didn’t realize how serious this was until she started giving me examples of the “gone wrongs…”  California State Laws are something not to messed with,they provide kids, and parents protection in making sure that the child will be taken care of and educated while on a photo shoot or movie set.  There are hours and age requirements so please make sure that your producer or the photo shoot, movie set, etc. that you are working on is supplying you with a CERTIFIED Studio teacher .  If you show up and there is NOT a teacher call your agent or simply request that you will not be available to perform the job.  You can always contact your local agencies to inquire and set things right.  Many times production companies try to get away without a studio teacher because of cost, or they may be working with a NEWBIE producer who just may not know the State LAWS…  whatever the excuse in the long run what they may not realize is if they are caught the penalties and “reputation” may cost them more in the long run.

My philosophy: EDUCATE !  The more we all know the better the job, and less STRESS… this is all about less STRESS and keeping it simple.

She continued to speak about the wellness of the children on set and how she as a studio teacher can help in the child’s development.  This little piece of information I would have never thought about…  but it’s true because MOM you are not really on set with the little one, the studio teacher can be and is sometimes asked to be there.  Many times the teacher will become not only the teacher but the inside “friend”.  She/He is most likely able to help the child when they become fearful or even “FULL” of themselves making it possible to get the shot or continue shooting the day.

There is so much information…  here is something else that I think is worthy of you knowing…

8 CCR Section 11755.3—Studio Teacher’s Authority.

I’m really glad that I know and have worked with some really great studio teachers and I have been able to see what they can do on set when NO one else has been able too.  Studio teachers are an integral part of the process of not only the filming, shooting and keeping things organized, but they are there for your KID’S growth and educational process, don’t ever miss out on this!

Be More… More than A Model.