Does my son need to be in a union to star in his written screenplay?

Much like Matt Damon, Sylvester Stallone, etc., my son wrote a AMAZING screenplay to star in to boost his acting career. He has little experience though, so he's non-union. Does he need to be to star in it? Will studios take a 12-year old with talent seriously?Does my son need to be in a union to star in his written screenplay?What odd advice. The BEST piece of advice given on this question so far was "I dunno."



Ultimately, though, there's no answer so far that has really answered the question.



So here's the right answer:



If your son is going to make the film himself, he can certainly act in the flick. If he's planning on selling the work, then he won't be acting in it. Don't even ask. Take the large chunk of money they give you for the screenplay, thank them, and get your son an agent (which you can do with the Hollywood Representation Directory). Get him acting lessons. Get him commercial work. Get him enrolled in a film school. He needs to make contacts.



As far as not being in a union goes ... I'm not an actor. I'm a screenwriter. I can tell you, though, that to join SAG (Screen Actors Guild) you need to have have worked in film. Principal role or Taft Hartley. You should check with the Young Performers program that is part of the SAG dealy-o. Go here:



http://www.sag.org/content/young-perform鈥?/a>Does my son need to be in a union to star in his written screenplay?
Studios will not take seriously someone who doesn't know what they're doing. You need to properly learn about the industry and the ways-in for him, and get him an agent.



Unless he just wants to make the film himself with friends etc. and use it as showreel material or enter it in festivals.



He could try to sell the screenplay alone, but chances are the studio wouldn't let a child actor they don't know take the role. Unless maybe it was a really small independent studio... You know, that might be the best way. Target very small production companies on their way up. Finding a child star could be difficult for people like that, so putting himself forward would be a great help to them. On the other hand, there are lots of laws about kids' working hours, conditions, pay etc. and they might find it too much trouble to work with a child...



I dunno, hope this helps. :)Does my son need to be in a union to star in his written screenplay?He does not have to be Union. However I would not sell it until you negotiate a part in this for him. If there is serious interest I would contact any agent on the A level to negotiate your terms. William Morris, CESD, Don BuchwaldDoes my son need to be in a union to star in his written screenplay?
this actor writer is twelve? No one is going to take him seriously. Unless he gets an agent.Does my son need to be in a union to star in his written screenplay?no, he can make an ind. film out of it. or try and sell the screen play to a film co.

edelbrock