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Hello, can you let me know what you think a reasonable amount of time off school for a short film is? We've done lots, but always out of term/ weekends. But we have been asked to do a 5 day one during term time, and although it's the main part and should be high quality, it seems like a lot of time off. Our school is very supportive, but I just wanted to know what you would do in this case? Thanks as always!

5 days is not alot of time it does of course depend on how short! We have had 5 days for a 30 second commercial!

Personally I think it would depend on the school. Although our school is supportive they don't like ds having time off. So we try and keep it to a minimum. I would chat with them first and if they are ok about it then go for it.

Will tutoring be provided?

Yes if you ask about schooling might make them change the shoot to weekends as if a child is filming 3 days or more have to
have schooling. I'm sure it will be licenced and LEA will want to know who the tutor is.

I agree with the others, maybe they will then change it to 3 school days and a weekend to avoid getting a tutor. Also I would want to be sure the production company/director were very professional and my child would definitely get something out of it, a very good copy at least for showreel etc. Would be awful to have all that time off and then it be shelved in post production or be rubbish quality!

Yes agree with Panda but would have to be 2 days as 3 days and over have to have a tutor. Also ds has done 6 days on short film I did the tutoring just got books for him to write in and work from school did a scrap book about the film. Also get them to sign a contract to say that they will give you a copy with in a certain time they will say can't until film has been to festivals you say I will sign a contract to say that I will not use it until it has been shown. Ds had a small part in a short film where part of it was cartoon very complicated that was years ago the lead boy did 2 weeks on it got paid very little looks like it was never made so he spent 2 weeks very little money and film was not made so no copy for showreel all the crew had been involved in other short films experienced crew and still film was never made. So you have to be sure that this short film is going to be made. Ask to see other films the director has made to make sure they are good quality if there is nothing would advise not to go ahead with it. There are so many would be directors out there who buy a HD video camera and say they are directors you have to be so careful.

Thanks everyone. All very very helpful and clear. I have a list if qs now!