Children's castings in Spain: a guide for parents

If your son or daughter has shown an interest in acting, singing or appearing in commercials, you have probably wondered how the world of children's castings works in Spain. It is a sector with its own rules, specific regulations and, unfortunately, also with unreliable players who take advantage of families' enthusiasm. This guide is designed to help parents navigate that environment with solid information, always protecting the child's wellbeing above any professional opportunity.

How the world of children's castings works

Children's castings in Spain work in a similar way to those for adults, with some important differences when it comes to regulation and process. Calls come mainly from three sources: audiovisual production companies (film, series, television), advertising agencies (TV, internet and print ads) and theatre or live-show producers.

In most cases, the process has two phases: an initial selection based on photographs and details about the child, and a second phase consisting of an in-person or video audition. Families are invited to a studio or casting room where the children perform simple acting exercises, read a text or simply interact naturally with the casting director.

Types of children's castings

• Advertising: Television, internet and print ads. These are the most common and the best paid. They look for photogenic, expressive children who can follow instructions. Previous experience is not always required.
• Television series: Both mainstream channels and streaming platforms produce content where children have supporting or, sometimes, leading roles. Here training or experience is usually valued.
• Film: Feature-film shoots are the most demanding in terms of time and commitment. Minors may need to be absent from school during filming, which requires coordination with the school.
• Theatre and musicals: Productions such as children's musicals or stage adaptations look for children with specific skills (singing, dancing, acting). Auditions tend to be more structured and demanding.

Legal requirements for minors working in Spain

Spanish law is clear regarding the work of minors in the artistic field. The main legal framework is the Workers' Statute (article 6) and the rules of the Organic Law 1/1996 on the Legal Protection of Minors (LOPJM), together with the regional regulations that may add further conditions.

The key points every parent should know are:

• Children under 16 cannot work in artistic activities without express authorisation from the labour authority, which in Spain corresponds to the Labour Inspectorate of each autonomous community.
• Parents or guardians must request this authorisation before any paid work begins.
• Working hours are strictly limited so as not to harm the child's schooling or rest.
• The child's earnings are theirs by law, even though parents manage them until the child comes of age.

The child's rights and production companies' obligations

Production companies that hire minors have specific obligations that go far beyond simply paying for the work:

• They must ensure that the work does not interfere with compulsory schooling.
• They are required to provide a safe environment appropriate to the child's age.
• They must respect the rest periods established by law.
• They must always have at least one parent or guardian present during the work.
• They cannot use the child's images for purposes other than those contracted without new consent.

Where to find legitimate castings and how to spot scams

The first filter for detecting whether a call is legitimate is to ask who is publishing it and with what contact details. Legitimate calls always include the name of the production company or agency, a verifiable tax ID or company details, and a real physical address.

Reliable channels for finding children's castings:

• Professional casting platforms with company verification
• Talent agencies with a verifiable track record and recognisable clients
• Recommendations from other parents with experience in the sector
• Calls from well-known production companies in specialised media

Warning signs in dubious agencies

• They ask you for money upfront for "registration", a "mandatory photo book" or "prior training". Legitimate agencies only charge when the child works (a commission on the fee).
• They promise guaranteed results ("your child will be a star") before having seen them act.
• They pressure you to sign exclusive representation contracts at the first meeting.
• They have no verifiable website or demonstrable professional presence.
• The "casting" takes place in a private flat or an unidentified premises.

What documentation you need

To put your child forward for a children's casting you will need to have available:

• Recent photographs (they don't need to be professional for the first phase)
• Basic details: name, date of birth, physical characteristics, languages
• ID card or passport of the child and of the parent or guardian
• If the project is paid: an authorisation request to the Labour Inspectorate before it begins

How to prepare your child psychologically

This may well be the most important point in the whole guide. Before taking your child to a casting, make sure that they want to go, not that you want them to go. Parental pressure in this sector can cause anxiety, fear of failure and a damaging relationship with acting from a very young age.

Explain to them, in an age-appropriate way, what the casting involves, that they may not be chosen and that this is completely normal, and that what matters is having fun and learning. Celebrate the effort, not the result.

The world of children's castings can be an enriching experience for children with talent and enthusiasm. With the right information, the appropriate legal protection and the child's wellbeing as an absolute priority, it is possible for your child to have a positive experience and, who knows, the start of an exciting artistic career.