I once shot a commercial in Thailand with a little girl. She was a total sweetheart and charmed everyone on set. To top it off, she was clearly clever for her age and performed beautifully. She was easy to work with and the client was happy. Cut to a few months later, we are shooting another commercial for the same brand, but in Singapore. Of course, the client requested to work with her again. No problem, I say breezily, assuming this was going to be as easy as the first time.
I see her again during wardrobe fitting and she recognises me instantly. Cue much smiling, hugging and sign language communicating. Talking with small children when they don't speak your language usually involves multiple games of charades and foolish jumping around. But I was honoured she still remembered me after months. Once again, my confidence was bolstered. Surely, since she liked me so much, this would go smoothly right?
The shoot day started and she was all over it. Any direction I threw at her she took like a pro. Like a fool I was already starting to pat myself on the back. During the shoot, she constantly wanted to be around me. Hanging around during takes... Sitting next to me during lunch... I suddenly felt like I was the most popular kid in the playground. Being the sucker I am, I fell for it hook line and sinker. I gave her all the attention she wanted. This was not wise. In fact, you might call it a fatal error. I was now her friend.
Fast forward to after lunch, when her energy ran out. She was tired and didn’t want to work anymore (not only crew get hit by the after lunch dip). I thought to myself, aha, here is the perfect scenario to prove my worth with children on set. Who better but her new best friend to turn her attitude around? More fool me. Friends don't tell other friends to get up and start working... Whatever I said, it didn’t work. As her best friend, I more than anyone should understand how she felt.
I love the energy kids bring to set. I love their playful attitude and genuine reactions to the world around them. Especially when energy is high, it’s easy for me start joking around on set. This anecdote was a valuable lesson. It’s great when the kids you work with like you, but keep your distance. You’re not their friend, you’re the one in charge. You’re the director.