Yes, real babies are indeed often featured in birth scenes in film and television, though their appearance is managed under very specific conditions and strict regulations to ensure their safety and well-being.
When a production requires the portrayal of a newborn, they often seek out infants who are just days old. While it's technically possible to film with an infant as young as one day old, practical considerations, primarily related to securing necessary permits, mean that most newborns cast in these roles are typically around a week old. This short delay is due to the requirement for a child performance licence, which must be obtained from the local council. Applying for this licence necessitates a birth certificate, and the processing time for the permit itself can take approximately a week.
Age and Licensing Requirements for Filming Infants
Casting agencies specialize in finding suitable infants for these roles, always adhering to stringent guidelines. The process involves:
- Age: While the youngest technically permitted age is one day old, the practical minimum for filming is closer to a week due to administrative processes.
- Licensing: A vital step is obtaining a child performance licence from the baby's local council. This licence is a legal requirement for any child participating in a performance.
- Documentation: A birth certificate is required to apply for the child performance licence.
Safety and Ethical Considerations
The use of real newborns in film is governed by strict regulations to protect the infant. These often include:
- Limited Set Time: Babies are allowed on set for very short periods, often only minutes at a time.
- Parental Presence: A parent or guardian must always be present and directly supervise the infant.
- Medical Supervision: In some cases, a medical professional may be on set to monitor the baby's health.
- Controlled Environment: The set environment is carefully controlled for temperature, noise, and lighting to ensure the baby's comfort and safety.
- Specialized Crew: Crew members working with infants are often trained in handling newborns gently and safely.
While real babies are frequently used for authenticity, filmmakers may also employ highly realistic animatronics, CGI, or a combination of techniques, especially for scenes requiring more complex actions or prolonged close-ups that might not be suitable for a live infant. However, for the initial moments of a "birth," the use of a real newborn, often just days old, provides an unmatched sense of realism.
