On-set caregiver for child actors — responsible for wellbeing, rest periods, legal compliance. Essential crew position on any shoot with under-18 cast.
Nanny
On set with child actors, you can't get around the nanny — and that's a good thing. She is not the child's mother, not the aunt, and definitely not the assistant director. The nanny bears full responsibility for ensuring the young actor remains physically and mentally fit, adheres to legal rest periods, and doesn't collapse between takes. In Germany and most European productions, she is legally mandatory as soon as individuals under 18 are in front of the camera.
In practice, this means: The nanny sits on set, observes every take, knows the shooting schedule requirements by heart, and knows exactly how long the child is allowed to work — the regulations differ considerably depending on age. A five-year-old may shoot a maximum of two to three hours a day, a teenager up to eight. The nanny is the first to raise her hand when the limit is reached. She manages breaks, meals, ensures quiet rooms, and prevents the crew from overworking the child between takes. She is also the liaison to the mother or parent — coordinating, informing, buffering.
Spontaneous psychology is part of the job. A six-year-old actor is tense after the fourth take? The nanny knows his tricks — perhaps a play break, a silly story, a song. She is supposed to bring the child into the right emotional state without manipulating him. This is both craft and experience. Good nannies work for years, know directors, productions, and understand how a particular crew operates. They are invisible and indispensable.
Legally, it's clear: The production bears full liability if the nanny fails to fulfill her duties. Injuries, exceeded working hours, psychological strain — everything is at the expense of the line producer. Therefore, one does not skimp here. An experienced nanny costs money, but in the end, she saves you trouble, delays, and potentially significant legal consequences.