Why do they mostly use actors in their late 20s or early 30s to play teenage roles in movies/ tv series? Couldn’t they use teenage actors instead?
In: 8
Logistics. TV series have it (slightly) easier since they are mostly filmed on set at a fixed location. Recent “mini-series” TV shows might not have it as easy. Movies, though, tend to be filmed on locations and usually many locations. For younger (non-adult) actors, there typically needs to be a guardian and close supervision. Some shoots take many hours and child actors are legally not allowed to work as many hours as adult actors. (in most countries – there are specific labor laws covering not yet adult workers)
For the late-teen characters, the difference isn’t really that huge and the looks tend to carry the scene. It isn’t difficult for a young looking 20 something to look a few years younger. And it avoids all the logistics as above.
Movies tend to be expensive to produce. Delays cost money (could be tens to hundreds of thousand dollars a day for even a modest production) and there is always a bit more risk hiring an unproven or less experienced actor over someone with 5-6 years experience. The skill levels (broadly speaking) are not comparable.
And, of course, there is star power. Top actors (even young) are expected to draw in sales.
Of course, these are broad statements and there are certainly exceptions.
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