We've hired the calmest babies in the world to play the…
![“We've hired the calmest babies in the world to play the hysterical Thomas. One did finally start to cry but stopped every time Chris [Newman (assistant director)] yelled 'Action'. ... Babies smiled all afternoon. Buddhist babies. They didn't cry once. We, however, were all in tears by 5 p.m.” quote by Emma Thompson](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/266/emma-thompson-3232_babies_we-ve-hired-the-calmest-babies-in-the-wo_2774611.png)
““We've hired the calmest babies in the world to play the hysterical Thomas. One did finally start to cry but stopped every time Chris [Newman (assistant director)] yelled 'Action'. ... Babies smiled all afternoon. Buddhist babies. They didn't cry once. We, however, were all in tears by 5 p.m.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The crew used infants who rarely cry, directing them with shouted “Action,” resulting in a calm set but emotional crew members by day's end.
In simple terms: Babies stayed calm despite shouting “Action,” but crew got emotional.
Key Takeaway
Use gentle methods with sensitive participants.
Themes
film production
children actors
set dynamics
Mood
empathetic
reflective
Type
practical
ethical
When to use this quote
- directing child actors
- set management
- crew welfare
Key Concepts
Child labor laws
psychology of performance
Questions to Reflect On
- How to protect child actors’ wellbeing?
- What alternatives exist for calm sets?
A Different Perspective
Potential ethical concerns using child actors.