Why Child Stars are Set Up To Fail | Dear Hollywood Episode 1

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11 ай бұрын

In the kickoff episode of Dear Hollywood, Alyson introduces the toddler-to-train wreck pipeline, a century old system involving child entertainers who enter the industry with pluck and promise, only to repeat similarly tragic downward spirals. Alyson discloses insights from a confidential meeting with multiple generations of former child actors, and provides the contextual framework through which we can investigate the events and elements contributing to their demise.
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Video filmed and edited by: Crispy Chicken / crispychickenco
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About Alyson Stoner:
Alyson Stoner is a multi-hyphenate known for their on-screen acting work in franchises such as Step Up and Camp Rock to dancing with the likes of Missy Elliot and Eminem and now their original digital content across all her platforms. Alyson is also the founder of Movement Genius, a digital wellness platform that provides live and on-demand classes to help you improve your mental, emotional and physical well-being.

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@TheRealAlysonStoner

This may stir a lot within your own mind and body, so I made a special 50% off code to Movement Genius (no strings attached):

@Melissa_______

This was so well structured. While I’m disappointed that the production company switched on you, I’m grateful you continue to use your platform to advocate and inform. Very much looking forward to this series. Thank you for your work.

@jm2307

I’m a fan and a social scientist. I go through the world in a Black cis-woman’s body and am keenly aware of how I’m received by others for it. I’m here to learn more about your experience and I can’t help but to draw parallels across our experiences even though they’re so different. There’s always a through-line that connects these kinds of things. The manufactured social perceptions and subsequent treatment for them, good and bad. I’m taking mental notes of the similarities to further shape my understanding of the world. Thanks for sharing your story with us.

@jayjohnston97

A therapist once told me that I was always very mature for my age and with out skipping a beat I accidentally said "thanks its the trauma" which lead to a discussion on my feelings on people being told that they're mature for their age. I told her that in my experience when you say something like that you're almost always complimenting the results of someone's trauma, that a majority of kids and teens aren't just mature beyond their years for no reason. She ended up thanking me and telling me that I brought a very good point to her attention

@kimberlybega8271

As someone with a Bachelor's in psychology I love how you brought in Piaget's model to explain the effects of starting acting at various ages. I knew the Olsen twins had started acting as babies, did not know those other people you mentioned had as well. With the Olsen twins I have heard people talk about how their mom had to be kept out of sight from them when they were filming Full House. Especially as babies, this is troubling because we know from attachment theory that the first 18 months of life are the essential time to form a secure bond with a primary caregiver to set oneself up for healthy relationships later in life, as well as help the children feel a sense of safety and security. It makes me wonder how much this process was disrupted for them.

@ChristianeLevesque

Bodily autonomy is such a huge issue. Tiny humans have opinions about who is okay to touch them as much as others. I remember when my niece was a baby, she would get upset when I hugged her. So I asked her if she preferred that I don't do it, she broke out into a huge grin, and I stopped hugging her. Years later we found out she has autism. She doesn't remember it, but I still think it helped our relationship overall. She and I get along relatively easily, but would we if I had insisted on hugging her?

@choosyapplepickerproductio3594

I am only 10 minutes in and I am already so impressed how well rounded she is in her approach. She is really taking a lot of different viewpoints into consideration and seems to be so level headed and not blaming or pointing fingers in a dramatic fashion. And she promises a solution. I am so stoked to see where this goes. You have my attention.

@giabarrone7422

You are far better off not having to answer to a production company. We have been waiting for a child star to to tackle this critical topic for decades….you could be filming on your iPhone in the public library and everyone will still tune in. I am surprised and thrilled to see the level of thought and research you have incorporated into your talking points. Excellent work, I will be back for the next one!

@Rinniantoinette

I know you focus on actors but one thing I would suggest is researching child labor in vlogging and KZfaq videos. It needs to be exposed more and how parents take advantage of the image and privacy of their kids

@camfinwins

Hi Alyson, former child star here. Love your research. effort, work, clear and empathetic viewpoint on the subject. I’m also very passionate about this. Tried petitioning SAG multiple times about mental health services, policy changes, and putting structures in place to protect child actors to no avail thus far. I think as we gather momentum we can make effective change.

@karinalumen9722

Use their NAME! That production company and legal person shouldnt have privacy, when they are the ones abusing that option. God I hate how we cant even mention business names because they arent “famous” or fear of retaliation! Actors craft is acting not fame, so why dont we care that level of attention to other careers that actually make a change (often negative)

@tweakernation

Something that makes this all the worse is realizing the sheer scope of how many of us as kids grew up watching other children act thinking it must've been the greatest job ever. Finally finding out how bad it really is and then feeling sick to our stomachs at the joy we were feeling while those we watched were suffering horrendously.

@a_mused00

Alyson, thank you.

@yuyu2007

I’m a mental health professional who grew up with the Disney channel. I’ve thought a lot about this subject over the years, as I continued my education and as more people spoke out. I hope this conversation continues and leads to real change.

@HappilyAfterEver

I am so nervous about the effect social media is having on children’s right to privacy. There are an alarming number of channels out there whose main or sole purpose is showing off their kids, and there are zero protections for these kids. The parents profit off of their children like little content creation machines, and the children’s entire childhood is broadcast to the internet to live forever with or without their consent.

@athluisa

How is she soooo good at explaining. So eloquent! Every important point not left behind. So amazing. She must be a trained stoic not fuming in anger after the “new legal team” trying to take advantage. So crazy!

@jodisco

Alyson - as a child actor myself who worked from the age of 5-17 years old, you have no idea how much this series means to me. Hearing you talk about things you (and I) experienced in the lense of your incredible wisdom, has been more therapeutic and healing than any therapy I have attended. Just THANK YOU and keep shedding light on an industry only us survivors can speak on. Sending you tons of love and support.

@aleyna7498

~A comment for interaction~

@FashionDiva181

I am never shocked when young stars spiral out of control. It is an insane amount of pressure on a young mind and too many are expected to be the breadwinners at home when they aren't even adults. I am so glad you're shedding more light to it, hopefully it can be the cornerstone for change

@reginehunter

omg like when people constantly comment on how well Miranda Crosgrove is doing! we have no clue what she’s done or what has been done to her. we have no idea what her life is actually like and to make assumptions whether good or bad is disgusting and irresponsible.