1. ON THE JOB
This job can be described as herding kids
By Cindy Atoji Keene G LO BE CO RRES PO NDE NT NO V E MB E R 1 7 , 2013
Cory Scott dislikes the moniker for his job —
“child wrangler.” But, he admits, “wrangling”
can be an apropos description for his work —
making sure that photo shoots, films, and video
productions involving child models and actors
go smoothly. He has worked on sets for Hasbro,
CVS, the March of Dimes, and Sonalysts Media.
“Being on a set can be overwhelming for both
children and parents,” said Scott, 42, of
Worcester. “I’m like a jester, concierge,
cheerleader, counselor, and facilitator, all in
one.”
With all the lights and backdrops, a photo
studio can be quite a foreign
environment for a child. How do you
prepare them for it?
I have established a relationship with them
prior to getting onto the set, so it this makes them more responsive and comfortable. Kids find themselves in
this contrived environment where there are lights and cameras, but I help them still be free to be themselves.
Part of your role is to keep restless ones entertained in the wings while the crew is readying the
set. How do you do that?
I bring all sorts of props with me, from magic tricks to noise-makers, balls, dominos, and other diversions. I
like to wear cargo pants with lots of pockets because sometimes I need to work really fast to grab a kid’s
attention. I’ll talk with a funny accent or put on wild hats or glasses. Kids have limited attention spans so I have
to know when something’s working or when it’s time to move on to a new tactic.
How did you become a child wrangler?
I kind of fell into it. I’m a representative for a photographer, and one of his clients was a big toy company. He
knew how crazy I was and asked me to entertain the children during a shoot. It was the perfect role for me,
because I’m a dad but also have an entertainment background.
What do you do when you’re not wrangling?
I’m an actor who tends to get cast in the role of a soldier, cop, priest, or rock star — these are the personas I
tend to give off.
I also do voiceovers for commercials and some stage work. And I’m a “standardized patient” for a medical
school — we pretend we are patients so that residents can practice their bedside manners with us.
My case portrayals have been an alcoholic, accident, and stroke victim.
Cindy Atoji Keene can be reached at cindy@cindyatoji .com.