Jaden Smith: I learn from my dad

Jaden Smith credits his father Will Smith with helping him to manoeuvre the murky waters of showbusiness.

The father and son co-star in new sci-fi drama After Earth. The pair trekked to locations in Costa Rica, California, Utah and Pennsylvania to film the M. Night Shyamalan post-apocalyptic thriller.

The 14-year-old admits juggling school and work can be tough, but his famous dad is always there guiding him through.

"With every movie I've worked on, he's always been right there next to me. I learn from him," Jaden told America’s Teen Vogue magazine.

"It can be extremely difficult,” he continued, adding that he’s adjusted to balancing the school books with a busy career including action, music and fashion design.

Jaden’s remarks follow on the heels of rumours he was seeking emancipation from his father and mother, actress Jada Pinkett Smith.

The young actor later denied those reports, though Will spoke publicly about his relaxed approach to parenting.

"We generally don’t believe in punishment. From the time Jaden was five or six we would sit him down, and all he has to do is be able to explain why what he did was the right thing for his life," Will previously told British newspaper The Sun.

"I think it’s a much more difficult question to ask someone - ‘Why was that right?’ - than to try to show them why it was wrong.”

The couple also share a 12-year-old daughter, singer Willow Smith.

After Earth is scheduled to hit cinemas in the US later this month.

It is the second big screen collaboration for Jaden and Will. They previously played father and son in 2006 drama The Pursuit of Happyness.