California has the most extensive matrix of laws regarding children working in the entertainment industry in the world. Applicable laws can be found scattered through the Family Code, Probate Code, Education Code and Labor Code. In addition, California is a union state, so SAG-AFTRA, the actor’s labor union, also has jurisdiction over most projects. A…
The laws governing child performers differ greatly from state to state. It is a parent’s responsibility to understand the applicable laws in their home state and also any state where their child may work. Sadly, there is no comprehensive searchable database of these laws. A starting point would be the Federal Department of Labor. It…
The Child Performer Protection Act was spearheaded by Bizparentz Foundation in an effort to keep child performers safe from sex offenders. The law does two things: requires all those who work as service providers to children in the entertainment industry to obtain a permit from the Department of Labor. This includes all managers, publicists, photographers,…
Below are forms also referenced on our website in their respective content area. They are included here for your convenience, to provide easy access to these printable tools. Trustee Statement [PDF]CA Work Permit Application [PDF]CA Work Hours for Minors [PDF]Coogan Paperwork Checklist for Asst. Dir. [PDF]Receipt – Coogan Information [PDF]”Copy Provided” Agreement Form for Student…
Positive Examples of Former Child Actors The poor behavior of a few young celebrities has made the term “former child actor” a negative one. We’re here to tell you that a career in the entertainment industry does not mean that a child will have a substance abuse problem or spend time in jail. Those stories…
Legal 18: Emancipation or CHSPE? Download this Emancipation / CHPSE Info Grid to further assist you in clarification of the different terminology and applicable laws related to emancipation. This document is in a grid format and accompanies the text of this article – think “cheat sheet”. Feel free to share with production when they have…
California has the most specific regulations about on-set schooling in the industry. Unlike some areas of the country where productions rely completely on SAG-AFTRA regulations for guidance, California actually legislated schooling requirements for kids working in the entertainment industry so that even non-union jobs must provide education. On a union job, when SAG-AFTRA and State…
Families involved in the entertainment industry have some unique issues to address in regard to their children’s regular education in the Entertainment Industry, such as: Will their regular school allow absences for working? Will they be penalized with lower grades, less opportunities, etc. for being absent? What about auditions? Will the schedule be so rigorous…
As parents and employers of child actors, we need to be especially concerned about the safety of showbiz kids, especially when it comes to their image. If you are a producer, we hope this information will motivate you to be aware of the people you are working with, the subject matter you choose, and even…
We are currently in the midst of an interesting time in history. Thanks to technology, everyone *thinks* they have access to levels of the industry that they never did before. Some go one step further, and think they can exert more control, or drive their career with this new access. We now see child actors…