Your Guide to Navigating California’s Child Actor Laws: A Whimsical Yet Informative Journey

Welcome to the colorful world of California’s entertainment industry, where the spotlight shines not just on the glittering stars but also on the laws that protect our youngest performers. So, grab your sunglasses (and maybe a legal pad), and let’s dive into the complex but fascinating landscape of child labor laws in California!

The Entry Ticket: Work Permits

Before a child can step onto a set, they need a golden ticket—a work permit. It’s like the Hogwarts letter for young actors, but instead of owls, you need:

ID verification
School clearance
Sexual Harassment Prevention Training (for stars aged 14+)

These permits are valid for a star-studded six months, so mark your calendars!

A Parent’s VIP Pass

Parents or guardians, you’re not just along for the ride; you need to be within sight and sound of your child at all times on set. Consider yourself the director of their safety.

The On-Set Schoolhouse

Even if it’s not a school day, a licensed studio teacher must be present to keep the academic show going. And on school days? A mandatory three hours of schooling ensures that our young stars don’t miss out on their education while they’re making magic on screen.

Timekeeping by Age

Lights, camera, action—but only for a limited time. California strictly regulates how long young actors can work, with no overtime allowed. It’s like Cinderella’s curfew, but for filming!

The Coogan Account: Where Earnings Take the Spotlight

Named after Jackie Coogan, a former child star, this law ensures that 15% of a child’s earnings go into a trust account just for them. Background actors, you’re off the hook here, but everyone else, take note!

Guarding Against the Dark Arts of Hollywood

SB1687 (Krekorian Talent Scam Prevention Act): Think of this as the shield spell against advance fee scams. No false promises, no sketchy referrals, and a hefty $50,000 bond required from those offering upfront services.
AB1660 (Child Performer Protection Act): This law is the casting call for safety, requiring anyone providing services to minors to have a special permit and keeping registered sex offenders far away from representing or providing services to minors.

Lights, Camera, Action Against Harassment

Thanks to laws passed in response to the #MeToo movement, children aged 14 and up must complete sexual harassment training to work in the industry. Also, many more adults on set are now mandated reporters of child abuse, ensuring an added layer of protection.

The Coogan Law Update

For those in smaller roles, such as extras, the Coogan law has been updated to ease the financial burden of withholding earnings, reflecting the reality that these smaller paychecks might better serve the actors immediately rather than being held in trust.

But Wait, There’s More…

The stage of California is large, and its laws are designed to protect not just the performance but the performer. Whether it’s battling talent scams or ensuring a safe and balanced work-life-education mix, California aims to keep its child stars safe, educated, and legally protected.

Now, whether you’re a parent managing your child’s burgeoning acting career or a young star ready to shine, remember that in California, the script includes safety, education, and financial wisdom. Break a leg (but only metaphorically) as you navigate the exciting path of entertainment with the protection of these laws!

Remember, this guide is just your opening act! For the deep dives and all the legal jazz, make sure to consult professionals and check out resources like the Studio Teachers Union’s Blue Book.

Ready to shine on the big stage of California’s entertainment industry? With these laws in your script, you’re set for a stellar performance in safety and style!

Georgia Child Actor 101: Your “not-so-bumpy” Roadmap to Stardom

Okay, kiddo, ready to take on the Georgia film scene? Before you unleash your inner superstar, here's the lowdown on the need-to-know rules that'll keep you safe and legally sound:

The Permit Hustle: Your production company handles getting the work permit (Child Labor Application for Employment of Minors in Entertainment). Think of it as your backstage pass– gotta submit this at least 5 days before the cameras roll!
Certified to Shine: Companies hiring you need to be "certified" by the state. It's like their official stamp of approval for working with the coolest kid on the block.
School Smarts: Workin' hard for more than a day? Your production company better have a tutor lined up. Balancing books and breakout roles? You're practically a superhero.
Log It Like It's Hot: Your parent needs to keep track of your hours – think of it as your mini-timesheet for the Child Labor Coordinator. Organization is key to world domination, my friend.

More Important Bits:

Your On-Set Sidekick: You're getting a "Minor Representative" (usually your awesome parent) who's gotta be with you on set, like, all the time. They're your safety squad and personal cheerleader!
The Georgia Registration: Think of it as your official child actor membership card. Get it, keep it updated, and get ready to rock those auditions.
Workin' Those Hours: Georgia's got limits on how long you can be in front of the camera, depending on your age. They've got your back (and your need for naps, let's be real). Handy PDF guide to work hours attached!
The CLC: This stands for Child Labor Coordinator. Think of them as your on-set safety net – they need to be 21+, background-checked, and super knowledgeable about the rules.
Parents Rule!: You MUST have a parent or guardian with you at all times. No signing over your superstar self to a stranger, no matter how cool they seem. Your safety comes first.
Keepin' It Clean: Sorry kiddo, no risqué business allowed. You've got years for edgy roles– stick to showing off that megawatt smile for now!
Sleep > Stardom: 12 hours between school and your next call time is the law. Growing stars need their beauty rest!
Travel counts! Time spent getting to set is considered part of your workday. Roadtrip singalongs, anyone?
No Coogan Account: That's a California thing. Georgia trusts you (and your awesome parents) to handle those big-time paychecks responsibly.

Remember, these are just the highlights. Always check official sources for the most up-to-date info. Now go get 'em, tiger!

New York State Child Performer Laws: Curtain Up on the Legalese!

A Bit of Backstory

Back in 2003, New York decided it was showtime for the Child Performer Education and Trust Act, taking a bow in 2004. Supported by the who’s who of performance unions (think SAG, AFTRA, and AEA), this act includes a sprinkle of Coogan Law-like provisions and a dash of educational must-haves for our mini stars in theatre, TV, film, and yes, even music. Notably absent? Strict caps on work hours and, oh, it doesn’t really fuss over print models much. And about those trust accounts—no stage locks here; New York prefers a more open-access UTMA or UGMA setup.

2013 Law Remix:
Fast forward to 2011, New York took a deep dive into a “rule-making” revamp that was more dramatic than a season finale cliffhanger. By April 2013, we had new rules in the playbook:

Work Hours: Tailored to fit each slice of the industry pie.
Responsible Person: Parents, you can star in this role! Or appoint another trustworthy adult—just make sure they’re always within a shout or a whisper of your kiddo. Think of them as the stage manager for your little star.
Work Permits: No backstage pass without one! These need to be linked to trust account details to make sure your child’s payday is secured.
Health Checks: Keeping it simple and non-invasive, mirroring what schools need for those gym class clearances.
Education Tune-up: Check out Part 186.5 for the nitty-gritty, because every child’s script is different.

Today’s Spotlight: Part 186
For all things regulation, the New York State Department of Labor is your go-to director. They call the shots under “Part 186,” where you’ll find everything from permit applications to the full legal script. Models, rejoice! As of 2013, you’re included in these protections, making catwalks at NY Fashion Week safer than ever.

Permit Playbill:
Young stars under 18 need a Child Performer Permit—think of it as their ticket to the show. First-timers can snag a 15-day temp for a quick debut, but the seasoned pros go for the 12-month marquee. Bring a birth certificate, a recent health check, a trust account proof, and a signed note from school. Parents, don’t forget your ID snap!

Responsible Person Casting Call:
In New York, a “responsible person” must be on set with your child, or close enough to hear their cues. Space backstage at Broadway might be tight, but don’t worry—the production will have a vetted guardian ready to step in.

Trust Account Drama:
These accounts aren’t stage-locked in NY, meaning the funds are accessible, not tucked away until curtain call. Employers must deposit 15% of your child’s earnings into this account within 30 days of their first performance. It’s your job as stage mom or dad to make sure these funds make it to their mark!

Educational Ensemble:
If your child can’t hit the books due to their shooting schedule, New York mandates that the show must go on… with education, that is. The state doesn’t require on-set teaching if your kid can attend regular school before call time, but they’ll need to arrange for a tutor otherwise.

Final Act:
Keeping track of trust deposits? Check. Ensuring educational continuity? Check. Staying on top of legal details? Double check. For the grand finale, swing by the New York State Department of Labor’s Child Performer page or consult with groups like the Child Performer Coalition for a standing ovation in parenting. Break a leg!

Welcome to the Bayou Film Scene: Navigating Louisiana’s Child Actor Laws with Flair and Fun!

Home to the most generous film incentives on the globe, Louisiana rolls out the red carpet for filmmakers with a whopping 40% tax credit and a laissez-faire approach to filming regulations—no insurance hassles (beyond worker’s comp) and no pesky filming permits. Here’s your whimsical guide to understanding the unique tapestry of child actor laws in this vibrant state.

The Big Easy Entry: Laid-back Requirements

In Louisiana, filming is as breezy as a Mississippi riverboat ride. Almost all productions are on-location—think swamps, French Quarter balconies, or antebellum plantations—as Louisiana doesn’t boast a traditional film studio lot. Want more deets on the current sizzling incentives? Scoot over to the Louisiana Film Office and snag that flyer!

The Louisiana Child Performer Trust Act

Passed just as the winds of Hurricane Katrina were gathering, this law echoes the famous Coogan laws but with a Creole twist:

Applies to: Actors, singers, and other entertainers, but not to the future Drew Breeses of the world.
Threshold for Action: Only kicks in for contracts worth $500 or more—so background extras, you’re off the hook!
Trust Account Jazz: Set up by both parents (dual trustees, y’all) and absolutely no fees charged. Your mission? Invest those earnings in bonds, CDs, or savings accounts, chasing the highest interest rate without playing fast and loose with the principal.
Unpaid Coogan Twist: If an account isn’t set up within 30 days post-wrap, the employer sends the dough straight to the state treasurer, who’ll babysit those funds.

Schooling on Set

Louisiana believes in education with a bit of spice:

If a minor misses two or more school days within a month while filming, a 1:10 teacher-student ratio must be maintained to keep their brains as sharp as their acting.

Work Permits: Your Ticket to the Show

Just like grabbing a ticket to Mardi Gras, minors need a work permit issued by the Louisiana Department of Labor. Need one? Email, call, or visit the Labor Programs at the LWC. It’s easier than finding a good bowl of gumbo in NOLA.

Local Film Offices: Your Neighborhood Scouts

Louisiana’s film-friendly attitude extends through its regional film offices. Whether you’re shooting in the hauntingly beautiful Northeast, amidst the historical charm of Baton Rouge, or in the bustling streets of New Orleans, local film offices are ready to help.

Pro Tip: The HollywoodSouth Blog

For those wandering through the film industry’s vibrant landscape, the HollywoodSouth Blog is your compass. It’s chock-full of insights, tips, and the latest gossip—like a good neighbor spilling the tea over the garden fence.

And That’s a Wrap!

Filming in Louisiana isn’t just about capturing stunning visuals and tapping into rich incentives; it’s about doing so with an assurance that our youngest talents are protected, educated, and financially secure. So, whether you’re a seasoned producer or the parent of the next big child star, remember: in Louisiana, every day on set is like a day at the festival. Enjoy the show and laissez les bon temps rouler (let the good times roll)!

Lights, Camera, Action! Unveiling New Mexico’s Child Actor Laws with a Dash of Desert Charm

New Mexico, known for its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage, is also a seasoned player in the movie industry. But beyond the breathtaking vistas and historic backdrops lies a comprehensive framework designed to protect our youngest stars on set. Let’s dive into the Land of Enchantment’s child labor laws that keep the show going smoothly and safely.

The Kid Nation Catalyst

Remember the buzz around Kid Nation? Back in 2007, right after the show wrapped up its controversial filming, New Mexico was already steps ahead, updating its child performer laws which took effect shortly thereafter. Yes, the timing was a plot twist worthy of a screenplay, but the intent was all about ensuring better safeguards were in place.

Navigating the Red Tape: Pre-Authorization and More

Before the cameras roll, there’s some paperwork to handle. The New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions doesn’t just juggle laws; they’re the scriptwriters for rules ensuring child actors’ safety and education.

Get Certified: Every child actor needs a pre-authorization certificate, specific to each child and each job. Think of it as your all-access pass to the production set.
Details, Details: Applications require a slew of info like project details, child’s age and school grade, medical authorizations for the tiny tots, and yes, even background checks for the educators and trainers on set.

The Time Management Script

Call Times: Early mornings or late nights? Not for our young actors. No work before 5 AM or after 10 PM on school nights, with some extra wiggle room on weekends.
Age-Specific Schedules: From infants to teenagers, work hours are tailored to age groups, balancing work, education, and crucial downtime.

The Coogan-Like Trust Account Twist

Show Me the Money: This kicks in for gigs paying $1,000 or more. A trust account must be opened in the child’s home state within a week of signing the contract, ensuring their earnings are safeguarded.
Employer’s Role: If account details are amiss, employers transfer funds to a district court, which then takes on the trustee role. It’s like a financial safety net woven into the legal fabric.

Educational Reels

Classroom on Set: For kids missing school, a certified teacher ensures the learning continues amidst takes. It’s about keeping those brains buffed while they shine on screen.
Safety in Sight and Sound: Parents, you’re part of the scene too! Always within sight and sound of your mini-movie stars, unless it’s class time.

The Encore: Compliance and Queries

Violations can lead to a director’s worst nightmare: no more pre-authorization certificates for two years. It’s strict, but fair—keeping the set a safe stage for all.

Pro Tip: Stay Informed with the Department of Workforce Solutions

For everything from deep dives into specific regulations to snagging the right forms, contact New Mexico’s Child Labor Compliance Officer. They’re the go-to for ensuring your child’s acting journey is as smooth as a New Mexican sunset.

That’s a Wrap!

Whether you’re a budding filmmaker or the parent of a child star in the making, understanding and adhering to New Mexico’s child labor laws ensures that the only drama you’ll experience is on screen. With these rules in place, the stage is set not just for stellar performances, but for secure and balanced growth for our young actors in the enchanting New Mexican film scene.

Howdy Partner! Wrangling the Child Actor Labor Laws in Texas

If you’re saddling up for a venture into the world of child actors in Texas, it’s crucial to lasso the right information about the labor laws that protect these young talents. Let’s mosey through the key regulations to keep your shoot as smooth as a Texas drawl.

The Star-Spangled Basics

Texas takes a cue from the federal playbook, adopting Federal Labor Regulations that carve out a niche for child actors and performers in various media productions. Here’s the roundup:

Age Ain’t Nothing but a Number (Mostly): For those age 16 and 17, it’s open range—no restrictions on work hours. But the young’uns, ages 14 and 15, need to keep their workdays shorter and prove their age with bona fide documents.

The Young Guns (Under 14)

For the sprouts under 14:

Get Permission: These little cowpokes need prior authorization from the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) to work in entertainment.
Permit Patrol: They’ll need a Child Actor Authorization, a sort of sheriff’s badge that legitimizes their employment.

Workin’ Hours: Not Too Long, Not Too Late

Time Limits: No more than eight hours a day or 48 a week. It’s a full day’s ride but no night watches—work wraps by 10 PM on school nights and midnight on weekends.
Breaks: There’s mandatory downtime, too—12 hours must pass before the curtain rises on the next day’s call time.

A Safe Corral

Safety First: No hazardous roles and a strict no-sharing policy in dressing rooms with adults or the opposite sex. Safety isn’t just a guideline; it’s the law.
Rest and Play: Every set must have a snug nook for rest or a spot for a bit of play—a necessity in between takes.

The Stagecoach of Education

Tutors on Set: For the under-14 crowd, missing more than two consecutive school days triggers the need for a tutor, ensuring they stay sharp on their studies, certified by Texas’ own educators.

No Need for a Trust Fund

Financial Freedom: Unlike some other states, Texas doesn’t require earnings to be tucked away in a blocked trust account. Young actors get to keep their earnings without the extra red tape.

Keeping It Casual with Talent Agencies

License to Represent? Not Here: Since 2011, talent agencies in Texas don’t need to be certified. It’s a bit like the wild west, but with more networking opportunities.

Questions? The Texas Workforce Commission is Your Go-To

For all things labor law, whether you’re figuring out forms or needing specifics on those school credits, the Texas Workforce Commission is your trusty guide. They’ve got the maps and the know-how to keep your young star legally shining.

Wrapping Up the Texas Way

In Texas, we cherish our young talents as much as our barbecues and rodeos. Knowing these laws isn’t just about following the rules—it’s about ensuring that every child actor can perform safely, happily, and with the full spirit of Texas hospitality. So, tip your hat to these laws, and let’s make sure our youngest performers have the best stage to shine on, right here in the heart of Texas!

A rundown on Child Labor Laws in CA, GA, NY, NM, LA & TX