Since many of the students at the Academy of Cinema and Television are often selected for working in television and film, we encourage the parent of a child or teen actor who has begun working on projects in the industry to familiarize themselves with the child labor laws and regulations in the state where the youth is working. Not only is it important because it’s the law, but these regulations are put in place for the benefit of the child or teen and are great guidelines to follow.
States can regulate many aspects of a production when it comes to kids and teens working in the entertainment industry. Before your child walks on the set the first day, make sure you find out the answers to the following questions:
* What’s the maximum number of hours my child can work on set?
* Are the hours different for school and non-school days?
* How much light can/will my young child be exposed to?
* Is my child required to have a work permit?
* Is a studio teacher required to be on set?
* How much time does my child get for rest and recreation?
* Are there any exceptions?
In each state there always seems to be gray areas, loopholes and exceptions. For example, many regulations are determined based on the age of the actor. However while a seventeen year old student in California may only be allowed to work between certain hours, a seventeen year old who has graduated from high school is not subject to child labor laws and can work as an adult. The parent is the child’s primary advocate, even if they have an agent or personal manager. A production set can be a stressful, hectic environment and if a director is running behind schedule he may not want your child to get their mandated break time. It’s up to you to make sure your child has a healthy, balanced and enjoyable experience in the industry.
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