FAQ’S
FAQ’s for Parents
A talent agent’s job is to ‘procure employment’, meaning their job is to get your child jobs. Whereas a talent manager’s job is to ‘advise and counsel’, meaning their job is to help guide your child’s career.
For a detailed legal description, read CIF Board of Advisor and entertainment attorney Rob Pafundi’s article “The Practical and Legal Differences Between a Talent Agent and a Talent Manager”.
A pilot is a test episode of a television show. Pilots are produced by major TV networks and presented to a gathering of advertisers at an annual event called the “up-fronts”. This event typically takes place in May causing a rush of pilots to be produced and polished between February and April.
With the advent of cable and online content, some would argue that there is no such thing as pilot season anymore. Regardless, to be cast in a pilot that is ‘picked up’ for a season (any season) could mean a LOT of ongoing employment for all involved.
Bringing your child to Hollywood for Pilot Season seems like a great idea, but it’s not a good idea if you have never been to Hollywood before. Children In Film recommends making your first trip during the early summer months (when school is not in session), with the goal of securing professional representation (an Agent and or a Manager) for your child.
Make sure that you and your child are fully prepared before you come. Use our KidStart program as your guide.
Typically work permits are issued by State labor commissions. Keep in mind that the laws are different in every single state and that some states have no laws governing the employment of minors in entertainment at all. To find out what the laws are in your home state, or any state that you are traveling to for work, click on the ‘rules and laws’ tab and choose the appropriate state from the drop-down list.
Tip: In most states, permits go with the job. However, in CA, NY, and GA for example, the permits are issued individually to minors and production companies for a specified length of time.
Yes, and no. If you understand the role of agents and managers you probably realize that you don’t need a talent manager for an infant. That said, casting professionals do turn to agents and managers for a ‘pre-screened pool of talent (families who are prepared and ready for work).
Before sending pictures, you will need to find out if the agency or management company represents children in this age category. Don’t waste your time contacting them if they don’t. For families with very small children who want to get their feet wet in entertainment, start with agents who specialize in print modeling and extras casting companies.
YES! The question is, what acting classes? Which coaches? Where do we start? The answer: start by building on your child’s strengths to build confidence and add new skills over time. Every good actor knows that practicing their craft is critical to their success.
In some states, CA, for example, education on set must be overseen by a California Certified Studio Teacher/Welfare Worker. In NY however, a parent may home school their child on set, so long as they are willing to do so. It all depends on which rules apply to your particular situation.
The rules are different in every state, so the first step is to research the labor law in the state where you live to see what the requirements are. Simply click on the Rules & Laws tab and choose your state from the drop-down list. California is the only state that certifies Studio Teachers for film industry employment and provides training. Holding this designation is extremely valuable no matter where you live as CA producers are required to hire CA teachers anytime CA resident minors work outside of CA. Which happens more often than you might think.
When a minor is “legal 18” it means that they can work any hours as an adult, performing the same duties. Minors who can work “legal 18” do not require parents on set, study time, or studio teachers. They are not limited in the number of hours they can work or the time of day they are called to set.
Emancipated minors are considered legal 18 as are sometimes graduated minors. It all depends on the state where you are working and the laws that govern the work
FAQ’s for Industry Pros
Typically work permits are issued by State labor commissions. Keep in mind that the laws are different in every single state and that some states have no laws governing the employment of minors in entertainment at all. To find out what the laws are in your home state, or any state that you are traveling to for work, click on the ‘rules and laws’ tab and choose the appropriate state from the drop-down list.
Tip: In most states, permits go with the job. However, in CA, NY, and GA for example, the permits are issued individually to minors and production companies for a specified length of time.
The rules are different in every state, so the first step is to research the labor law in the state where you live to see what the requirements are. Simply click on the Rules & Laws tab and choose your state from the drop-down list. California is the only state that certifies Studio Teachers for film industry employment and provides training. Holding this designation is extremely valuable no matter where you live as CA producers are required to hire CA teachers anytime CA resident minors work outside of CA. Which happens more often than you might think.
When a minor is “legal 18” it means that they can work any hours as an adult, performing the same duties. Minors who can work “legal 18” do not require parents on set, study time, or studio teachers. They are not limited in the number of hours they can work or the time of day they are called to set.
Emancipated minors are considered legal 18 as are sometimes graduated minors. It all depends on the state where you are working and the laws that govern the work.
California Law now requires minor’s age 14-17 years to complete sexual harassment prevention, retaliation, and reporting training prior to the application of an entertainment work permit. Free training is available through the California DFEH website.
In California, A Studio Teacher Welfare Worker is required AT ALL TIMES for minors age 15 and under. In most other states, the rule is generally ‘only when the minors are missing more than two days of school for work. Each state has different rules. Visit the rules and laws page and choose your state from the drop down list to learn the answer.
Most states require a school to sign off stating that the a school age minor has satisfactory grades and attendance. Additionally, some states require a physicians signature and/or proof of a minor performer blocked trust account. Visit the rules and laws page and choose your state from the drop down list to learn the answer.
Turnaround times vary depending on the type of permit and the state which you are applying. If you have an urgent matter, contact Patty Duenas in our permit services department for immediate assistance. permits@childreninfilm.com.
Children In Film represents Studio Teacher Welfare Workers throughout the United States and Canada, both Union and Non-Union. Our teachers are fully licensed, certified, background checked and covered by a $2 Million General & Professional liability Insurance policy as well as workers compensation insurance. Contact us for a free quote today.