For Producers | For Parents

PRODUCERS

Things to Remember:

• Producers must obtain a Permit to Employ Minors in the Entertainment Industry (see link below to download an application)
• Studio Teachers act as welfare workers for all minors under the age of 16 (including babies) and are required on weekends, holidays and during the summer, as well as on school days. For 16 and 17-year-olds, a studio teacher is only required for 3 hours of schooling on school days, and cannot act as a welfare worker.
• California Child Labor Laws apply to children and productions that travel out-of-state, and this includes the provision of a studio teacher.
• Please remind parents that they are legally required to obtain and bring a current Work Permit for their child, as well as 3 hours of school work and educational materials.
• Please also remind parents that they are required to stay on the set while their child is working and to not bring any non-working siblings, as they are not covered by your Workers’ Compensation insurance and represent a legal liability.

Important Links:

Application for a Permit to Employ Minors (PDF) – Requires proof of workers’ compensation coverage and does not expire as long as your coverage continues.

Child Labor Laws – A list of laws from the California DLSE governing children who work in the entertainment industry, their parents, and those who employ children.

DLSE District Offices – The Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE) issues Permits to Employ, Minors’ Permits to Work, and enforces the Child Labor Laws of California.

Studio Teachers Certification Database – Check this database to ensure that your studio teacher has a valid license (check mine here).

PARENTS

Things to Remember:

• Parents must have a copy of their child’s Work Permit on hand at all times when their child is working on a set. Keeping an extra copy in your car and a digital copy on your phone is highly recommended.
• Work Permits expire every six months (or sooner), and it can sometimes take the DLSE weeks to process renewals (by mail or online). Make sure to note the expiration date of your child’s current permit and submit your renewal application well in advance. Same-day work permits are granted to those who submit the application in person at the Van Nuys DLSE District Office.
• Parents are legally required to bring 3 hours of schoolwork and educational materials to the set on school days.
• A parent or legal guardian cannot leave the location while a child is working. On extended productions, parents will sometimes choose to assign guardianship to each other so that one parent can leave the set while another parent stays.
• Please do not bring any non-working children or family members to the set, as they represent a legal liability for the production. Additionally, productions often don’t have enough chairs, food/water, space, etc. to accommodate any extra people on the set.

Important Links:

* NEW * Online Permits - Apply for or verify a minor’s Entertainment Work Permit or 10-day Temporary Work Permit online. While there is no charge for regular Entertainment Work Permits, there is a $50 fee for a 10-day Temporary Work Permit, which is issued immediately online and only to minors between 15 days - 15 years old who have never been issued a work permit before.

Application for a Minor’s Entertainment Work Permit (PDF) - Application must be printed and submitted to a DLSE District Office in person (Van Nuys office only) or by mail. Note that permits are granted on the spot to those who submit applications in person, while mail-in applications can take several weeks.

Child Labor Laws – A list of laws from the California DLSE governing children who work in the entertainment industry, their parents, and those who employ children.

DLSE District Offices – The Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE) issues Work Permits and enforces the Child Labor Laws of California. Note that Work Permits are now issued exclusively from the Van Nuys office.

Children In Film – Subscription service for parents and industry professionals offers information, networking, seminars, casting notices, photo contests, work permit services, and more.

Guardianship Form (PDF) – A sample form from ChildrenInFilm.com for assigning guardianship of your child to another adult. Note that guardianship can only be assigned to someone who is not working, which usually means another parent.

Studio Teachers Certification Database – Check this database to verify that your child's studio teacher has a valid license (check mine here).