The process of having a child act in movies or television is highly regulated to protect the minor’s safety, education, and financial interests. These requirements are complex and vary significantly based on the child’s age and the state or country where the production is filming. Compliance with these laws is mandatory for both parents and the production company employing the minor. Understanding these rules is the starting point for any family considering a career in the entertainment industry for their child.
The Technical Minimum Age for Child Actors
There is no federal minimum age for a child to work in the entertainment industry, meaning infants can begin working very early with the proper documentation. In major production hubs like California and New York, an infant can be employed as a performer as young as 15 days old. This low age threshold is only possible due to strict rules designed to prioritize the baby’s welfare.
Infants under six months old are limited to being on set for a maximum of two hours per day. Their actual working duration, including time under the lights and filming, is restricted to 20 minutes. A parent or guardian must be present and within sight and sound of the infant at all times. Additionally, a nurse with pediatric experience is required on set for young babies. These constraints are why productions often hire identical twins for roles requiring an infant.
Essential Legal Requirements and Documentation
Before a minor can step onto a set or receive payment, legal compliance must be established. All minors working in the entertainment industry must obtain a work permit, often called an entertainment permit, issued by the state’s department of labor. This permit must be renewed every six months and is granted only after the child’s academic standing and overall well-being are verified.
A mandatory financial safeguard involves setting up a blocked trust account, commonly known as a Coogan Account. This requirement mandates that a percentage of the child actor’s gross earnings—typically 15%—be deposited into an account the child cannot access until they reach the age of majority. This trust account protects the minor’s income from being spent by their parents or guardians. Five states currently require this blocked trust:
- California
- New York
- Illinois
- Louisiana
- New Mexico
Proof of the account is required before a work permit can be issued.
Strict Limits on Working Hours and Education
Regulations strictly define the maximum time a minor can be present at the place of employment (“set time”) and the actual time they can spend performing (“work time”). For a school-aged child, the total time on set is longer than the time spent acting, as it incorporates mandated periods for rest, meals, and education. For example, a child aged six to eight may be allowed on set for up to eight hours, but their actual work time is limited to four hours when school is in session.
Federal and state laws require that education not be interrupted by the child’s employment, necessitating on-set tutoring. When school is in session, a minimum of three hours of schooling must be provided every working day for school-aged children. A certified studio teacher must be present whenever a child is on set. This teacher is responsible for the minor’s welfare and safety and has the authority to halt production if the child’s well-being is compromised. All child performers must receive 12 hours of rest between consecutive workdays.
Key State Laws Governing Child Performers
Since there is no federal child labor law for the entertainment industry, the rules in major production states have become the standard for the entire industry. California and New York have the most detailed and protective regulations. Even when filming in other states, major studios often default to California’s standards, which are particularly detailed, breaking down work hours into tight age brackets with varying limits for work, school, and rest.
For a child aged nine to fifteen in California, the maximum time on set is nine and a half hours, with only five hours allocated for actual work when school is in session. New York has similar protective measures, requiring that a responsible adult be within sight or sound of the child under 16 throughout the workday. Both states require three hours of instruction. However, New York allows for more flexibility if the child attends regular school before their call time.
Practical Steps for Breaking Into the Industry
A child actor’s career initiation requires a strategic approach from the parent or guardian. The first practical step involves securing professional headshots, which serve as the actor’s primary marketing material for submissions to casting directors and agents. These photos should capture the child’s personality and be updated regularly as they grow.
Finding a talent agent is the next important step, as most legitimate film and television opportunities are only accessible through agency submissions. Parents must research agencies that specialize in youth talent and have a track record of securing roles. Finally, specialized training, such as age-appropriate acting classes or workshops, is necessary to develop the skills and confidence needed for the audition process and performing on set.