Children As Extras In Hollywood"Can my child work as a movie extra?" Yes, there is work for child extras from 2 weeks to 18 years old of all sizes and ethnicities. Children who work as extras learn valuable information about the film industry and get experience that can help if they want to become child actors. Like adults, children need the right look, appealing personalities and the stamina to spend long hours on set. They need to be punctual, cooperative, and willing and able to take directions. Children will need work permits to work in the entertainment industry. In California, New York, Louisiana, and New Mexico a certain amount of their earnings has to be held in a Coogan trust account for them. Casting Children As Extrasby Jo Kelly author of The Truth About Being an Extra: How to Become a Good Background Actor. There are a lot of scams and unethical agencies that prey upon parents who see their children as talented gorgeous kids “perfect” for television, movies and commercials. It’s so important for parents to work with known agencies that are solidly established in the business and enjoy reputations for excellence and professionalism. Parents should understand the child labor laws and the legal responsibilities for themselves and the agencies when signing contracts for their children. You can find the link for child labor laws at www.dir.ca.gov/DLSE-CL.htm. Obtain an application for an Entertainment Work Permit from any division of the Labor Standards Enforcement office in California or online at www.dir.ca.gov. The district office is located at:
Please note that you must show your child’s original Social Security card to the agency along with a current work permit. These are required when registering a Minor (any person under the age of eighteen). Here for your consideration are some of the reputable agencies for casting children as extras/background actors in California.
The above agencies will get you a good start in registering your child with a reputable agency. Registering your child with a Background Agency is a good way to get your child familiar with being on a set or on location without the pressure of having to speak or even be animated. All the child has to do is follow directions and in no time he/she will be comfortable enough for you to determine if this is something your child really wants to do. Then you can pursue other avenues such as acting lessons, expensive photos or looking for an agent to represent your child. Minors may work between 5am to 10pm on nights preceding the school days or 5am to 12:30am on nights preceding non-school days. There must be a 12 hour turnaround. If 12 hours have not elapsed between the minor’s dismissal and the next day’s school starts time, the minor must be schooled by the employer. The teacher must be certified by the DLSE. These teachers must be provided for the education of ALL MINORS up to the age of 18. Furthermore, these teachers must also care for and attend to the health, safety, and morals of ALL minors under the age of 16. Additionally, there must be one studio teacher for every ten children on school days and one studio teacher for every twenty children on non-school days. Minors must carry a valid work permit with them at all times. Employers must have a permit to employ minors. All children are required to bring school supplies and the employers are required to provide adequate school facilities. If a minor has to go to a location, the travel time from the studio to the location counts as part of the minor’s work day. When on a distant location with an overnight stay, a grace period of 45 minutes each way from “Hotel” to the school location is NOT counted toward work time. by Jo Kelly author of The Truth About Being an Extra: How to Become a Good Background Actor. As a background actor for 8 years, Jo Kelly has written this book to help new people coming into “show biz” to avoid the pitfalls & scams she encountered. She also tells you how to find the legitimate background casting agencies that she has worked for. There is a chapter on casting children to help Mom’s avoid scams also. There is information on wardrobe, tips on what to expect on a set, the lingo used, mistakes she made and how to avoid them. All contacts are California, USA agencies. |
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