This could be your child's first experience being in a motion picture production. Your child may need your help in developing their character, and rehearsing their lines. Here are a few other things you need to do to assist them:

REGISTER A DOMAIN NAME FOR YOUR CHILD

As soon as your child is signed to be in a production, register his or her name immediately as a 'dot com' such as 'billysmith.com'. If you don't, someone else can register the name, and they'll own it. Registration services average ten dollars a year. It's a cheap investment, and easy to do. You can develope the site later, but acquiring the domain name should be done right away.

WORK PERMITS FOR MINORS

Defined
The entertainment industry is defined in state regulations as ". . . any organization, or individual, using the services of any minor in: motion pictures of any type (film, videotape, etc.), using any format (theatrical, film, commercial documentary, television program, etc.), by any medium (theater, television, videocassette, etc.); photography; recording; modeling; theatrical productions; publicity; rodeos; circuses; musical performances; and any other performances where minors perform to entertain the public." [8 CCR 11751]

To see your state child labor laws visit http://www.dol.gov/esa/programs/whd/state/childentertain.htm.

Your child will need two legal documents in order to work in the industry: a work permit from the state where he/she resides and a Social Security Card. Obtaining a work permit may vary from state to state. Please check with the Department of Social Services in your area.

Your child works under the laws of his/her home state, no matter where he/she is filming. Labor laws have been designed by each state to protect both child and parent.

The first time you apply for a work permit, if your child is school age, you will need to present a copy of his/her birth certificate as well as the name and address of the school he/she currently attends. If school is in session, it must acknowledge that your child's grades and conduct are in good standing. Most require a minimom C average. If school is not in session, you must present a copy of your child's last report card with your application. If your child is under five years of age, you will only need to present a copy of his/her birth certificate to obtain a work permit.

After the initial permit is processed, the Department of Social Services usually sends renewal forms by mail (two weeks before the current permit's expiration). Questions can be directed to the Department of Social Services. You must present the permit to the on-set social worker/studio teacher when your child works.

OPEN A TRUST/COOGAN ACCOUNT

Your child's earnings are the separate property of the child, rather than community property of the family. At least 15% of the child's gross earnings must be set aside and placed in the child's trust/Coogan account which will need the signatures of both child and parent/trustee for a withdrawal. Some states require a trust be set up that is not available to the child until he or she reaches legal age.

SAFETY

Usually after a child has appeared in a movie, they'll begin to get fan mail. Be careful when allowing your child to read these letters. Inspect the addresses! Letters from prisons often times are marked 'Inmate Mail' or have PO box addresses.

As in all cases it is reccommended that no child's personal email address, home address, or other personal data be made public. Parents/legal custodians of child actors should use common sense rules and precautions in these instances.