Introduction
The Child Labor Law Calculator shows on-set hour limits, maximum work hours, required school hours, minimum turnaround, studio teacher requirements, work permit requirements, and Coogan Trust obligations for minor performers in California, New York, and Georgia. Select a state, age group, and school status to see the applicable rules. The tool cites the governing law for each state so producers and UPMs can verify requirements directly from the source documentation.
What This Tool Calculates
Violating child labor laws on a film set can result in fines, production injunctions, and significant reputational damage. California's Coogan Law (named after child star Jackie Coogan) requires 15 percent of a minor's gross earnings to be set aside in a blocked trust account. On SAG-AFTRA productions, union standards often exceed state minimums; whichever standard is higher governs. Studio teachers, who serve as both on-set educators and welfare workers, are a legal requirement for California productions with minors under 16, not an optional addition.
The Formula and How It Works
Total set time for a minor is divided into work hours, school hours, and rest and meal periods. In California, a 9 to 15-year-old during school session can spend up to 9 hours on set, with only 5 of those hours as actual work time and 3 hours required for schooling. The minimum turnaround between dismissal and next call is 12 hours in California and New York, stricter than the adult standard. A parent or legal guardian must remain within sight and sound distance of the minor at all times.
Real-World Examples
California vs New York vs Georgia
California provides the strongest protections under its Labor Code and Coogan Law. New York's Child Performer Education and Trust Act mandates similar 15 percent Coogan set-asides. Georgia, a major production hub due to its 30% tax credit, has significantly fewer statutory protections and no state Coogan Trust requirement. On SAG-AFTRA productions in Georgia, the union agreement imposes CA/NY-equivalent standards regardless of state law. Non-union productions in Georgia have more flexibility but should consider adopting California standards voluntarily as a matter of professional responsibility.
Understanding the Coogan Trust
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| The Coogan Trust requires that 15 percent of a minor's gross entertainment earnings be deposited in a blocked savings account in the minor's name before the minor receives any payment. | |
| The parent cannot access these funds; only the minor can withdraw them at 18. | |
| The account must be established before the minor begins work. | |
| The employer (production company) is responsible for making correct deposits with each payment period. | |
| Failure to comply is a misdemeanor under California law.. |
Pro Tips and Common Mistakes
Pro Tips
- Hire a certified studio teacher with welfare worker credentials before casting minors.
- In California, the teacher must be present from the minor's arrival to departure.
- Build schooling hours into the schedule as a fixed daily block.
- Always obtain entertainment work permits before the first day of shooting.
Common Mistakes
- Failing to obtain entertainment work permits before the shoot date is the most common mistake in California.
- Scheduling minors without accounting for mandatory school hours results in studio teachers stopping production mid-scene.
- The 12-hour turnaround starts from dismissal from set, not from base camp, which catches many productions by surprise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a studio teacher the same as a welfare worker in California?
Yes. The California studio teacher holds a combined license as both educator and welfare worker, licensed by the CA Department of Education and certified as a welfare worker. They provide required schooling hours and advocate for the minor's welfare on set simultaneously.
Does SAG-AFTRA apply Coogan Trust rules to Georgia productions?
Yes. SAG-AFTRA collective bargaining agreements include Coogan Trust requirements that apply to all SAG productions regardless of state, so even in Georgia (which has no state Coogan law) SAG productions must comply with the 15 percent set-aside.
Start Calculating
Use the calculator above to run your numbers before your next production.
