Don’t Get Caught Breaking These Minor Film Laws in Louisiana

As an independent film producer or anyone entering the film industry, you probably already realize that there are a lot of rules and regulations associated with employment and labor. In fact, you’ve almost certainly heard about the collective bargaining of unions, right to work actions. And most of all – the various film laws that pertain to minors working in the film industry. And while we never condone breaking the law, breaking these minor film laws in Louisiana could get you into a whole lot of hot water!

Before you take your film production to the Bayou State? We recommend you familiarize yourself with these VERY important minor film laws in Louisiana.

In fact, they’re so important, you’ll probably want to consider working very closely with an entertainment attorney. To ensure you’ve covered all of your bases before hiring any minor talent to work on your production in Louisiana.

Working Hours for Minors in Louisiana

While it might be no surprise to you, an adult filmmaker, that working on the film set is grueling at times and that you might overdo it. Minors are less susceptible to things like this. And it’s pretty easy for them to be taken advantage of.

Perhaps this, along with many other reasons, is why minor film laws in Louisiana have very strict guidelines on working hours and breaks.

Restrictions

Thinking of hiring a child that is under the age of 6? Don’t you dare make them work more than six hours per day! You may also not have them scheduled to work more than 6 consecutive days in a row.

And, if you do your math correctly you’ll realize that you cannot have them work more than 36 hours per week (a simple 6×6 will help you see the light).

If you’re considering a minor that’s a little bit older, between the ages of 6 and 15 years old. You’ll have to make sure you don’t schedule them to work more than 8 hours on set any day that school is in session.

Like their younger siblings or friends in the industry, minor film laws in Louisiana state that minors ages 6 to 15 cannot work more than 6 consecutive days in a week. But they can accrue up to a total of 48 hours in a workweek. Again, simple math.

Break Time for Minors on Set

It’s customary to provide workers with breaks. But sadly without a law enforcing this such behavior on the set it’s been found that workers will not be granted the breaks that they deserve.

Thus, minor film laws in Louisiana require that all minors be granted a 30 minute break every 5 hours. Regardless of their age. This must be a full, uninterrupted break. Similar to a meal break that is provided for adults in most states.

Turnaround Time for Minors

Minors in Louisiana must have a 12 hours turnaround time at the end of each workday.  This means that if you call wrap for the set day at 7PM, the minor must not be required to be back at the job working until at the very earliest 7AM the following day.

It’s also important to consider travel to and from the set. If you’re a producer that’s considering minor talent for your production? It’s going to be best if you give your talent some additional time beyond the 12 hour turnaround.

In fact, this time for travel is required in many states. As you can see, the majority of the minor film laws in Louisiana surround the timing of work hours for minors. And are focused heavily on protecting minors from being overworked or otherwise mistreated.

If you’re considering minor talent for your production? Keep this in mind before you hire anyone under the age of 18.