Must Know Child Film Labor Laws in Georgia

As a filmmaker, you’re responsible for following the various laws surrounding child labor if you intend to use child talent in your productions. Child film labor laws in Georgia outline strict details surrounding the use of child labor in films produced in Georgia.

If you’re considering a film shoot in the Peach state? It’s very important for you to familiarize yourself with the individual rules and regulations surrounding child or minor talent use in a film production.

Minors in Entertainment Laws

Child film labor laws in Georgia apply to minors employed anywhere in the state by the entertainment industry.

Any filmmakers, production companies, or studios that intend to employ minor talent in Georgia are explicitly responsible for the safety and welfare of the child. They are expected to adhere to all child film labor laws that Georgia law enforcement have established.

Certification

First, and most importantly, before any minor talent may be employed in Georgia, they must be certified. Certification is a minimum requirement for minor talent to accept work. As well as to be employed by a production company in the Peach State.

It’s up to the Production Company (otherwise known as the employing unit) to ensure that any and all minors they employ are registered.

Work Hours for Minor Talent in Georgia

For filmmakers, the most important considerations when employing minor talent when it comes to following child film labor laws in Georgia generally surround the timing and work hour commitments that are expected.

Minors are expected to work on a production only in accordance with the Department Form “Schedule of Hours of Performance.”

Time Logs

Time logs, including time sheets or the Employing Unit’s Hours of Performance Log are to be used at the location where the minor works to track time. 

Minor working hours in Georgia for individuals employed by a production must adhere to the following rules:

• Meals must be scheduled within six hours of work start time.
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• Work days must not begin before 5 A.M.
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• Minors may not work more than six consecutive days.
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• Travel time during the work day is considered working time for minors. With the exception of the initial travel time of up to 45 minutes from lodging to location. All other travel time is to be compensated and considered working time.
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• Twelve Hours must lapse between a minor’s school day dismissal and the call time for a production. This applies to children that are between the ages of 4 and 18.

Minor Supervision on Set

Child film labor laws in Georgia are incredibly important for filmmakers to follow. It’s also important for minors to be properly supervised while they’re on set.

Minors are not to be sent to any areas of the set. Including wardrobe, makeup, hairdressing or otherwise. Unless they are supervised by the Child Labor Coordinator. Or the representation of the minor such as a parent or guardian.

Additionally, minors on set shall be supervised until dismissal from the set. As well as any and all times that the minor is involved in the production.

And finally, minors should not be involved in any type of unlawful, hazardous. Or otherwise unacceptable activity that could put them in harm’s way. Minors are not required to work in places that are clearly dangerous. And which could pose significant risk exposure.

The Takeaway

As you can see, following the appropriate child film labor laws in Georgia is a big deal for a production company or filmmaker.

If you’re considering hiring minor talent, make sure you’re prepared to review, and follow, all of the important laws that surround minor talent in Georgia film production so that you don’t face any potential legal struggles later on!