Must Know Filming Laws in Indiana for Filmmakers

Filmmakers are required to follow the individual laws and filmmaking regulations of the states and individual cities in which they travel to film. Say you’re planning a trip to the Hoosier State. You’re going to need to take some time to familiarize yourself with the local laws before you go. Filming laws in Indiana primarily focus on the importance of following appropriate child labor regulations. As well as keeping the people and animals involved in productions safe.

Indiana Child Labor Laws for Filmmakers

Minors that are included in a film production will be subject to unique standards of protection. Also exemption from certain work hazards in Indiana.

Filming laws in Indiana for minors state that a work permit is required. And that a parent must be present at all times for any minor under the age of 16 that is working or performing in a film.

Additionally, Indiana film laws for minors require that:

• Children ages 14-15 only work 3 hours per school day. Or 8 hours per non-school day for a total of 18 hours per school week. Or 40 hours per non-school week.
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• Children that are 16 and 17 can work 8 hours per school day. And 9 hours on a day that is not followed by a school day. For a total of 40 hours per school week and 48 hours per non-school week.
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• Duties are not detrimental to the health or well-being of the minor child.

Indiana Worker’s Compensation Laws

The Worker’s Compensation Board of Indiana is responsible for regulating businesses and their requirements to carry worker’s compensation insurance.

This protects workers if they are injured while working on the job and provides additional benefits should a work-related injury occur.

Filmmakers are often contracted as non-employees. Which does not subject the production company to the same worker’s compensation laws.

Worker’s Compensation

But for those who are paid employees? Worker’s compensation benefits represent a key area of legal importance that filmmakers must be aware of. 

To learn more about filming laws in Indiana as they pertain to worker’s compensation, visit the Worker’s Compensation Board of Indiana. 

Filming Laws in Indiana where Animals are Concerned

The use of animals in the film industry is generally regulated by the federal Animal Welfare Act as well as the federal Endangered Species Act.

Both laws state that cruelty against animals will not be tolerated. And that animal cruelty depiction laws indirectly apply to animal actors.

American Humane Association

In addition to any American Humane Association guidelines that filmmakers must also follow for the safety, protection and well-being of animal performances on film.

Indiana does allow animals to be used in filmmaking. However, there are protections in place to reduce the presence of harm, harassment, or otherwise inhumane activities taking place between animals and filmmakers on set.

The Takeaway

As you can see, filming laws in Indiana are set out to provide protections for the cast, crew, child labor, and animal performers that work on films in the Hoosier State.