Q: We are new to self-submitting and no longer represented. My daughter received a callback for a short film, which made me wonder: If she books, when do we receive the contract? How do I ensure payment? How do I protect her? —@Madaboutmad, Backstage Community Forums
Congratulations on the callback. Short films are a great opportunity for your daughter to really explore character development and her emotional range. I find most short film productions are run very professionally and will gladly answer your questions. The contracts for shorts are often signed when you arrive on the first day of shooting.
Payment information like a Coogan Account or I-9 form and where the payment should be sent are all things you need to provide. Make sure the contract states when and how the company plans to pay your daughter and that it’s signed. Get a copy or take a photo of the contract.
Most states require a licensed studio teacher to be on set during all projects where minors are employed. If this is the case, you are in luck. The studio teacher’s priority is always to protect the young actor’s health, safety, and well-being. They are also helpful with your paperwork and will make sure your daughter goes to school on the set.
In my time working with child actors, I’ve only known of one occasion where a studio teacher wasn’t present. In that instance, the parents of the child actors gathered together and made sure the kids did their schoolwork and got breaks, and their set time was monitored.
The good news is that you will always have the final say on what you allow your daughter to do when it comes to the jobs she books. You are her parent, after all!
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and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Backstage or its staff.
