Can anyone help on payments for child in a film

[acting4kids]

A child I know has been offered a lead role in a film. He doesn't have an agent and has been offered what seems to be a very small amount of money to include all marketing, promotion and repeat fees.
Does anyone have any experience of children in films? He wants to be in the film but his mum doesn't want to accept the contract if they are exploiting him.
Any advice would be appreciated.

[paulears]

Difficult to know without the contract terms and the fee. If it really is a lead role, then in essence, he will become indispensable - so your choice is to edge for a better deal - at which point you find out how 'lead' he really is - or you negotiate a lesser fee but a percentage. A percentage of a flop of course pays nothing, but if you feel there is a decent chance of success - why not?

[Irishdancer]

It all depends on if its a short film or feature or what the budget they have DS was in Demons Never Die and Shifty both times he only got £54 a day every one got that Ian Fleming and Robert Sheehan got the same as DS then get a 1% of what it makes, if its a big block buster then that is a different matter

[puck]

Possibly a good idea to contact a few agencies. One will probably take him on straight away as he will be earning immediately. I know it seems a little unfair that they will then take a percentage of his income without actually getting him the part but they will negioiate the best deal and your friend may actually end up better off in the long run and the child will have an agent for the future which if he wants to continue in the industry is probably essential. No harm in making a few phone calls anyway.

[pg]

I agree with puck.

[acting4kids]

Thanks for all your helpful advice. I don't think he has time to get an agent as they start rehearsing this week but I will suggest they approach some anyway.

[pg]

It needn't take long to sort out to be honest. A few phone calls to see what the reaction is from potential agents might be well worth it (as long as the contract for the film is not yet signed).