licences for child actors

[jenufa]

Hello - I wonder if anyone knows whether children need to be licenced to take part in student film projects (unpaid)? And if they do, how do students go about sorting this one out?

Thanks very much in anticipation!!

[francescasmum]

It really depends on which LE you are with, some require it some dont, some turn a blind eye if they are not having time off school. You really need to ask your LEA, then get the forms from them, fill out your part, collect all the required permission forms/ documentation, send it all to the producer who fills in their part and the producer then sends it all back to the LEA, usually 3 weeks before the shoot. It should be self explanitory on the forms, ours in East Yorkshire are. But each LEA has a slightly different form I think!
If you tell NAMPs which LEA you are with then someone on here is bound to know the rules for your LEA.

[jenufa]

Thanks so much for your reply francescasmum! We are in Stockport. I am feeling a bit uncertain about this particular student film as the 'producer' is asking ME whether my dc would need a licence. However, i do know that students need all the help they can get, so don't mind trying to find out stuff on their behalf. BTW does anyone have opinions on whether its worth travelling SOUTH to go to castings for student films (if you are northern based as we are). My dc (and I of course) would love to expand his CV (some tv, lots of amateur stage and good professional choral singing) but going to london just to be auditioned for student project is v expensive. Your thoughts would be much appreciated!

[missmoneypenny]

Hi Jenufa - I am wondering if this is the same student film that also asked me to explain licensing to the today! Was it on Starnow? In a way it is good that they are asking the questions - but wonder if it would be simpler for them to google it, than ask every parent for their explanation? Lots of luck anyway - hard to say if it is worth the travelling - really depends what your ds has on his CV to date - if he has some good TV/Film credits then may not need short films?? x

[frisbee]

http://www.stockport.gov.uk/services/ed ... ertainment

Here is the link to the authority in your area that issues licences, the thing that ties you to a licence is the 3 days of work done before (in the last 6 months)entertaiment wise, including performances that don't need a licence i.e concerts and showcases. Read through youself. You or the students can print off application from there.

You'll have to give poor students a break most Universities don't teach about licences MMU certainly don't and neither do UCLAN. They're obviously confused as kids from different counties have different rules.

Re travelling, honestly, between the above Unis mentioned and maybe Stoke uni you'll find plenty for your child to do don't forget to check on Talentcircle.org and Mandy.com.

[missmoneypenny]

Yes, you are right Frisbee - it is really awful that they don't spend a bit of time teaching students about licences, especially as it is a legal requirement.

Just to confuse even more - that is right about the 3 days unpaid in 6 months, but my LEA likes you to have a licence for those too - so even more complicated! A pity it isn't the same across the board :/

[frisbee]

Ds's dance group and drama group put on yearly shows and take part in concerts and charity demonstrations etc, unfortunately these are counted as days of performing but are known as non licenced performances which still have to be registered. The temptation is not to let ds do some of them because they get counted but that would be a shame.

[jenufa]

Hello all and thanks so much for the helpful replies. What a minefield. Thanks especially for the link Frisbee - still finding it rather confusing but sure it will make sense with a bit more untangling of the beauracratic language!! Have also PMd you re the specific prodcution I was referring to!

Thanks again,
Jenufa.