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"To Those Whom Much Is Given, Much Is Expected"
There are currently 6,000 Child Performers permitted in New York.
There are currently just under 500 productions permitted to employ Child Performers in New York.
With the final NYS Department of Labor (DOL) hearing fast approaching, Child Performers Coalition (CPC) thought it fitting to conduct a roll call of sorts ~ for "To those whom much is given, much is expected." (JFK) Child Performers Coalition continues to ask all groups and individuals who were a part of the process and who have continued to remain silent, to issue public statements outlining their positions and testify at the final Department of Labor Hearing scheduled for Monday, January 31st. The final day to submit comments to the DOL is Monday, February 7th. Click Here for DOL Email.
The DOL chose to engage industry groups and individuals to the exclusion of other groups and individuals. Not only did the DOL intentionally fail to reach out to child performers but groups that claim to represent child performers failed to notify their constituents leaving 6,000 child performers in the dark. We believe the same applies to the 500 productions.
Child Performers Had No Voice By the time child performers found out about the proposed game changing rules via an email from BizParentz Foundation, it was too late. The Department of Labor refused to engage in a dialogue. The train had left the station as the rules had been published (November 10th) and the time for "Public Commentary" had begun. A representative from the Governor's Office on Regulatory Reform advised us to contact the Governor's Counsel (they were packing boxes as a new Governor was to be sworn in within days) or reach out to the media. We have done our best to engage the media. Unfortunately, a steady stream of winter blizzards and the holiday seasons have hampered our efforts.
Who Had A Voice? Below is a list that the DOL published. Those who have voiced an opinion publicly are in black. Those who have failed to voice their opinion are in blue. If CPC has overlooked a public statement, we will do our best to correct the record within ONE HOUR of receiving notice. We recognize that opinions may differ as to the rule language as a whole or specific provisions. We will publish the position statement of any industry group who wishes to have access to our growing list of subscribers. Our Email.
"The Department [DOL] conducted significant outreach to various groups that represent child performers and various employers who employ child performers, and asked them to make recommendations regarding the hours and conditions of work, as well as the educational needs, of child performers.
The groups included the following:"
"Actors' Equity Association [NY1 News interview, NY Daily News]
The Broadway League [NY Daily News Article]
The Motion Picture Association of America [Testified at Hearing, Position Statement available]
Screen Actors Guild [Testified at Hearing, Position Statement available ~ adopted On Location Education's Statement with respect to education, NY Daily News]
The Actors Fund The Alliance of Resident Theatres/New York On Location Education [For-Profit Corporation, Position Statement available. Supports many controversial provisions and asks DOL for clarity on others]
NYS AFL-CIO AFTRA Professional Performing Arts School Association of Independent Commercial Producers New York City Ballet New York City Metropolitan Opera House American Ballet Theatre Dr. Jennifer Berman & Dr. Ron Zodkevitch (noted psychiatrists, who have both spent considerable time working with child performers) Paul Petersen, President and Founder of A Minor Consideration Janet Pallozzotto [many public statements in opposition of controversial provisions]"
New York State Governor's Office for Motion Picture & Television Development (not included on the list but included in email from DOL)
Who Was On the Child Performer Advisory Board (Eating Disorder Committee)? The Child Performer Advisory Board was made up of eating disorder specialists and a variety of industry representatives yet did not include a single pediatrician. Industry reps are noted in blue:
"Participants include
NEDA Ambassadors Emme and
Designer Bradley Bayou; NEDA CEO Lynn Grefe;
Mary Ellen Clausen~Ophelia's Place Founder and NEDA Network Member,;
Sondra Kronberg, Director of NEDA Long Island,
NY's Comprehensive Care Centers for eating disorders:
Dr. Mary Tantillo PhD, RN
Dr. Julie Morrison licensed psychologist
Dr. Evelyn Attia practicing psychiatrist
Dr. Drew Anderson Ph.D. Associate Professor of Psychology Director of Clinical Training SUNY Albany
Dr. Keith Ayoob Ph.D, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Albert Einstein Medical College
Deborah Allton-Maher, American Guild of Musical Artists; Bob Boyette, Broadway Producer; Mary Daly, New York State Department of Education;
Nancy Fox, Screen Actors Guild (Testified at Hearing, Position Statement available ~ adopted On Location Education's Statement with respect to education, NY Daily News); Dr. Stewart Gabel, New York State Office of Mental Health;
Dr. Linda Hamilton, Psychologist; [consultant NYC Ballet]
Dr. Stanley Hertz, physician practices adolescent & pediatric psychiatry Mineola, New York and Roslyn
Tamara Markowitz, Tamara Markowitz Talent (Testified at the Hearing in strong opposition to the rule); Barbara Metzger, New York State Department of Health;
Rachel Moore, Executive Director, American Ballet Theater; and Alan Simon, President of On Location." (For-Profit Corporation, Position Statement available. Supports many controversial provisions and asks DOL for clarity on others)
Who Testified at the January 10th Labor Hearing? Child Performers Coalition thanks the following who testified at the January 10th Labor Hearing:
Mara Glauberg, CESD
Melissa Patack, Motion Picture Association of AmericaVice President, State Government Affairs
Nancy Fox, Screen Actors Guild, National Director of Government Relations and Policy
Kelly Crisp, Child Performers Coalition
Ken Slaven, National Association of Talent Representatives & President, CESD
Nina Essman, Broadway Producer, Wicked
Barbara Coleman, Innovative Artists
Judith Lesley, Sinclair Management
Tamara Markowitz, TM Talent
Steven Druth, daughter on Tour (drove from Boston)
Betty Chen, son is performer, Homeschooler
Tremendous thanks to goes to Anne Henry and Paula Dorn of BizParentz Foundation for their generous support and years of child performer advocacy. We continue to encourage the Department of Labor to table their proposed rules and work with affected groups to draft new language that encourages film, television and theatrical productions to do business in New York and protects the physical, mental and financial well being of child performers. For those who have spoken in opposition, we thank you. For those who have yet to find their voice, time is running out.
Kelly Crisp
Founder, Child Performers Coalition |
