School
on Set
Be cool, prepare for school. That's the
mantra that we consistently hear our studio teachers chanting.
Let's be honest, the shoot that you're working
on is extremely important. No matter what your role - be it parent,
actor, producer or director - your enthusiasm is high, and this job is a
priority. We commend you for that, but if you are working with kids the
fact is this: Education Must Not and
Can Not Be Neglected.
California Law states that children who miss
regular school for work must be provided with three hours of educational
instruction by a California Certified Studio Teacher/Welfare Worker.
Beyond California borders however, you will find that the laws vary state to
state and that many states don't even regulate the employment of minors in
entertainment, much less school on set. When the law doesn't require
education, union rules usually do. Both SAG and AFTRA contracts regulate
school on set and require that credentialed teachers are provided. At
Children In Film we feel strongly about the fact that it is unreasonable to
expect a child to work all day and then go home and make up missed assignments
and be fresh for work/school again the next day. In order to help you
with education on set, we've dedicated an entire section of the site to education, and we also have a
few pointers for parents.
PARENTS
Come Prepared: In most cases, your child will need to complete three hours of
on-set tutoring each day. Either bring assignments from school that
you've requested from the teacher or bring supplemental material like
workbooks, flash cards and study books which you can find at bookstores, Costco
and online. Teachers on set do not provide curriculum for your
child; They simply tutor them along.
Open communication: Communicate with your child that school will be part of their
work day. Inform your studio teacher of what your child is working on or
studying, first thing in the morning. Children who show up to work without
books and assignments burden the studio teacher with the added task of
"creating" educational exercises for your child. This can lead
to on-set school work that is either above or below your child's current
abilities. Help your studio teacher out by speaking with them at the
beginning of the day and/or bringing written information regarding your
child's education.
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