Dasey Nation

[snoopy87]

I've seen this article before, but I thought it might be interesting to you Mike fans.

March 28, 2007
DiNOVO INTRODUCES BILL
TO PROTECT CHILD ACTORS

QUEEN’S PARK – NDP MPP Cheri DiNovo announced in a press conference today, a Private Members Bill to amend the Employment Standards Act with respect to the protection of child actors’ rights as workers in the entertainment industry. Legislation does not currently exist to set out the terms and conditions of work for child actors under the age of 15.

The bill will be tabled in the house today and includes the following to legislate protection for child actors:

* 12 years and under can work no more than 8 hours per day
* Over 12 years of age and under 15 years can work no more than 10 hours, unless written approval is granted from the Director
* Start time is no earlier than 5am
* Finish time is no later than 10pm on a school day or 12:30am if not
* Limits the number of consecutive minutes that a child is allowed to be before a recording device and allots specific time for breaks
* 48 hours off a week or pay for time and a half for the 48 hours worked
* 12 hours off between shifts and before attending school
* No split shifts
* Chaperone is required, cannot be the child’s agent or employer, one chaperone for no more than two children
* If a child actor earns more than $2,000, the employer must remit 25% to the Public Guardian and Trustee to hold in trust for the child

DiNovo was joined by Michael Seater, star of Life with Derek, and Karl Pruner, President of ACTRA Toronto Performers and Councillor on ACTRA’s National Council, among others who support this Private Members Bill.

http://www.cheridinovo.ca/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/07-03-28-child-performers-bill-release.doc

I wish I could find more about this particular event, but it's difficult.

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[Lady Azura]

That's interesting.
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Lizwin: My Anti-Drug

[xJazz]

That's is very interesting. Mike seems to be involved in so many different issues.
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[A.L.]

Except for the 25% into a trust for the child (which is a fabulous idea), the rest doesn't seem fair enough. It still seems like way too long hours. Also, I'd think written approval should be between two people not just the director on that one point where it was mentioned.

But then I have nothing to compare to so I can't really say for sure. all I know is I used to be a night manager in a grocery store (yes, a different work setting and in the US) but if I had kids under 15 they could not work more than 5 or 6 hours a day (forget which but not even one minute over) and they had to be off by no later than 10 or 10:30 pm (forget which again). But it was very strict.

Oh well. Whatever protects the children I'm in favor of.

[snoopy87]

^ Of course, we have to remember the different work environment actors work in.

I think the start and end times target the movie industry. Sometimes, the actors will need to shoot night scenes, so the cast works overnight. I'm also not familiar with TV shows that require the actors to appear on set at 5AM.

We can use LWD as an example. Ashley is usually one of the first to arrive, and she walks in around 6:30/7AM. She also leaves around 8PM. While the hours appear to be long, she also has numerous breaks throughout the day spent in her studio room.

A different scenario would be seen for shows filmed in front of a live audience. Friday (or the day of filming) would be longer the rest. The cast might not go home until 10 on those nights. (This is based on what I've read about the "Spin City" filming schedule in Michael J. Fox's book, "Lucky Man.")

During her school years, some of those breaks would have been spent in the classroom. I believe child actors have to attend 3 hours of school a day ... typically compiled of 15-30-minute snippets.

I know there are special schools in California and Toronto that are geared toward these actors. A great example is Mike's alma mater, Etobicoke School of the Arts. If I remember correctly, the students there attend classes twice a week. They're able to obtain the "normal school atmosphere" while still maintaining an acting career.
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[onefineday]

[Sabine]

This is yet another reason Michael Seater never ceases to knock my socks off. What a guy.