California Coogan Law Information

Coogan Act History

In 1919, five year-old Jackie Coogan (1914-1984) got his big break, landing a role opposite Legendary actor/director Charlie Chaplin in “A Days Pleasure”. Two years later, Chaplin hired Coogan again for “The Kid”. The film was a huge success and Jackie Coogan became the world’s first major child superstar. With fame came fortune, and for decades Jackie Coogan held the record of being the youngest millionaire in history. He earned an estimated $4 million as a child star. Unfortunately for Jackie, in the 1920’s there were no restrictions on how children in film were to be treated. In addition to improper treatment on set, (one director reportedly threatened to shoot Jackie’s dog to get him to cry), in 1938 Jackie was forced to sue his mother and step-father for what was left of his earnings. The court decided that Jackie had no right to his income due to his age at the time he earned it. The public uproar over this situation caused California to pass “The Coogan Act” in 1938.

The Coogan Law preserves a portion of a child performer’s earnings until that child reaches adulthood. The act has been revised a few times since 1938, most recently on January 1st, 2004.

What is a Coogan Account?

A “Coogan Trust Account” is a blocked trust account that is established at a qualified financial institution in California that is insured at all times by either the FDIC, SIPC or NCUSIF.

Under California law, whenever a minor renders artistic services, employers are required to deposit 15% of gross earnings directly into the minor’s “Coogan (blocked trust) Account”. The monies placed in trust cannot be touched by anyone until the minor turns 18 or becomes legally emancipated. Parents or Legal Guardians are required to establish a Coogan Trust Account within seven business days after a minor’s employment contract is signed, and to provide the minor’s employer with a copy of a trustee’s statement (evidencing proof of the account) within ten (10) business days after the start of employment. credit union, brokerage firm, or company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940. To view a partial list of qualified financial institutions. For more information on Californias’ Coogan Law.

Coogan Account Update

On January 1st, 2004, the California Coogan law was amended. The following changes are now in effect:

Actors Fund of America

If a parent, guardian or trustee fails to provide the minor’s employer with a trustee’s statement within 180 days after the start of employment, the employer shall forward the set-aside funds to the Actors Fund of America (a non-profit organization that provides services to performers in the entertainment industry). The Actors Fund shall become the trustee of such funds until the parent/guardian produces the trustee statement, the minor turns 18, or the minor becomes legally
emancipated.

Entertainment Work Permits void without Coogan

California entertainment work permits are now void 10 business days after the date of issuance unless a copy of the trustee’s statement evidencing the establishment of a “Coogan Trust Account”, for the benefit of the minor, is attached.

Child Work Permit Information

A minor desiring to be employed in the entertainment industry must obtain an Entertainment Work Permit. The application for permit can be obtained at any of the Division's District offices. The minor must provide the information called for on the application, to-wit: his/her name, age, birth date, address, sex, height, weight and color of hair and eyes. In addition, such minor must obtain verification in writing from the appropriate school district of the minor's school record and attendance, and must satisfactorily meet the requirements of that school district with respect to age, school record, attendance and health. Such verification of school record and attendance and proof that the school district's requirements with respect to age, school record, attendance and health have been met must be filed with the Division, concurrently with the filing of the application. Such verification and proof may be in any form as provided by the school district if reasonably demonstrative of the information required to be furnished by this subsection. The Division may require in appropriate cases a physical examination of the minor to ensure that the minor's physical condition permits the minor to perform the work or activity called for by the Permit to Employ Minor and Entertainment Work Permit.

Upon the filing by a minor with the Division of a completed Application for Entertainment Work Permit satisfying the requirements of this Section, the Division shall issue an Entertainment Work Permit to such minor. Such permit shall permit the minor to work only under the conditions prescribed by these regulations and in conformity with all provisions of law governing the working hours, health, safety, morals and other conditions of employment of minors. The permit shall be for a period not to exceed six (6) months, and application for renewal must be made in the same manner and under the same conditions as the original permit.

Typically, after an employer agrees to hire a minor, the minor obtains from his or her school a Department of Education form entitled "Statement of Intent to Employ Minor and Request for Work Permit". The form must be completed by the minor and the employer and signed by the minor's parent or guardian and the employer. After returning the completed and signed form to the school, school officials may issue the permit to employ and work.

Permits issued during the school year expire five days after the opening of the next succeeding school year and must be renewed.

Click Here for Statement of Intent to Employ Minor and Request for Work Permit.

Click Here for Child Work Permit Application.

Click Here for I-9 Form.

In general:

  • Most states require a letter from your child’s school indicating that the child is in good academic standing before they will issue a permit.
  • You must also have a copy of your child’s birth certificate available.
  • Always check with your local school and your State’s Department of Labor regarding employment in your area.

For more information about your state’s laws in relation to the employment of minors visit the following websites:


Alabama: http://www.alalabor.state.al.us/CD/Movie%20Release.pdf
http://www.alalabor.state.al.us/PDFs/Work_Permit_Application.pdf


Alaska: http://labor.state.ak.us/lss/childlaw.htm
http://labor.state.ak.us/lss/lssforms.htm


Arizona: http://www.azcommerce.com/Film/Child+Labor+Laws+(Arizona+Youth+Labor+Law).htm


Arkansas: http://www.arkansas.gov/labor/divisions/labor_standards_p1.html


Colorado: http://www.coworkforce.com/emp/know_your_rights.asp


Connecticut: http://www.ctdol.state.ct.us/wgwkstnd/faqs-minors.htm


Delaware: http://www.delawareworks.com/industrialaffairs/services/LaborLawEnforcementInfo.shtml


Florida: http://www.state.fl.us/dbpr/reg/childlabor/index.shtml


Georgia: http://www.dol.state.ga.us/em/child_labor.htm


Hawaii: http://www.hawaiifilmoffice.com/film-permitting/filming-regulations/child-labor-law


Idaho:
http://cl.idaho.gov/Portal/ICL/aliasjobservice/tabID4980/DesktopDefault.aspx
http://www3.state.id.us/idstat/TOC/44013KTOC.html


Illinois: http://www.ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/056/05600250sections.html


Indiana: http://www.in.gov/labor/childlabor/


Kentucky:
http://www.oet.ky.gov/des/pubs/jobser/childlabor.pdf
http://www.labor.ky.gov/ows/employmentstandards/childlaborlaw/


Maine: http://www.maine.gov/labor/labor_laws/wagehour.html


Maryland: http://dllr.state.md.us/labor/empm.html


Massachusetts: http://www.ago.state.ma.us/sp.cfm?pageid=1119


Michigan: http://www.michigan.gov/documents/Work_Permit_FACT_SHEET_July_2006_169123_7.pdf


Minnesota: http://www.doli.state.mn.us/childlbr.html


Mississippi: http://www.mdes.ms.gov/wps/portal#null


Missouri:
http://dolir.missouri.gov/ls/brochures/11-AI.pdf
http://www.dolir.mo.gov/ls/childlabor/


Montana: http://erd.dli.mt.gov/laborstandard/wagehrchild.asp


Nevada: http://www.leg.state.nv.us/NRS/NRS-609.html


New Hampshire: http://www.labor.state.nh.us/youth_employment.asp


North Carolina: http://docsouth.unc.edu/nc/rules1933/rules1933.html


Oklahoma: http://www.ok.gov/~okdol/wh/ChildLabor/CHILDLABORSTATUTES.HTM


Oregon: http://www.boli.state.or.us/BOLI/WHD/CLU/index.shtml


Pennsylvania: http://www.dli.state.pa.us/landi/CWP/view.asp?a=185&Q=58124


Rhode Island: http://www.dlt.ri.gov/ls/childlabor.htm


South Carolina: http://www.llr.state.sc.us/Labor/wages/index.asp?file=childlabor.htm


South Dakota: http://www.state.sd.us/dol/dlm/dlm-home.htm


Tennessee: http://www.state.tn.us/labor-wfd/childlab.html


Texas: http://www.twc.state.tx.us/ui/lablaw/cllsum.html


Utah: http://www.laborcommission.utah.gov/Utah_Antidiscrimination___Labo/Employment_
Standards/Employment_of_Minors/employment_of_minors.html


Vermont: http://www.labor.vermont.gov/


Virginia:
http://www.dli.state.va.us/infocenter/publications/laborlaws/guideforteens_web.pdf
http://www.dli.state.va.us/whatwedo/labor_law/childlabor_faq.html


Washington State: http://www.lni.wa.gov/WorkplaceRights/TeenWorkers/default.asp


Wisconsin: http://www.dwd.state.wi.us/er/labor_standards_bureau/child_labor_laws.htm

Screen Actors Guild and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists

All of the Disney Channel television shows are under the jurisdiction of the performers union AFTRA - "American Federation of Television and Radio Artists". Your child can still work on an AFTRA show as an actor or extra, however they will be required to join AFTRA after 30 days from the date of first employment on an AFTRA show.

Joining AFTRA increases your child's chances of getting auditions, and could help them get into SAG - "Screen Actors Guild". That is how I got into SAG. After being a member of AFTRA for one year, and if you get a speaking part (even one word) on an AFTRA show, you become eligible to join SAG. It is one way to get into SAG.

You can just walk in to any AFTRA office and buy your membership.

The details are on this website:

http://www.aftra.org


AFTRA - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists


The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) is a national labor union representing over 70,000 performers. This was my first union. The first union that a person joins becomes your "Parent Union". Unlike the other performers' unions, anyone can walk in off the street and join AFTRA. This union is newcomers' and inexperienced actors best bet to become eligible to join the other unions. You still must obtain a speaking or "principal" role within AFTRA's jurisdiction at some point in order to join SAG or the other unions, but at least you can "buy" the membership without prior experience. AFTRA has jurisdiction over Soaps, many Sitcoms, news/sports/weather broadcasts, radio, sound recordings, talk shows, variety shows, documentaries, game shows, and various multimedia broadcasts. Once you obtain a principal role (speaking, stunts, dancing or singing), then you are "eligible" to join the other unions. But only after you have been a paid-up member of AFTRA for one year.

New members must complete an application and pay a one-time initiation fee and dues for the current dues period. The initiation fee is $1,300 and, as of September 1, 2008, minimum dues are $63.90.

SAG - Screen Actors Guild

Screen Actors Guild is the nation's largest labor union representing working actors. Established in 1933, SAG has a rich history in the American labor movement, from standing up to studios to break long-term engagement contracts in the 1940s to fighting for artists' rights amid the digital revolution sweeping the entertainment industry in the 21st century. With 20 branches nationwide, SAG represents nearly 120,000 working actors in film, television, industrials, commercials, video games, music videos and other new media. The Guild exists to enhance actors' working conditions, compensation and benefits and to be a powerful, unified voice on behalf of artists' rights. Headquartered in Los Angeles, SAG is a proud affiliate of the AFL-CIO. The Screen Actors Guild is associated with the Associated Actors and Artists of America (AAAA), which is the primary association of performer's unions in the United States. The AAAA is affiliated with the AFL-CIO. SAG claims exclusive jurisdiction over motion picture performances, and shares jurisdiction of radio, television, Internet, and other new media with its sister union AFTRA.

How To Join SAG

A performer becomes eligible for Screen Actors Guild membership under one of the following two conditions: proof of SAG employment or employment under an affiliated performers’ union.

1. Proof of Employment

a. Principal Performer Employment - Performers may join SAG upon proof of employment. Employment must be in a principal or speaking role in a SAG film, videotape, television program or commercial. Proof of such employment may be in the form of a signed contract, or original pay stubs. The document proving employment must provide the following information:
— applicant’s name
— applicant’s Social Security number
— name of the production or name of the commercial (product name)
— the salary paid (in dollar amount)
— the specific date(s) worked.

b. Background Actors may join SAG upon proof of employment as a SAG–covered background player at full SAG rates and conditions for a MINIMUM of three work days subsequent to March 25, 1990. Employment must be by a company signed to a SAG Agreement under which the Producer is required to cover background actors. Proof of employment must be in the form of original paystubs or a payroll printout faxed from the payroll house. Such documents must provide the same information (name, Social Security number, etc.) as listed above.

2. Employment Under an Affiliated Performers' Union

Performers may join SAG if the applicant is a paid-up member of an affiliated performers' union (ACTRA, AEA, AFTRA, AGMA or AGVA) for a period of one year and has worked and been paid for at least once as a principal performer in that union’s jurisdiction.

To join SAG, a performer must pay an initiation fee of $2,277, plus the first semi-annual basic dues payment of $58. Thus, the total fee to join is $2,335.

Division of Labor Standards Enforcement District Offices For Obtaining Child Work Permit

Bakersfield
5555 California Avenue, Suite 200
Bakersfield, CA 93309
(661) 395-2710
(661) 859-2462

Redding
2115 Civic Center Drive, Room 17
Redding, CA 96001
(530) 225-2655
(530) 229-0565

San Jose
100 Paseo de San Antonio, Room 120
San Jose, CA 95113
(408) 277-1266
(408) 277-3711


El Centro
1550 W. Main St.
El Centro, CA 92243
(760) 353-0607
(760) 353-2544


Sacramento
2031 Howe Avenue, Suite 100
Sacramento, CA 95825
(916) 263-1811
(916) 263-5378


Santa Ana
605 West Santa Ana Blvd., Bldg. 28
Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 558-4910
(714) 558-4574


Eureka
619 Second Street, Room 109
Eureka, CA 95501
(707) 445-6613
(707) 441-4604


Salinas
1870 N. Main St., Suite 150
Salinas, CA 93906
(831) 443-3041
(831) 443-3029


Santa Barbara
411 E. Canon Perdido, Room 3
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 568-1222
(805) 965-721


Fresno
770 E. Shaw Avenue, Room 315
Fresno, CA 93710
(559) 244-5340
(559) 248-8398


San Bernardino
464 W. Fourth Street, Room 348
San Bernardino, CA 92401
(909) 383-4334
(909) 889-8120


Santa Rosa
50 "D" Street, Suite 360
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
(707) 576-2362
(707) 576-2459


Long Beach
300 Oceangate, Suite 302
Long Beach, CA 90802
(562) 590-5048
(562) 491-0160


San Diego
7575 Metropolitan Dr., Rm. 210
San Diego, CA 92108
(619) 220-5451
(619) 682-7221


Stockton
31 E. Channel Street, Room 317
Stockton, CA 95202
(209) 948-7771
(209) 941-1906


Los Angeles
320 W. Fourth Street, Suite 450
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 620-6330
(213) 576-6227


San Francisco
455 Golden Gate Ave., 10th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 703-5300
(415) 703-5444


Van Nuys
6150 Van Nuys Blvd., Room 206
Van Nuys, CA 91401
(818) 901-5315
(818) 908-4556


Oakland
1515 Clay Street, Suite 801
Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 622-3273
(510) 622-2660


San Francisco--Headquarters
455 Golden Gate Avenue, 9th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 703-4810

Coogan Account Resources

AFTRA/SAG CREDIT UNION (for union members)
With three area branches to serve union members, the AFTRA/SAG Credit Union offers low cost and "actor friendly" services. This is a wonderful place to establish your child's credit. Just mention "The Coogan Law."
(818) 562-3400, Monday-Thursday 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Friday 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. (PT)
Toll-free outside Los Angeles
(800) 826-6946
Overseas
(818) 562-3400
AFTRA-SAG Federal Credit Union

WELLS FARGO BANK
These folks have been "with it" when it comes to the New Coogan rules from the beginning. Wells Fargo has branches all over the place, but you will find a particular welcome at the Toluca Lake Branch. Just mention "The Coogan Law."
Emlyn Gamboa
Wells Fargo Toluca Lake, California
New Accounts
323-634-1600 or
323-634-1603
Wells Fargo Online

WELLS FARGO BANK

Teresa Chandler
Vice President, Branch Manager
1300 4th Street
(4th and Arizona)
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Tel: 310-393-0443

BANCO POPULAR NORTH AMERICA
Frances Marie Maizland
Santa Clarita Branch Manager
27931 Kelly Johnson Parkway
Santa Clarita, CA 91355
Tel: 661-775-3966
Fax: 661-775-2763

FULL RANGE BROKERAGE SERVICES

Many of our most sophisticated families are opting for the higher returns and personal service of major investment firms. Broadly based mutual funds are allowed under The New Coogan Law. Professional Financial Advisors come with the packages offered by these firms and it is the wise family that recognizes each component of the investment picture, not just for their working children, but the entire family. Remember that an investment firm usually has cooperative arrangements with banks and savings and loan institutions and there is no limit to the number of Coogan Accounts a child might own or how their money may be invested. There can be No Withdrawals in a Coogan Account, but the transfer of funds is allowed.

PAINEWEBBER
Dan Ayers
Financial Advisor
Redlands, CA
Tel: 800-458-7384
Tel: 909-335-2134
Fax: 909-793-8049

WADDELL & REED
Daralee Barbera, CFP, CMFC,
Division Manager &
Mario Vinci, CFP,
Financial Advisor
Tel: (714) 437-7510
Fax: (714) 437-7515
Waddell & Reed Financial Services

NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL FINANCIAL NETWORK
Mr. Jack B. Weinstock, CLTC
Financial Representative
110 S. Juanita Ave. Unit 4
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
Tel: 310-543-9156
CA Lic. #0C82715
This company has consistently been recognized as one of the top management asset companies in the world, and we welcome their interest in the world of Coogan.

Actors Photo and Resume Information

*** IMPORTANT NOTE ***

Unsolicited phone calls and personal visits to casting directors are prohibited in the entertainment industry. Not only does it display a huge level of non-professionalism, it is extremely inconsiderate of casting directors time. They receive hundreds, and even thousands of photos and resumes every week. They certainly can not accommodate being inundated with phone calls from actors, and aspiring actors, and their parents.

_______________________________________________________________

Here is a sample of a professional actors resume and photo. The photo should not be a school photo, glamor shot, or a snapshot taken by a non-professional photographer (with the exception of infants where snapshots are acceptable). The photo should be 8" X 10" in size, the resume should be cut to the exact same size and stapled back to back on the photo. When you flip the photo over, the resume should be viewable on the other side. Do NOT paper clip the resume, but staple it on all four corners. The actors name and any union affiliations should be printed on the bottom of the photo, either on the border or on the corner of the photo itself. That way if by some chance the photo does become detached from the resume, the casting director can match them up again. The photo should be color and professionally taken. Just remember that the photo is an actors calling card. It should represent the "real" you, the way you look in everyday life. If your hair is long in the photo, then your hair should be long when you walk in the casting office. If your skin is fair, then you should not come to the casting office with a dark tan. Always keep your photos up-to-date according to your look.

Your child should have two good color headshots (not "retouched", unless only to clean up a loose hair, etc), one "serious" and one "smiling". But it doesn't hurt to have 3-4 "looks". Try to portray the best possible image of their "brand". In other words, the type of personality and look that they would best portray. Sometimes it is best to ask several other people who know them, like teachers, friends, classmates, etc. Sometimes parents do not see their kids as portraying the "type" that they really should be. Here are some of the primary "types" for young actors:

Young Females:

awkward/gawky
artist
brain
bully
girl-next-door
ingénue/innocent muse
jock
princess
trendsetter

Young Males:

bad boy
boy-next-door
brain
bully
jock
nerdy kid/future genius
paste-eater/super uncool
quirky/trendy
smart-ass


Also, there is no such thing as an "application" to fill out for acting jobs. Just the 8X10 photo and resume. Include a very brief cover letter with your submission, stating that your child is interested in auditioning for any acting roles that they may be good for, or that you are seeking representation for your child by an agent.

The photo can be taken either horizontal or vertical.

Sample Headshots:





Actress Cheyenne Logan




This is child actor Marcus Calderon, and he landed a national Disneyland commercial with this photo.


Sample Resume:






One last note about your photos:

If you can't afford to pay a professional photographer to take your photos right now, you can try something else. If there is a school nearby that has a photography department, go there and see if you can do "testing". Testing is when you exchange your time posing for a photography student in exchange for them taking some theatrical headshots and giving you some prints.