Employment of Young People in the B.C. Entertainment Industry

In British Columbia, minimum standards for wages and working conditions for most employees are set under the Employment Standards Act and the Employment Standards Regulation.

The Act requires that any person who employs a young person under 15 years of age obtain written consent from the child's parent or guardian. The Regulation sets conditions of work for any young person under 15 years if employed as an actor, background performer or extra in the entertainment industry.

The parent or guardian is responsible for their children and must determine that the employment situation meets the best interests of the child and will not adversely affect the child's social, physical or educational needs.

The production must have written consent on record to indicate the young person's date of birth and that the parent or guardian knows where the young person is working, the hours of work and the type of work.

To aid the parent or guardian in the entertainment industry, regulations and Best Practices have been developed for young people under 15 years of age working in the entertainment industry. These conditions were developed after discussions with directors, producers, agents, actors and parents. They cover hours of work, education, workplace safety and protection of income.

The complete details of these conditions, Best Practices and sample forms are available from Employment Standards Branch offices and on the Internet. A separate fact sheet is also available on the subject of trust funds.

Ministry of Labour and Citizens' Services
Employment Standards Branch
Province of British Columbia

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This factsheet has been prepared for general information purposes. It is not a legal document. Please refer to the Employment Standards Act and Regulation for purposes of interpretation and application of the law. December 2003

For more information, please contact the Employment Standards Branch.