ASK & DISCUSS INDEX

7 years, 4 months ago - Glyn Carter

If you are employing a child of school age, even at a weekend, even for no pay, you need a licence from the local education authority covering that child's school (or possibly their home address - I'm not sure on that detail). You'll need to satisfy working time rules, and ensure there's a parent or registered chaperone present at all times.

You should tell your insurer about the tree climbing, and watch the premium rise. They, and the education authority, and the owner of the tree, will need to see a full risk assessment and measures to ensure there's no danger. This can get quite technical if you need cables etc. If anyone has an accident, you personally will be legally responsible, and you'd need to prove you had done everything possible to ensure safety. Without this, you face damages, a seriously hefty fine, and even imprisonment.

I'm all in favour of guerrilla filmmaking, but safety is not something to cut corners on. Are you sure you need the tree scene?

7 years, 4 months ago - Mandy Bainbridge

Really good advice. Also you need to consider chaperones, you could have parents of BOTH children on set and hopefully be able to give them a small fee, or you could employ a registered chaperone (usually around £90 - £110 per day depending on where you live). If one parent agrees and kindly offers to look after the other child as well this is a no-no, you also can't have Aunty or Granny etc, it has to be a parent or Registered Chaperone (some child actor savvy parents do have their Grandparents registered as Voluntary Chaperones so in that case it would be fine). You also need to adhere to the council rules on breaks, which is dependant on the child's age but 9-12 is the same bracket so that would work. Councils ask for 21 days to process licences but most will do in a week or so but make sure you check as that can trip you up big time, especially now around Easter as Licensing staff may well be on holiday and sadly with council cuts often there is only one licensing person so if they have gone on holiday for 3 weeks then thats no licences for at least a month. Obviously worst case scenario but hope you get my drift!

7 years, 4 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin

If a child is missing school you may also find you need a tutor. Check with the LEA

7 years, 4 months ago - Marlom Tander

DBS checks? http://www.channel4.com/producers-handbook/c4-guidelines/dbs-guidelines

7 years, 4 months ago - Miro Caminade

Thanks guys