Navigating Louisiana’s Child Actor Laws with Flair and Fun!

The Big Easy Entry: Laid-back Requirements

In Louisiana, filming is as breezy as a Mississippi riverboat ride. Almost all productions are on-location—think swamps, French Quarter balconies, or antebellum plantations—as Louisiana doesn’t boast a traditional film studio lot. Want more deets on the current sizzling incentives? Scoot over to the Louisiana Film Office and snag that flyer!

The Louisiana Child Performer Trust Act

Passed just as the winds of Hurricane Katrina were gathering, this law echoes the famous Coogan laws but with a Creole twist:

Applies to: Actors, singers, and other entertainers, but not to the future Drew Breeses of the world.
Threshold for Action: Only kicks in for contracts worth $500 or more—so background extras, you’re off the hook!
Trust Account Jazz: Set up by both parents (dual trustees, y’all) and absolutely no fees charged. Your mission? Invest those earnings in bonds, CDs, or savings accounts, chasing the highest interest rate without playing fast and loose with the principal.
Unpaid Coogan Twist: If an account isn’t set up within 30 days post-wrap, the employer sends the dough straight to the state treasurer, who’ll babysit those funds.

Schooling on Set

Louisiana believes in education with a bit of spice:

If a minor misses two or more school days within a month while filming, a 1:10 teacher-student ratio must be maintained to keep their brains as sharp as their acting.

Work Permits: Your Ticket to the Show

Just like grabbing a ticket to Mardi Gras, minors need a work permit issued by the Louisiana Department of Labor. Need one? Email, call, or visit the Labor Programs at the LWC. It’s easier than finding a good bowl of gumbo in NOLA.

Local Film Offices: Your Neighborhood Scouts

Louisiana’s film-friendly attitude extends through its regional film offices. Whether you’re shooting in the hauntingly beautiful Northeast, amidst the historical charm of Baton Rouge, or in the bustling streets of New Orleans, local film offices are ready to help.

Pro Tip: The HollywoodSouth Blog

For those wandering through the film industry’s vibrant landscape, the HollywoodSouth Blog is your compass. It’s chock-full of insights, tips, and the latest gossip—like a good neighbor spilling the tea over the garden fence.

And That’s a Wrap!

Filming in Louisiana isn’t just about capturing stunning visuals and tapping into rich incentives; it’s about doing so with an assurance that our youngest talents are protected, educated, and financially secure. So, whether you’re a seasoned producer or the parent of the next big child star, remember: in Louisiana, every day on set is like a day at the festival. Enjoy the show and laissez les bon temps rouler (let the good times roll)!

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