California is very strict in regards to the employment of minors in the entertainment industry.  At a minimum, you must have Workers' Compensation Insurance that covers all extras and actors (including minors) and an "entertainment permit to employ minors," which can be obtained for free. 

    A couple of things to keep in mind when employing minors is that 1) the production company is ALWAYS considered the "employer," not the casting agency (the only exception is "lead" actors, who negotiate their own contracts); and 2) Under California Labor Law, Minors, both extras and actors, are NOT considered independent contractors.

   If you need more information than what we have provided, please contact a local District Office for the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement.