Kids in the entertainment industry
- Creative Talent Artist
- Dec 27, 2025
- 7 min read
Hello,
im creating this post in response to the questions parents often ask me about the industry. This blog will cover headshots, obtaining a work permit, coogan acounts ,booking & Auditions. Grab a pen, paper, take notes & enjoy!
Headshots
Quality headshots typically cost between $250–$400. Below are some very reputable photographers you can look up on Instagram, including our resident photographers:
Other photographers I personally approve of:
These photographers are truly amazing and consistently deliver industry-appropriate work.
Unfortunately, I’ve seen many parents get scammed, sometimes paying over $4,000 for headshots. In some cases, agencies refer talent to specific photographers whose work may be good, but does not justify the inflated prices they charge. Please be cautious and do your research. #BewareOfScammers
Wardrobe Tips for Headshots:
I strongly recommend shades of blue for headshots. Blue tones don’t wash people out, don’t overwhelm the camera, and complement all skin tones. They also tend to catch casting directors’ eyes.
Other great color choices include pinks, yellows, and greens.
Try to avoid red, white, and black, as these colors can be harsh on camera or distract from the face.
(See examples below )
For headshots you wanna make sure your kids personality shows, this is important because it gives your child character. When your searching photographers make sure you find one that shoots kids, and are comfortable shooting children.
For headshots you wanna make sure your kids personality shows, this is important because it gives your child character. When your searching photographers make sure you find one that shoots kids, and are comfortable shooting children.
my CTA photographers are:
1) click west photos www.clickwestphoto.com
2)cordoba kids instagram handle @cordobakids
3) lifestyle shoots @shotsbyscott www.shotsbyscott.com
Work permits:
work permits for children that is not going to school are very simple, go online to https://mycadir.force.com/registrations/CommunityLogin create a profile click on obtain a new work permit.
How to Obtain a California Child Work Permit (Entertainment Industry)
If your child plans to work in the entertainment industry in California, they must have a valid California Child Performer Work Permit before they can legally work. This permit is issued by the California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) and is required for every paid job.
Here’s a clear, parent-friendly breakdown of how to get one.
What Is a California Child Work Permit?
For entertainment, the official permit is called:
Statement of Intent to Employ a Minor and Request for a Work Permit
(Form B1-1)
This permit allows a minor to legally work in:
Film & television
Commercials
Modeling & print
Voice-over
Theater & live performances
Music videos
Social media & influencer work
Who Needs One?
Any child under 18 working in entertainment in California — even for one job — must have:
A valid work permit
A Coogan Account (required to obtain the permit)
No permit = no legal work.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applying without a Coogan Account
Missing school signatures
Waiting until a booking comes in
Submitting incomplete or unreadable forms
Casting and payroll will ask for a current permit, so keep copies handy.
What Happens After You Get the Permit?
Once approved, keep digital and printed copies. You will need to provide the permit to:
Casting directors
Production companies
Payroll companies
Talent agencies
No permit = no payment.
Final Thoughts
Obtaining a California Child Work Permit is a non-negotiable step for kids in the entertainment industry. Once you have:
A Coogan Account
A valid work permit
Your child is legally cleared to audition, book, and work in California.
Stay organized, renew on time, and keep everything updated — preparation is key in this industry.
#Coogan accounts:
How to Obtain a California Coogan Account
If your child plans to work in the entertainment industry in California, opening a Coogan Account is not optional — it’s required by law. This account protects a portion of a child performer’s earnings and ensures their money is saved for their future.
Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide to help parents through the process.
What Is a Coogan Account?
A Coogan Account is a blocked trust account created for minors working in entertainment. By California law, 15% of a child’s gross earnings must be deposited into this account. The funds are locked and cannot be accessed until the child turns 18 (or becomes legally emancipated).
This law was created after child actor Jackie Coogan’s earnings were misused by his parents, leading to the California Child Actor’s Bill.
Who Needs a Coogan Account?
Any minor (under 18) who works in:
Film
Television
Commercials
Modeling
Voice-over
Print
Social media / influencer work
Theater or live performances
If your child is getting paid, they need a Coogan Account.
Step-by-Step: How to Open a California Coogan Account
1. Choose a Bank or Credit union
Not all banks offer Coogan Accounts, so be sure to call ahead. Popular options include:
Bank of America
Sag/Aftra credit union
First entertainment credit union
Wells Fargo
Chase
US Bank
Ask specifically for a “California Coogan Trust Account” or “Blocked Trust Account for a Minor.”
2. Gather Required Documents
You will typically need:
Child’s birth certificate
Child’s Social Security number
Parent or guardian’s valid photo ID
Proof of guardianship (if applicable)
Some banks may ask for additional documents, so bring originals and copies.
3. Open the Account In Person
Most banks require you to open the Coogan Account in person with your child present. The account will be opened in the child’s name, with the parent listed as guardian. Remember: parents do not have access to withdraw funds.
4. Obtain a Coogan Account Verification Letter
Once the account is opened, the bank will provide a Coogan Account verification letter. This letter is crucial — you will need it to:
Submit to casting offices
Provide to payroll companies
Upload to your child’s talent agency profile
Apply for or renew a California work permit
How Is the Money Deposited?
When your child books a job, the employer or payroll company is legally required to:
Withhold 15% of the child’s gross earnings
Deposit it directly into the Coogan Account
Always confirm with payroll that they have the correct account information.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Waiting until after a booking to open the account
Assuming your agency or manager opens it for you
Using a regular savings account instead of a blocked trust account
Not keeping copies of the verification letter
Being proactive will save you stress and missed opportunities.
Final Thoughts
A Coogan Account is one of the first and most important steps in protecting your child’s career and finances in the entertainment industry. Once it’s set up, you’ll be able to move forward confidently with auditions, bookings, and work permits.
If you’re serious about your child working in this industry, open the Coogan Account early — before the first audition or booking.
Stay informed, stay protected, and set your child up for success.
Step-by-Step: How to Convert a Coogan Account to a Bond
1. Contact Your Bank First
Not all banks offer bond options for Coogan Accounts. Call the branch where the account is held and ask:
“Do you offer bond or investment options for a California Coogan blocked trust account?”
If they don’t, you may need to transfer the account to a bank or institution that does.
2. Speak With a Bank Manager or Trust Department
Ask to meet with:
A branch manager
A trust officer
A custodial accounts specialist
Explain that you want the Coogan funds placed into a bond or interest-bearing vehicle while keeping the account legally blocked.
3. Understand Your Bond Options
Common options may include:
U.S. Treasury bonds
Certificates of Deposit (CDs) under blocked status
Court-restricted trust bonds
Each option has different:
Interest rates
Maturity timelines
Risk levels
Choose the option that best aligns with your child’s age and career timeline.
4. Keep the Account Blocked
This is critical. The bond must clearly state:
Funds are court-restricted
No withdrawals allowed before age 18
Requires court order for early access (if ever)
Never move Coogan funds into an account that allows parental withdrawals.
5. Obtain Updated Verification Paperwork
Once converted, request:
An updated Coogan verification letter
Documentation showing the funds are held in a blocked bond
You may need this for:
Payroll companies
Talent agencies
Work permit renewals
Important Things to Know
You cannot legally bypass the Coogan law by investing independently
Financial advisors cannot manage Coogan funds unless they are held in a court-restricted structure
The account must always remain compliant with California labor laws
If a bank or advisor suggests otherwise, that’s a red flag .
When Is the Best Time to Do This?
When your child begins earning consistently
When the account balance starts to grow
When interest rates make bonds or CDs favorable
You can also revisit this option every few years as earnings increase.
Final Thoughts
Turning your child’s Coogan Account into a bond can be a smart, strategic move to help their hard-earned money grow while remaining fully protected. It’s not required — but for families planning long-term careers in entertainment, it’s worth exploring.
So, you've just learned that your child has an audition. Here's how to prepare if your child is 4 or older. Teach them what a slate is: during the audition, when the cameraman asks them to slate, they should say, "hello, name, age, location." Ensure your child is ready with an age-appropriate monologue; often, the casting director will provide one. Make sure your child is cheerful and inform your agency about your child's nap time so auditions can be scheduled before or after. Do exercises to help them relax. Children who are energetic and lively are great, as it's easier to calm them down than to energize a quieter child.
Thank the casting director and wait for your agent to inform you whether your child got the job. One quick note before I go: if your family is going out of town, if your child needs a break, or if your child is sick, it's your responsibility to inform your agent so they don't schedule your child that day. Thank you, and the next blog will be about set etiquette.
Comments