At Hollywood North Extras we do require children age 5 and up as movie extras for scenes such as parks, schools, weddings, birthday parties and more. It is normally a fun and exciting opportunity for kids and a chance for parents to see if their kids enjoy being on set, especially if they are considering acting as something they want to pursue. We are not a “children’s agency” but supply whatever age is needed. We have worked on many fun projects for kids including Catwoman, Santa Clause 2, Spymate, Elf, Mr. St. Nick and also commercials such as Sony and Kool-Aid.
Some parents consider having both a principal agency, (mostly auditions for commercials), as well as having us as an extras agency. For most principal agents this is not a conflict of interest. Often kids who have a principal agency get the opportunity to audition, but rarely get the opportunity to experience a set. We provide that opportunity, so it get kids used to the “lights, camera, action” part of it. Of course, for most kids it’s just a great way to spend the day, have fun, meet new friends and make some spending money.
As mentioned in our Extras Information, filming is usually Monday-Friday so the child will miss a day of school if it is during the school year and will require a parent or chaperone on set with them at all times. Please read our extras info as most of that information applies to booking children as well. As with adults, when we call to book your child and they are unable to miss school that day or nobody can take them, that’s okay. We will call again. Please do not say yes unless you can commit for the whole day. We find that most of our children get booked approximately 2-10 times a year. Some of our parents find this an incentive for kids to have good grades, so that when we call to book them it’s okay for them to miss a day of school!
The rules have changed for children working on set as of December 2003. The new rules are as per the British Columbia Employment Standards Act for children working in the BC film and television industry. Children no longer need to have a child employment permit card as before but do need to have a 2 page “sample_consent” filled out prior to working on each production. It is best to download this from the site and have it filled out before arriving on set. It is also available at our office or we can fax it to you from our office. Normally these forms can be obtained and filled out on set prior to working, but it is most convenient if done beforehand. This applies to all children 14 and under. Parents or guardians of children working in film and television should be familiar with the employment standard act from the Government of B.C. Please go to the employment standards WebPages and read their information.
Hours of Work and Time Before Camera
| Age | Hours of Work | Time Before Camera | Min. Required Break |
| 15 Days to 2 Years | Max. 8 hours/day | 15 consecutive minutes | 20 minutes |
| 3-5 Years Max. | 8 hours/day | 30 consecutive minutes | 15 minutes |
| 6- 11 Years Max. | 8 hours/day | 45 consecutive minutes | 10 minutes |
| 12-14 Years Max. | 10 hours/day | 60 consecutive minutes | 10 minutes |