Filming with Children
There are very specific regulations relating to child performers. For performers under the age of 17 a Child Performance Licence is required. Licences are issued by the Local Authority in which the child resides. They should be sought in advance of a performance and require 21 days for processing. The number of hours permitted for the child to work are dependant on the child’s age. Further information on licensing can be found on the National Network for Children in Employment & Entertainment website.
Employment
All productions must adhere to UK employment legislation and should observe their legal responsibility regarding the National Minimum Wage and Working Time Regulations. Further information is available at http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/.
For information relating to production staff rates of pay and rights at work you should contact BECTU, the media and entertainment union. The BECTU Wales Office can be contacted on 02920 666557, they also have extensive downloadable resources on their website (including rate cards).
Insurance
The type and level of insurance is largely dependant on the scale of a production. Small personal projects require public liability and equipment insurance. Larger productions by law require both public liability and employers' liability insurance. Every production should provide a copy of their public liability insurance to the location owner for all location filming. As a guide most local authorities ask for a minimum of £5million cover for public liability insurance.
Smoking
Smoking is prohibited in all enclosed workplaces and public spaces in Wales and this includes film sets.