Well, I guess I have just changed my mind on needing a California Coogan account for my kid. I was under the impression that since anything he shot would be in NY that a NY trust account was sufficient. Well, I just got the contract for his FF and it requires a California Coogan account since the production company is California based. No problem, I'll run over to Actors Federal Credit Union tomorrow and open one since that is where his NY trust account is held. I had the choice but didn't think he needed one.
Let me recommend that if you have the option of opening a Coogan that you do so since NY will honor it and you never know..... DS's agent is opening a LA office and expects to represent him there too. Looks like we may be a bicoastal family after all. With two uncles in LA at least he has a place to crash.

Gotta love it! Congrats, DW! What an exciting reason to have to open your child's Coogan account. Now, do you all have your passports?!? As you now know, ANYTHING can happen!

quote:

Originally posted by DadinWestchester:
Well, I guess I have just changed my mind on needing a California Coogan account for my kid. I was under the impression that since anything he shot would be in NY that a NY trust account was sufficient. Well, I just got the contract for his FF and it requires a California Coogan account since the production company is California based. No problem, I'll run over to Actors Federal Credit Union tomorrow and open one since that is where his NY trust account is held. I had the choice but didn't think he needed one.
Let me recommend that if you have the option of opening a Coogan that you do so since NY will honor it and you never know..... DS's agent is opening a LA office and expects to represent him there too. Looks like we may be a bicoastal family after all. With two uncles in LA at least he has a place to crash.

First off..CONGRATS to your son for the booking!! Hope he has a blast! Always fun to hear good news!

Thanks for sharing.

Also, just for future knowledge, we have a number of child performer bills out there right now. Mass, NJ, Conn, Florida and who knows what past that point and there is not one that coincides with the other but I believe all have language in the bill addressing set aside trust funds,some for all projects, some requiring money set aside only if the child makes a certain amount of money. So everyone's head is going to be spinning trying to keep track of which states have what regulations regarding trust funds. I suppose they are trying to protect the children's money, however, they don't seem to be thinking past that point and making this all very complicated for everyone involved in the future.

In NY there may also be changes as to which department will be handling missing money.

At this time the Comptroller's office is still the Dept to contact.

http://www.labor.state.ny.us/w...ildPerformerFAQ.shtm

"Where should inquiries regarding Child Performer withholdings which have been sent to the NYS Office of State Comptroller be directed?"

Questions about Child Performer Withholdings should be directed to:

Office of The State Comptroller
110 State Street, 9th Floor
Albany, NY 12236
Tel: (518) 486-1255