So whats the deal? I have friends that have kids and they still work for copy/credit/meal. These kids have been on Gap, Old Navy and other big print campaigns and on commercials. I see the posts on their social media pages and we know they are working for free. Why? Can someone tell me. It just seems absurd. Our agency would drop us uf we worked background. I cant even imagine if we worked for free. What gives?

Background and extra work is not free and our manager does not want us to do that. Working in a student film for free though is for resume building and to extend your acting chops. They have no problem with that at all.

I have to agree with NYCGAL - and also add, my DD LOVES working and that means on anything! This is fun to her and she couldn't care less if she is doing a commercial or student film or just someone's indie project that we all know will go nowhere. As long as it's a legitimate project and I do my research to make sure everything is on the up and up, I will always submit her for things regardless of pay. It's the same feeling I have about my son's tennis - who cares if he wins a tournament as long as he's having fun. She'd be happy to do extra and BG work, but I don't do that simply because of getting into an issue with unions, etc. My DDs joy of just working helps remind me that she's still a kid and in many ways she's viewing this like any other extra-curricular activity. I'm hoping this will keep her grounded.

I agree with Tanner1 - if the kids are having a good time - that's what it's all about for us.