Applying for Prior Written Approval to Alter Hours of Work Requirements for Young People Employed in the Entertainment Industry

The following sections for the Employment Standards Regulation may be altered for young people (under 15 years of age) employed in the etertainment industry.

Authority to give approval is exercised by the Film Industry Coordinator, Delegate of the Director of Employment Standards, (the "delegate").

  • 45.8(2) - Length of total day, from start to end.
  • 45.8(3) - Work Window advance early morning, before 5:00 a.m.
  • 45.8(4) - Work Window extension, late night, after set times.
  • 45.12 - Permission to work a young person a 6th day in a row. (Note: a 7th day is prohibited).
  1. Applications must be received during business hours, 48 hours (two usual work days) prior to the date for which the written approval is needed.
  2. The production must forward their application by letter/fax to the Film Industry Coordinator, Delegate of the Director of Employment Standards, (the "delegate"). The production should follow up by phone to confirm that the delegate received the variance application within the 48 hours.
  3. The application must contain:
  • The reason for the request.
  • A copy of the parent's or guardian's written consent.
  • The name of the young person (people) involved.
  • The date of birth (DOB) of the young person.
  • The name(s) and contact phone numbers for the parent(s).
  • The name and contact phone number of the young person's tutor (if applicable).
  • The work hours and date(s) requested (please indicate start and finish times).
  • The description of the scene, location, conditions.
  • Details of provisions to be made for the young person if flexibility is granted.
  • The name, job title and contact phone/fax numbers of the contact person at the production making the request.
  1. In general, approval to alter these requirments will only be granted under special circumstances. These include but are not limited to; location availability, early morning or night exterior shoots, or live television productions presented after the prescribed hours.
    • Planning deficiencies, systematic problems (such as start time shifts to latter in the day near the end of the week due to turnaround time considerations) and production convenience are not usually viewed as special circumstances.
    • The child's parents, school and/or tutor (if applicable), and the production may be interviewed.
  2. Should the additional flexibility be granted, the delegate may specify that certain provisions be made for the child and their parent or guardian, i.e. heated trailer with bed for rest breaks, etc.
  3. Written approval or not does not create a precedent for any future considerations or requests. Similar written approval may or may not be issued subject to current or future policy, regulations or legislation.

Note: The delegate may deny an application.

For more information, contact:

Film Industry Coordinator/Delegate of the
Director of Employment Standards
Phone: 604 660-4946 Fax: 604 713-0450
Employment Standards
Film Department
250 - 4600 Jacombs Road
Richmond, BC V6V 3B1