With rare exceptions of artists who have borderline cult followings, youthful artists are frequently in highest demand for entertainment services. Musicians, actors and other entertainers may have a much easier time finding work when they are young as opposed to middle-aged or older. In fact, the bias toward youthful entertainers is so powerful that many of the big players in the entertainment industry specifically look for and contract with young and even underage artists.
Some of the most famous modern musical performers signed with major labels before they were legal adults. Those youthful aspiring professionals are at a disadvantage when it comes to asserting themselves or even fully understanding the consequences of their decision to sign a contract. Often, those hoping to break into the entertainment industry fail to thoroughly consider the implications of the contract they sign until it starts to cause problems in the future.
If you or your talented minor child signed a contract with an entertainment company, like a recording company, there may be some concerns about abusive and possibly unfair terms in that agreement. Are there any protections for underage entertainment professionals in Florida?
State law protects against abusive work conditions
Florida, like many other states, requires that employers provide information regarding underage entertainment professionals. As with most other employment arrangements, entertainment-related employment involving minors is subject to state oversight and child labor regulations.
Of course, a company can comply with child labor laws while still taking advantage of a young artist, The contract itself may not be as strong as you think. There are some special laws that help protect youthful artists and entertainers, including laws that may allow them to invalidate contracts they sign as minors. There are also many cases in which the terms of an entertainment contract may not be enforceable in court.
Both underage entertainers who now believe they signed a bad contract and parents worried about similar matters may be able to bring in legal support and challenge the previous agreement that the entertainment company. Rather than accepting a loss of revenue or control over someone’s artistic creations as inevitable when working in the entertainment industry, the youthful artist or their family members may need to start looking for ways to regain that control.
Learning more about entertainment law, especially as it applies to minors, can help those questioning the legality or validity of a contract.