Hollywood Mom Blog

Bill HB 2515 Addresses PA’s Inadequate Child Labor Laws, but Abuse is Nationwide

Posted on20. Jul, 2010 by Editor Tracy Bobbitt.

“Children are not to be used as a Commodity, having their childhoods sold to the highest bidder.”

The petition statement below is from Care2 Petition Website sent to us via Janet Palazzotto of non-profit, child actor advocacy group A Minor Consideration:

“Welcome!   My name is Irene.   I am a mom with 8 children. I am a television consumer/parent who was a viewer of the TLC hit show Jon & Kate plus 8.   Like many, I’ve seen the complete corporate takeover and tabloid eclipse of this family in the 100 episodes that have exposed them at their worse.   In May 2009, the matriarch of the family vowed on television, “The show must go on!” The patriarch of the family countered in the fall of 2009 by vowing, “No filming of the kids allowed.”

Fast forward to April 2010.   The Pennsylvania Department of Labor attended a hearing in Pennsylvania, hosted by Rep Thomas Murt.   At that hearing the Department of Labor reported that the proper permits for TLC (Silver Springs, MD) and Figure 8 Productions (North Carolina) had never been filed.   In an agreement between TLC & the Pennsylvania Department of Labor, TLC got off without any legal or financial repercussions.  They were “warned” to get the proper permits in the future and pay the children.  FYI- the kids will split 15% of some amount, 8 ways.  Still haven’t figured that one out, since they comprise 80% of the show’s talent.

http://www.dol.gov/whd/state/childentertain2009.htm

The reason for our petition is simple.   As parents and Television viewers/ consumers we need to ban together and show legislators that the laws protecting children in reality television shows is at best poor, outdated and often nonexistent.   Further, we need to make it clear that childrens’ childhoods are not for sale.  The Gosselin childrens lives are forever documented on television, video, facebook, in the media,  books, etc.  Their childhoods were sold by their parents and a company (TLC) is profiting with dollars while these children will live with the after effects for the rest of their lives.

Please leave your signature verifying that you believe kids on reality shows deserve protections, safeguards, fair pay, and a 3rd party to ensure their safety and well-being on any sets they perform on.   Remember with these kids “the set is the home and the home is the set.”  Thank you for joining us in helping these kids be safe.”

*** Update ***
06/03/2010 Rep Thomas Murt(PA) introduced HB 2515 addresses the inadequate child labor laws in Pennsylvania and Rep Thomas Murt has 75 co- sponsors. Please check his website for updates. http://repmurt.com/ite

Also, follow A Minor Consideration as they work tirelessly on behalf of the children of the entertainment industry

*According to the Los Angeles Times, below is the status of permits on a variety of  Reality television programs:

TLC
19 Kids and Counting:
Permit, NO
Arkansas

Toddlers & Tiaras:
Permit, NO
Arkansas

Kate Plus 8:
Permits obtained April, 2010
Pennsylvania

Table for 12:
Permit, NO
New Jersey

Carpio Family Project:
Permit obtained May 21st, 2010
New York

Little People, Big World:
Permit, NO
Oregon

Quintuplet Surprise:
Permit, ???
Texas cannot confirm

BRAVO
9 By Design:
Permit, YES
New York

Real Housewives of Orange County
Permit, NO
California

Real Housewives of Atlanta:
Permit, NO
Georgia

Real Housewives of New Jersey:
Permit, NO
New Jersey

Real Housewives of New York:
Permit, NO
New York

Real Housewives of D.C.
Permit, NO
Virginia

WE TV
Raising Septuplets:
Permit, NO
Florida

Little Miss Perfect:
Permit, NO
Florida

OXYGEN
Tori & Dean:
Permit, YES
California

“This is the truth, folks. It’s deliberate and nationwide. Have we no shame?”  – Paul Petersen, A Minor Consideration

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RUSH Casting Call: Twin Newborns for New TLC Show

Posted on15. Oct, 2009 by Editor Tracy Bobbitt.

Morman Boling Casting is seeking African-American twins (preferably identical and preferably male) and a Hispanic baby that are all under 10 lbs. and at least 15 days old for a shoot this Sunday 10/18/2009  in the LosAngeles area. Babies must all ready have current work permit.

This is for the new TLC/Discovery Health show “Injured & Pregnant.”  The rate is $200 per day. If you are interested, please send email with babies photos, date of birth, length and weight to Lauren at mbcasst@yahoo.com. Additionally, they are always looking for babies that are under 10 lbs. and at least 15 days old with valid work permits.

If you know of any babies that meet the aforementioned criteria, call (323) 874-8965.

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Casting Call:”Home Made Simple” wants Tarheel Families!

Posted on16. Apr, 2009 by Hollywood Mom.

The Learning Channel (TLC) and the producers at Discovery Studios are bringing a little Hollywood Magic to North Carolina’s research triangle area with their new show “Home Made Simple.” Having spent my (many) college years in Eastern North Carolina, I know first-hand you Tarheels have all the right stuff for television!  They’re casting for the series NOW;  specifically searching for deserving families that need help with home projects.

Home Made Simple, in its sixth season, incorporates a chef, carpenter and designer who come into your home to find simple solutions to everyday problems.  This new television show is based on the popular, award-winning website www.HomeMadeSimple.com with over 12 million subscribers.

Please include the following information with your submission:

1. Tell your story. Why are you and your family deserving of help from Home Made Simple?

2. Describe your projects in the home you need help with.

3. Include photos of the projects and problem areas in the home

4. Include an exterior photo of the home

5. Include a family photo of whomever lives in the house

6. Send us your phone number so we can talk If you are interested, please contact us by e-mailing

*You must be between the ages of 25-40 and own a single family home.  No apartment renters or condo owners please.  Complete this form to enter.

Hurry up y’all – the deadline for submission is April 30, 2009.  Don’t forget to tell them the Hollywood Mom sent ya!

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