Taxes & Insurance
State Unemployment Insurance (SUI)
- Minnesota Unemployment Insurance
- Phone: 651.296.6141
- www.uimn.org/index.htm (self-service, and account set-up)
Minnesota unemployment insurance rates vary depending on how long a company has been doing business in Minnesota, and the number of past claims filed against that particular company. Rates vary between .68% - 11%,* with a cap of $24,000 per employee. Rates for companies (not construction) new to the state start at 2.88%. Each payroll company can quote its current rate; you can find payroll companies listed in the Support Services section of the Minnesota Production Guide. *rates listed are for 2006 only
Workers Compensation
- Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry
- Phone: 651-284-5005 OR 1-800-342-5354
- www.doli.state.mn.us/workcomp.html
Taxes
- Minnesota Department of Revenue
- Phone: 651.296.6181
- www.taxes.state.mn.us
State sales tax is 6.5%, but does not apply to purchases of food and clothing, or to the making of television commercials! TV spot production (and post-production) is exempt from sales tax in Minnesota, a significant cost saving. For Local sales tax information and tax forms visit taxes.state.mn.us.
Youth Labor Laws
Employers should be aware that there are both federal and state child labor laws. The same criteria used to determine coverage for the minimum wage and overtime laws are used to determine coverage under these laws. The federal restrictions on hours that minors under 16 may work during the school year are marked with asterisks below.
Below is an abridged version of the Minnesota Child Labor Act. For a more complete copy or an exemption request, contact the Department of Labor and Industry, Labor Standards Division. Their phone is 651.284.5070 and their website is www.doli.state.mn.us
A minor under the age of 16 may not work before 7:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m.* with the exception of a newspaper carrier; for more than 40 hours per week* or more than 8 hours per 24 hour period* except in an agricultural operation; on school days, during school hours, without an employment certificate issued by the appropriate school officials.
A minor 16 or 17 and in high school may not work after 11:00 p.m. on a day preceding a school day; before 5:00 a.m. on a school day.
Minimum Age
A minor under 14 years of age may not be employed, except:
- as an actor/actress or model;
- as a newspaper carrier, if at least 11 years of age;
- in agriculture, if at least 12 years of age and if parents or guardians consent.
With written permission from a parent or guardian on file with the employer, those hours may be expanded by one-half hour (30 minutes) each. So a student couldn’t work after 11:30 p.m. and before 4:30 a.m.
For more information on how these standards apply to our industry please contact Minnesota Film and TV or one of Minnesota’s professional Casting Directors or Talent Agents listed in the TALENT, CASTING & AGENTS section of the book.
* During the school year federal law restricts hours to no later than 7:00 p.m., no more than 3 hours per day, and no more than 18 hours per week.
Filmmakers Code of Conduct
Welcome Production Company
Minnesota is pleased that you have chosen to do business in our state. As a guest we assume you will treat our locations, as well as the public, with courtesy. We must all work toward maintaining a good relationship with local communities. If not, it will not only make your job more difficult, you will jeopardize the working relationship of all future production companies filming in this region. Please adhere to the following guidelines.
from the Association of Film Commissioners International (as adopted by Minnesota Film and TV)
PROPER LOCATION NOTIFICATION
When filming in a neighborhood or business district, proper notification is to be provided to each merchant or neighbor who is directly affected by the company (this includes parking, base camps, and meal areas). The filming notice should include:
- Name of company.
- Name of the production.
- Kind of production (e.g. feature film, television movie, tv pilot, commercial, etc.).
- Type of activity and duration (i.e., times, dates & number of days, including prep and strike).
- Company contact (first AD, Unit Production Manager, Location Manager, and phone number).
- Contact name and number at Minnesota Film and TV.
- Include any required notification from the municipality.
NOTE: The Film/TV Board's ON LOCATION IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD brochure should be attached to the filming notification which is distributed to the neighborhood.
PRODUCTION VEHICLES
- Shall not enter the area before the time stipulated in the permit.
- Park one by one.
- Turn off engines as soon as possible.
- Shall observe designated parking areas.
- Shall not park production vehicles in or block driveways without the express permission of the municipal jurisdiction or the driveway owner.
- Shall leave at the designated time.
VEHICLES/TOWING
Moving or towing of the public's vehicles is prohibited without the express permission of the municipal jurisdiction or the owner of the vehicle.
CAST & CREW MEALS
- Meals shall be confined to the area designated in the location agreement or permit.
- All trash must be disposed of properly upon completion of the meal.
- Remember to use the proper receptacles for disposal of all napkins, plates, and coffee cups that you may use in the general course of the working day.
BOUNDARIES
- Do not trespass onto other neighbors' or merchants' property.
- Remain within the boundaries of the property that has been permitted for filming.
VEGETATION
Removing, trimming and/or cutting of vegetation or trees is prohibited unless approved by the permit authority or property owner.
SIGNAGE
- All signs erected or removed for filming purposes will be removed or replaced upon completion of the use of that location unless otherwise stipulated by the location agreement or permit.
- Remove all signs posted to direct the company to the location.
NOISE
Every member of the cast and crew shall keep noise levels as low as possible and will refrain from the use of lewd or improper language within earshot of the general public.
IDENTIFICATION
- Every member of the crew shall wear a production pass (badge) when issued.
- Do not wear clothing that lacks common sense and good taste. Shoes and shirts must be worn at all times unless otherwise directed.
POSTERS
Crew members shall not display signs, posters, or pictures on vehicles that do not reflect common sense or good taste (e.g. pin-up posters).
SET VISITS
The cast and crew shall not bring guests or pets to the location unless expressly authorized in advance by the Company.
TRASH
All catering, craft service, construction, strike, and personal trash must be removed from the location.
SMOKING
Observe designated smoking areas and always extinguish cigarettes in butt cans.
TIME PROVISIONS
The Company will comply at all times with the provisions of the filming permit.
