Alec Cabacungan and Kaleb-Wolf De Melo Torres have touched many hearts through their appearances in Shriners Hospitals for Children commercials. Their stories of resilience and hope are powerful, but one question that often comes up is whether they get paid for their roles in these ads. In this blog post, I’ll explore how child actors like Alec and Kaleb are compensated, offering insights into their earnings and the protections in place for them.
Who Are Alec and Kaleb?
Alec Cabacungan
Alec Cabacungan is a well-known face from the Shriners Hospitals for Children commercials. He has brittle bone disease and has received significant care at Shriners Hospitals. Alec’s engaging personality and inspiring story make him a key figure in these commercials, helping to spread awareness and support for the hospital’s mission.
Kaleb-Wolf De Melo Torres
Kaleb-Wolf De Melo Torres is another prominent young star featured in the Shriners commercials. Diagnosed with osteogenesis imperfecta, Kaleb has been treated at Shriners Hospitals as well. His positive attitude and compelling story play a vital role in the commercials, making him a beloved representative for the hospital’s cause.
How Are Child Actors Paid?
Child actors like Alec and Kaleb do receive payment for their work in commercials. Here’s a comprehensive look at how their compensation is structured:
Session Fees
Child actors earn a session fee for each day they work on set. This payment compensates them for their time and effort during the commercial shoot. The amount of the session fee can vary based on factors such as the commercial’s budget, the actor’s experience, and the complexity of the shoot.
Residuals
Residuals are additional payments made to actors each time a commercial airs. For commercials that are broadcast frequently or reach a wide audience, residuals can significantly boost an actor’s earnings. Alec and Kaleb would receive these payments each time their commercials are aired, providing ongoing compensation for their work.
Trust Funds
To ensure that child actors’ earnings are protected, a portion of their income is placed in a trust fund. Laws like the Coogan Law in California require that 15% of a child actor’s earnings be set aside in a trust account. This helps safeguard the money for the actor’s future needs and ensures it is managed responsibly.
Legal Protections for Child Actors
The entertainment industry has established regulations to protect child actors and ensure their well-being. These regulations cover various aspects of their work, including working conditions and education.
Working Hours
Child actors are subject to regulations that limit the number of hours they can work each day and week. These limits are designed to protect their health and ensure that their work schedule does not interfere with their education or overall well-being.
Education
To balance their acting careers with their academic responsibilities, child actors are often provided with on-set tutors. This ensures that they continue their education while working, helping them stay on track with their schooling.
Why Alec and Kaleb Participate in Shriners Commercials
While financial compensation is an important aspect of their work, Alec and Kaleb’s participation in Shriners Hospitals for Children commercials serves a broader purpose. Their involvement helps raise awareness and generate support for the hospital, which provides essential medical care to children regardless of their families’ financial situations. Their stories highlight the impact of Shriners Hospitals and encourage viewers to contribute to the cause.
The Impact of Their Participation
Alec and Kaleb’s involvement in these commercials has a significant impact. Their personal stories and positive messages resonate with audiences, drawing attention to the vital work done by Shriners Hospitals. Their participation not only helps raise funds but also inspires and motivates others to support the hospital’s mission.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Alec Cabacungan and Kaleb-Wolf De Melo Torres are compensated for their roles in Shriners Hospitals for Children commercials. Their payment includes session fees, residuals, and protections such as trust funds. These arrangements ensure that child actors are fairly compensated while contributing to a meaningful cause. Understanding the compensation and protections for child actors sheds light on the industry’s commitment to fair treatment and safety. As we continue to see Alec and Kaleb in commercials, we can appreciate their contributions and the important role they play in supporting Shriners Hospitals.
