http://www.mchlimo.com/baby-on-board-film/
Babies Movie May Violate Child Labor Laws, Critics Say
“Babies,” a documentary movie by Thomas Balmes, tells the tale of four little babies from four corners of the world. No dialogue is present, but strains of upbeat music score scenes of the children in the care of their families. “Babies” reviews have generally admitted that while the 80-minute Focus Features film is cute, it may be too simplistic. Adorable little ones and emotionally manipulative music may work in commercials, but a feature-length study requires more depth, say some critics. The “Babies” movie has been gaining less plot attention and more noise for claims that the product may have violated child labor laws (and may need payday lending to dig their way out from under a potential mountain of fines).
A ‘Babies’ movie that mishandles its babies?
According to USA Today , “Babies” baby little Hattie of San Francisco may not have been used in a manner in synch with California child labor laws. In California, an infant that is to appear in a commercial film must be 15 days old or more, have a special doctor’s note and a variety of permits complete before filming can commence. Said “Babies” in the movie are only allowed on film a maximum of 20 minutes per day, and during that time the studio must provide a nurse and teacher which the studio finances completely. This didn’t happen with Hattie in the “Babies” movie, claim critics.
Film producer said the same rules didn’t apply
The producer’s actual reason was much less standoffish. It’s because, as producer Amandine Billot told the Associated Press, “Babies” cast the four infant stars while they were still in the womb. The children were then filmed “in their natural environments, like a wildlife film of human babies,” according to Billot. While no investigation has officially begun, the “Babies” movie team could face fines ranging from $ 50 to as much as $ 5,000 per incident if child labor experts decide to move forward.
So it’s California’s fault
With all the red tape and debt in California government, this could turn out to be quite a bad thing for Focus Features. CEO James Schamus is ready for a fight, however. He told the AP that no child labor laws were violated and vehemently stated that “irresponsible conjectures” against the “Babies” movie are just that – mere speculation. “The filmmakers more than adhered to both the letter and spirit of the law,” exclaimed Schamus.
Curious to see those ‘Babies’?
Remember, “Babies” has received some positive notes. You’ll want to “revel in the miracles, the radiant innocence and fun nature of babies. You won’t be able to leave the theater without feelings of warmth, happiness and delight,” writes Beliefnet.com. So embrace your inner Sandra Bullock and go embrace “Babies” today.
Sources
USA Today
http://content.usatoday.com/communities/entertainment/post/2010/05/did-babies-break-the-law-/1
Beliefnet.com
http://blog.beliefnet.com/yourlittlecuties/2010/05/movie-review-babies.html