Does The Babies Movie Violate Child Labor Laws?

"Babies," a new movie documentary by Thomas Balmes, follows the lives of four babies from different parts of the world. No dialogue is present, but strains of upbeat music score scenes of the children in the care of their families. Reviews of "Babies" are somewhat mixed; while the 80-minute Focus Features documentary is unquestionably cute, it may lack substance. Showing cute infants and heightening the mood with upbeat music may work in commercials, but in a documentary this tactic offers little insight into an infant's life. In fact, less attention is being paid to whatever message the "Babies" movie may offer than whether the documentary violates child labor laws in its handling of the youngsters – and whether Focus Features will need payday lending to cover potential fines.

Did the 'Babies' movie mistreat just a little baby?

USA Today reports that various sources are concerned over whether "Babies" subject Hattie (who lives in San Francisco) was dealt with in a way consistent with California law. In that state, infants must be at least 15 days old and have a doctor's note and legal permits before they can be filmed commercially. Said "Babies" within 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. These guidelines are not followed to the letter for Hattie in the "Babies" movie, claim some.
Film producer said the same rules didn't apply
This isn't really because they were pulling the "Do you know who I am?" card. The subject infants in "Babies" were cast before they were born, said producer Amandine Billot to the Associated Press. Upon their entry to the outside world, said Billot, the kids were recorded "in their natural environments, like a wildlife film of human babies". The California Labor Board has not officially opened an investigation to the "Babies" movie, but if they do, potential fines could range from $ 50 to $ 5,000 per infraction.
California, the anti-'Babies' state
California certainly needs money, so they could very easily choose to go following the film. 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 a lot more than adhered to both the letter and spirit of the law," he said.

Ready to go see what the 'Babies' fuss is about?

Not all the "Babies" reviews are negative. Beliefnet.com maintains in their optimistic review the point of the film is to "revel within the miracles, radiant innocence and fun nature of babies. You won't be able to leave the theater without feelings of warmth, happiness and delight". Just like Sandra Bullock, brining new "Babies" into your life is not a bad thing.