When 11-year-old Elijah Perris won a part on an HBO series The Leftovers, earning superannuation was the last thing on his mind.
But since super came along with the job, his mother Helen Perris duly opened an account in his name with industry fund Media Super.
Less than a year later the entire balance was eaten up by account fees, default life insurance and default income protection insurance.
"I probably don't need to worry about it for 50 years ... but I feel ripped off," Elijah said. "They're basically just ripping me, and whoever else that's happened to, off. That makes me feel pretty annoyed."
Elijah, who lives in Lalor Park, travelled to Melbourne in the winter school holidays last year to film the part of "the boy" in Season 3, Episode 1 of The Leftovers.
His employer paid compulsory superannuation of $239.88 in August last year. In June this year, Elijah received a letter from Media Super warning him that the balance was about $30 – too low to fund the next month's insurance premiums.
Ms Perris said she opened the account online and didn't see any warning that Elijah would be signed up for default insurance. She complained and Media Super has since refunded the insurance payments.
Ms Perris believes it's inappropriate for an 11-year-old to be given default life and income protection insurance. She argues it is also problematic for many adults, since sporadic work is common for actors and particularly for women who are more likely to take time off for parental leave.
Ms Perris would like to see insurance in super become opt-in rather than opt-out. If it's going to be the default, then she wants the online forms to make that "absolutely transparent" and let you know how to opt out.
"Most people probably don't need income protection insurance, it might be useful for some members of the community but it's not useful for me or my 11-year-old," she said.
Media Super chief executive Graeme Russell said the fund was obliged by law to offer life insurance – known as death and total and permanent disablement (TPD) cover – on an opt-out basis to MySuper (default) members.
Mr Russell said Media Super represents more children than most super funds because it is the industry fund for actors and performers. The fund's current policy is to not provide cover for members under the age of 11 and to refund premiums for members aged between 11 and 16 when they, or their parents, request it.
Mr Russell said the fund planned to drop default insurance for 11-16 year-olds from March 2018, but would need approval from the regulator.
There is no legal requirement to provide income protection cover, but Media Super believes it is a benefit to members since many of them are freelancers who may find it difficult to buy this insurance outside super.
Mr Russell said the disclosure was just above the "submit" button on the online form. This is true, though it uses the word "cover" rather than "insurance", and you can't opt out on the online form.
He added that Media Super does not make a profit on selling insurance to members.
Elijah has had parts in a few films and television shows and feels lucky to be paid for his acting. His income is paid into a savings account, which he will get access to when he turns 18.
"I'm saving it, that's the only thing I can do, I'm not sure what for ... maybe a house."
Caitlin Fitzsimmons is the editor of Money. Find her on Facebook, Twitter and the It All Adds Up podcast.