The payment of cast and crew members in the film industry is typically based on a number of factors, including the production budget, the actor’s or crew member’s level of experience and seniority, and the size of their role in the project.
In the majority of cases, cast and crew members are paid through a combination of up-front compensation, residuals, and bonuses. Up-front compensation refers to the initial payment made to cast and crew members for their work on the project. This compensation is typically negotiated and agreed upon prior to the start of filming and is based on the individual’s level of experience and the size of their role in the production.
Residuals, on the other hand, are payments made to cast and crew members for the reuse of their work. For example, residuals are paid to actors for the repeated airing of a film or television program on network television or cable. Additionally, some residuals are also paid for the use of the film or television program on home video, streaming services, and other forms of distribution.
Bonuses, as the term implies, are additional payments made to cast and crew members based on the financial success of the film or television program. Bonuses are typically paid when a film or television program exceeds certain financial milestones, such as reaching a certain box office gross or achieving a high rating on a television network.
It’s important to note that the payment process for cast and crew members can vary greatly from project to project, as well as from one country to another. In some cases, cast and crew members may receive a flat fee for their work, while in other cases, they may receive a daily rate or a weekly rate. Additionally, some cast and crew members may receive a percentage of the profits generated by the film or television program.
In conclusion, the payment of cast and crew members in the film industry is a complex process that is based on a number of factors, including the production budget, the individual’s level of experience and seniority, and the size of their role in the production. The combination of up-front compensation, residuals, and bonuses are typically used to pay cast and crew members, although the specific payment process can vary greatly from project to project.
Source: Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA)
