How Actors Make Money: Behind the Scenes of Payments During and Post Filming

Professional actors enter a complex world where the luminaries and the extras play different roles yet face unique financial situations. This article delves into the intricacies of actors' earnings, the impact of unions like SAG-AFTRA, and the varying payment scales for both main roles and extras.

Union Contracts and Minimum Payment Standards

The American film and television industry has stringent labor laws with the help of unions like SAG-AFTRA, which regulate payment minimums for actors. This union ensures that actors are paid a specific scale or 'minimum payment' for their roles, regardless of their size or prominence.

For example, SAG-AFTRA contracts stipulate that actors work under contracts providing them with minimum payment, also known as 'scale.' Agents can negotiate compensation beyond this minimum rate but cannot go below it, ensuring fair remuneration for every role, whether the actor is the lead or just has a one-liner. Once the work is completed, actors are paid on a regular weekly schedule and can also receive residuals, or additional payments, for the reuse of their work.

Background Actors and Non-Union Work

Background actors are also part of the equation, often paid according to a union contract. However, they do not negotiate or receive residuals as they are not represented by agents. There are instances where non-union background actors exist, who fall outside the protections and regulations provided by SAG-AFTRA.

Business and Taxation Status of Actors

The business aspect of acting is often challenging, with actors operating in a grey area between independent contractors and employees. This dual status can create difficulties in tax regulation and documentation, compounding the financial complexities of their profession.

How Actors Get Paid During Filming

Nearly all actors receive payment on a day-by-day basis while filming, especially in television shows or movies. The payment structure is often based on a union-dictated minimum daily rate, which agents negotiate. However, the amount of remuneration varies widely depending on the actor's value to the production.

For a hard-working and well-known actor, the earnings can skyrocket. Millions of US dollars are not uncommon if an actor is a household name, potentially drawing in huge audiences. For experienced but not star-status actors, the remuneration might range from the base daily rate to possibly double it, depending on their indispensability to the project.

In contrast, less well-known actors could only negotiate a base daily rate or perhaps double it, as their roles are less critical to the production.

After Filming: Earnings and Additional Work

Life for most actors doesn't end with filming. The average yearly income from acting alone in New Zealand, for instance, is approximately US$6000. This stark reality underscores the need for actors to find alternative income sources to supplement their earnings.

The range of low-paying but flexible jobs becomes a necessity for actors seeking to balance their professional and financial lives. Such jobs include waiting tables, cleaning, painting, and laboring, which allow actors to stay available for auditions and new acting work.

Unique Payment Scenarios for Extras

Extras, often overlooked in the grand scheme of film making, play crucial roles in creating the authenticity and setting of a scene. While their work is usually uncomplicated and requires no acting talent, their earnings can vary based on their unique attributes and necessity to the production.

Extras are generally not auditioned and are chosen based on their physical appearance. However, if they have specialized skills, such as being a mountaineer, surfer, or cultural performer, they can negotiate higher rates. When an extra is irreplaceable, the negotiation power significantly increases.

Overall, the payment scenarios for actors and extras highlight the diverse pay structures and the necessity for actors to not only excel in their craft but also navigate the business and financial aspects of their profession effectively.