Do Actors Get Paid Every Time Their Movie Is on TV?

(By Daniel Suttice)

(Photo: Andrea Piacquadio | Pexels)

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Have you ever wondered if actors continue to earn money every time one of their movies is aired on television? It’s a common question among fans and aspiring actors alike, especially when considering classic films and popular blockbusters that seem to rerun endlessly on various channels. The short answer is: yes, but not always, and it depends on several factors.

What Are Residuals?

The key term in this discussion is residuals. Residuals are payments made to actors, directors, writers, and other talent involved in a film or television production when the project is rebroadcast, resold, or reused after its initial release. Essentially, they are a form of royalty payment, compensating performers for the continued use of their work.

Residuals were first introduced in the mid-20th century, thanks largely to the efforts of unions like the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and the Writers Guild of America (WGA). These unions negotiated contracts to ensure that creative professionals received fair compensation beyond their initial paycheck when their work was reused.

How Do Residuals Work?

When an actor signs on to a movie or TV project, their contract often includes terms for residual payments. The specifics of these payments depend on:

1. The actor’s role: Leading actors often have better-negotiated deals than supporting or background actors.

2. The production budget: Higher-budget productions may offer more generous residual terms.

3. Union rules: Union members typically have set minimums for residuals.

4. The platform: Whether the film is aired on broadcast TV, cable TV, streaming platforms, or sold as DVDs affects residual payments.

Residuals for Television Airings

When a movie is shown on TV—whether on a network channel, cable, or syndication—the production company usually pays residuals based on the revenue generated from licensing the movie to the network. The more times a movie is aired, the more residuals actors may receive, although the payments decrease over time.

The first time the movie airs post-release, the residual payment is usually the highest. Each subsequent airing results in a smaller percentage. After many years, residual payments may become quite minimal, but they still exist.

Residuals for Streaming and DVD Sales

(Photo: Cottonbro Studio | Pexels)

In recent years, streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime have changed the residual landscape. Streaming platforms typically pay a flat fee for content, and residuals for streaming are calculated differently than those for traditional TV airings. While actors do receive residuals, they are often less predictable and may not generate as much income over time compared to network TV reruns.

Examples of Actors Earning Residuals

1. Friends Cast

Perhaps one of the most famous examples of lucrative residual deals involves the cast of Friends. The beloved sitcom, which ran from 1994 to 2004, continues to earn millions annually through reruns and streaming rights. According to reports, Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, and David Schwimmer each receive an estimated $20 million a year in residuals from syndication and streaming deals.

This remarkable income is due to shrewd negotiations made toward the later seasons of the show, ensuring the six main actors earned not only high per-episode salaries but also a share of the back-end profits, which include syndication and DVD/streaming revenue.

2. Seinfeld Cast and Jerry Seinfeld

Similarly, Seinfeld, another iconic sitcom, has been highly profitable in syndication. Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David, the co-creators, reportedly earned upwards of $400 million each when the show was sold into syndication, and they continue to receive residuals.

However, the supporting cast (Jason Alexander, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Michael Richards) reportedly negotiated standard residual deals and receive payments when the show airs, though far less than Seinfeld and David.

3. Star Wars Actors

Residuals can vary significantly depending on contract negotiations. For instance, actors in the original Star Wars trilogy, like Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, and Harrison Ford, did not initially receive substantial residual deals. George Lucas, the creator, retained most of the back-end rights himself, making billions. However, the actors’ contracts did include some residual terms, although far less lucrative compared to modern blockbuster actors.

Interestingly, Alec Guinness, who played Obi-Wan Kenobi, negotiated a unique deal—reportedly securing 2% of the gross royalties from the original film. This savvy move earned him tens of millions of dollars over the years, far exceeding his initial salary.

4. The Office Cast

Another case involves the American version of The Office. Cast members such as Steve Carell, Rainn Wilson, John Krasinski, and Jenna Fischer continue to receive residual payments for reruns and streaming rights, especially since the show remains popular on streaming platforms. However, because streaming residuals differ from broadcast TV, some actors have publicly discussed the desire for more fair residual structures in the age of digital media.

How Much Do Residuals Pay?

(Photo: Andrea Piacquadio | Pexels)

The amount actors receive from residuals varies based on:

• Union Agreements: For union productions, specific rates and structures exist.

• Type of Airing: Network TV, basic cable, premium cable, streaming, and international airings all have different payment tiers.

• Original Contract Negotiation: Some actors, especially big stars or producers, negotiate deals that include a percentage of profits, often leading to higher residuals.

Example Breakdown (Approximate Numbers)

Here’s a rough example for TV airings based on union minimums:

• First rerun on network TV: $1,000 to $5,000+

• Second rerun: About 60-70% of the first payment.

• Subsequent reruns: Payments continue to decline, potentially down to hundreds of dollars.

For streaming, residuals might be:

• Flat fee per year of licensing

• Smaller percentages for international streaming platforms

Do Background Actors Get Residuals?

Background actors (extras) typically do not receive residuals. Their contracts are usually “one-time” payments for the days they work. Residual payments primarily apply to principal actors, stunt performers, and creative professionals like directors and writers.

Do Movie Stars Always Get Residuals?

Not necessarily. Some movie contracts don’t include residual payments, especially if:

• The actor was paid a massive upfront salary.

• The film was produced outside of union jurisdiction.

• The production company negotiated buyouts.

For instance, some blockbuster actors may opt for large one-time paychecks, forfeiting residuals in exchange for immediate compensation. Others, however, negotiate “points” (a percentage of the film’s profits) in lieu of or in addition to residuals.

Example: Robert Downey Jr.

Robert Downey Jr. famously earned tens of millions not just from his base salary for playing Iron Man, but from back-end deals tied to box office performance and merchandise. Though residuals from TV airings aren’t the primary source of his wealth, his contracts ensured he benefited long after filming ended.

Streaming Platforms and the Changing Residual Landscape

(Photo: Freestocks/Unsplash)

With the rise of streaming platforms, residual payments have become a hot topic. Traditional TV syndication models are shrinking, meaning fewer consistent reruns on cable. Instead, content is licensed to services like Netflix, Disney+, or Amazon Prime.

Actors still receive residuals for streaming, but:

1. Payments are often lower and less frequent.

2. Streaming platforms don’t disclose viewership numbers publicly, making it harder to negotiate.

3. Contracts are evolving, with unions pushing for fairer streaming residuals.

In fact, a major component of the 2023 SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes revolved around improving residuals and transparency in the streaming era.

Key Takeaways

• Actors do get paid residuals when movies or TV shows are re-aired on TV, but the amount decreases over time.

• The structure and amount of residuals depend on union rules, contract negotiations, production budgets, and the platform on which the content airs.

• Streaming services pay residuals, but these payments often differ from traditional TV airings, sparking industry debates.

• Some actors, like the Friends and Seinfeld cast, have famously benefited from lucrative residual deals.

• Background actors typically do not receive residuals, and some movie stars may forgo residuals for higher upfront pay.

In summary, while not all actors are guaranteed lifelong residual checks every time their movie plays on TV, many do benefit from this system, particularly union members and actors who’ve negotiated smart contracts. The entertainment industry continues to evolve, and residuals remain a crucial topic as streaming changes how we consume media—and how actors get compensated for it.

Do Actors Get Paid Each Time a Commercial Airs?

An in-depth look into the compensation structure for commercial actors

(By Jim Webb)

Introduction to Commercial Compensation

When we see an actor in a commercial, it’s easy to assume that they are paid a one-time fee for their work. However, the reality is more complex. Actors who appear in commercials often have unique contracts that determine how they are paid, and these contracts can vary greatly depending on the nature of the commercial, its reach, and how often it airs.

In this article, we will explore whether actors get paid every time a commercial airs, the factors that influence their pay, and real-life examples that highlight the differences in compensation for commercial actors.

How Commercial Actors Are Paid

Commercial actors can be compensated in a variety of ways, depending on the type of contract they sign. Generally, there are two main ways actors get paid for their work in commercials: session fees and residuals.

Session Fees: A session fee is the payment that an actor receives for their time and performance during the filming of a commercial. This is usually a one-time payment that is agreed upon before the shoot begins. The session fee typically covers the actor’s work for the day, and it may also include payment for usage of the commercial in specific regions or markets.

Residuals: Residuals, on the other hand, are payments made to actors each time a commercial airs after the initial filming. These payments are designed to compensate actors for the ongoing use of their work. Residuals are a hallmark of union contracts, such as those governed by SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists), and are usually calculated based on how often the commercial airs and where it is broadcast.

The Role of Unions in Commercial Actor Compensation

Unions, particularly SAG-AFTRA, play a significant role in how actors are compensated for commercial work. Members of these unions are entitled to residuals each time their commercial is aired, whether it’s on TV, the internet, or even in theaters.

For example, if a commercial airs during prime time or on a national platform, the actor is entitled to a higher residual than if it runs on a smaller network or in a limited market. The union has set guidelines that dictate how these residuals are paid, taking into account the commercial’s reach and frequency of airing.

The union also ensures that actors are compensated fairly, even for commercials that may have a very long shelf life, airing over months or years.

How Often Do Actors Get Paid for Commercials?

The frequency with which actors are paid for commercials depends on the specifics of their contract. While session fees are typically paid after the shooting of the commercial, residual payments are usually distributed on a quarterly or semi-annual basis. The payments depend on how often the commercial airs and where it is broadcast.

For example, if a commercial is shown nationwide on a major network, the actor might receive residuals for every airing, particularly if the commercial continues to run for months or even years. Conversely, if a commercial only airs locally or for a brief period, the actor may only receive a limited number of residual payments.

Examples of High-Paying Commercials

Some commercials are known for paying actors extremely well, particularly if they air frequently or are for high-profile brands. A prime example is the series of Apple commercials that featured actor Justin Long, who became the face of Apple’s “Mac vs. PC” campaign. As the commercial aired across multiple platforms for several years, Long’s residual payments likely reached millions of dollars.

Another example is the famous Old Spice commercials, which featured actor Isaiah Mustafa. These ads gained huge popularity, and Mustafa received substantial residuals for each airing. In such cases, the actor’s paychecks continue to come in each time the commercial runs, sometimes long after the initial filming.

Low-Paying Commercials and Regional Variations

Not all commercials are as lucrative, and some actors may only receive a modest session fee for their work. Smaller companies or regional advertisements often do not have the budget for large residual payments. In such cases, the actor may only receive a one-time payment for their session fee with little or no residuals.

For example, a local car dealership may hire an actor for a commercial that runs only on regional cable channels for a few weeks. In this case, the actor might not receive any residuals, or the payments may be very minimal compared to a nationwide campaign. These types of commercials are more common for non-union actors who are not covered by SAG-AFTRA contracts.

How Residuals Are Calculated

Residual payments are calculated based on several factors, including the type of media (e.g., television, online, theater), the number of times the commercial airs, the market where it is shown, and the type of contract the actor has.

For example, a commercial airing on a national television network during primetime will yield a higher residual than a commercial shown on a local cable channel at 2 a.m. Additionally, if a commercial is used online or in theaters, the compensation may vary.

SAG-AFTRA provides a detailed residuals guide that actors and agencies can reference to understand exactly how residuals are calculated.

Negotiating Higher Pay for Commercials

Experienced actors, especially those with union contracts, may be able to negotiate higher session fees and residuals for their commercial work. Actors who are well-known or have a strong following may be able to demand higher pay for their appearances in commercials, particularly if their image or brand aligns with the product being advertised.

For example, a famous actor like Matthew McConaughey, who appeared in a series of high-profile Lincoln car commercials, likely negotiated a significantly higher session fee and residuals than an unknown actor would have received for similar work.

Are Commercial Residuals the Same as in TV and Film?

While commercial residuals are a type of payment actors receive when their work is reused, they are different from residuals for TV shows or films. In TV and film, actors typically receive residuals based on reruns, syndication, or streaming platforms.

For commercials, the residuals are tied to the specific airing of the ad and may vary significantly based on how often it is shown. Commercials tend to be short-term in nature compared to TV shows or films, but they can still generate significant earnings for the actor if the commercial is highly successful and continues to air over time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, yes, actors do often get paid each time a commercial airs, especially if they are working under union contracts like those of SAG-AFTRA. The key factors that determine how often and how much an actor is paid include the commercial’s reach, how frequently it airs, and the actor’s contract.

While high-profile commercials for well-known brands can lead to substantial earnings through residuals, many actors also work on smaller, regional ads that offer only a session fee. Regardless, commercial work can be a lucrative source of income for actors, and the payments can continue for years if the commercial remains in circulation.

By understanding the mechanics of commercial pay, actors can better navigate their careers and ensure they are compensated fairly for their work.

Do Actors Get Paid for Repeats on TV?

(Exploring the financial benefits and controversies surrounding TV reruns for actors)

(By Jim Webb)

(Photo: KoolShooters | Pexels)

TV reruns are an essential part of the broadcasting world. Many shows live on through syndication, providing viewers with endless hours of entertainment. But do the actors whose faces we see again and again in these reruns get paid for it? The answer is yes, but the terms can vary greatly depending on a variety of factors.

The Role of Syndication in TV Shows
Syndication refers to the process by which TV networks sell the rights to air reruns of shows, often after the show has completed a certain number of episodes. For example, a show might need to reach a minimum of 100 episodes before it can be syndicated. This allows other networks, local stations, or streaming platforms to air repeats of the series, giving the show a second life.

Actors may receive residuals or payments from these reruns as part of their original contracts.

What Are Residuals?
Residuals are payments that actors receive for reruns, typically based on the success of the show. These payments are negotiated as part of the original contract and often depend on the number of times a show is aired, as well as the medium through which it’s broadcast.

In the past, residuals were a huge part of actors’ income, especially in the case of popular TV shows. For instance, actors on long-running series like Friends or The Big Bang Theory have made substantial amounts from reruns and syndication.

The Union’s Role in Ensuring Fair Pay
In the United States, the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) plays a crucial role in negotiating fair pay for actors, including payments for reruns. SAG-AFTRA ensures that actors receive a fair share of the profits generated from reruns, which can vary depending on factors such as the platform and the size of the viewing audience.

For example, actors working on network television reruns can expect to receive higher residual payments than those whose shows are syndicated on smaller or cable networks.

Examples of Actors Who Benefited from Repeats
Several famous actors have built substantial fortunes from the residuals generated by reruns of popular TV shows. One example is the cast of Friends. The six main cast members, including Jennifer Aniston and Courteney Cox, reportedly earned millions of dollars from reruns, as the show continues to be one of the most popular series on streaming platforms.

Another example is the cast of Seinfeld. Jerry Seinfeld, the show’s star and co-creator, continues to make significant money from reruns, even decades after the show ended. The syndicated reruns of Seinfeld have brought in billions of dollars, and the actors continue to earn residuals from its massive success.

The Impact of Streaming Services on Rerun Pay
With the rise of streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime, the landscape of residuals has changed. Shows that once aired exclusively on TV now find new life on these services, offering actors continued exposure—and continued payments. However, the amount of residuals paid for streaming reruns can be considerably lower than for traditional broadcast reruns.

Streaming services often pay a flat fee for the rights to stream a series, and the distribution of residuals is somewhat less transparent. As a result, many actors and their representatives have raised concerns about the fairness of these new arrangements, particularly when compared to the more generous payments from traditional reruns.

How Actors Negotiate for Fair Payment
Negotiating residuals can be tricky. When signing a contract, actors must ensure they have terms that guarantee compensation for reruns. This is particularly important for new actors or those who might not have the leverage to negotiate higher residuals at the start of their careers.

Experienced actors often have managers or agents who ensure that their contracts include provisions for rerun payments, and they may negotiate additional clauses if a show is particularly successful.

Challenges in the Modern TV Landscape
The traditional model of residuals is being challenged in the current TV landscape. With the proliferation of streaming services and new ways of consuming content, the older model of TV rerun residuals no longer applies in the same way. Many actors are now questioning the fairness of the current system, especially as some shows are quickly moved from one platform to another without clear transparency or fair compensation.

In some cases, actors might not even know if they are being paid for reruns on certain platforms, raising concerns about the future of residuals.

Conclusion
In conclusion, while actors do receive payments for reruns, the amount and the system through which they receive these payments are rapidly evolving. As the entertainment industry adapts to new technologies and distribution methods, actors will need to remain vigilant about ensuring they are fairly compensated for their work, both in reruns on traditional TV and on modern streaming platforms.

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