If it is a union film then there is a set daily minimum depending on the budget. go to the SAG site to see what minimums are. But those are minimums and you are free to negotiate more, either as percentage or set price. If non-union, its the wild west. As an actor though, when I am being offered a percentage I assume I will get nothing, since the percentage would often be a year or seven away.
Normally actors are paid by the week - just like all employees. In very low budget, non-guild projects they are usually paid by the week, too. Sometimes they work for free with a promise of a percentage. Nick's experience is exactly like mine; they will never see any money at all.
It also depends on what kind of role you have. If you are not technically a lead, you will most likely get a standard contract unless your rep negotiates something else. Percentages happen at the higher levels.
Having been at both ends of the scale, it all depends on your movie. I haven't (and won't do) non-union work. But, now there are SAG ULTRA LOW BUDGET contracts by the MILLIONS being offered out there. Union SAG/AFTRA Actors get paid as little as $100.00 a day if you (as the producer) have that kind of contract with the union. So, there really isn't much reason to do non-union projects anymore. And, most US Union actors won't go against their Union, so if you want any kind of name cache attached to your project, figure out a budget and apply for a SULB contract. You'll get a bit more leverage when you go to distribute your project too.
Only A-list of the A-list actors get percentages - e.g. the JLaws of the world. Name actors get a lump sum above scale ranging from millions for Colin Farrell, to Gone Girl Neil Patrick Harris got I'm guessing hmm maybe $200,000 or so to guys like Colm Meaney and Alessandro Nivola closer to $50,000? But it depends on the budget. And everyone else gets paid weekly or daily for scale which is $900 a day or $3400 a week or something. Plus 10% for the agent and residuals.
Just FYI. I'm guessing Neil Patrick Harris made a LOT more than that on Gone Girl. He was making more than that per episode on How I Met Your Mother. I'm guessing he made closer to a million, unless he did it as a favor to someone. He's been a big star since his Doogie Howser days.
Shari, you might be right, maybe he did make closer to a mil, but he wasn't a lead and also TV pays a lot more than features. Actors often are eager to work on a David Fincher or Tarantino film so they often take less money but who knows. Him and his agent alone probably!
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If it is a union film then there is a set daily minimum depending on the budget. go to the SAG site to see what minimums are. But those are minimums and you are free to negotiate more, either as percentage or set price. If non-union, its the wild west. As an actor though, when I am being offered a percentage I assume I will get nothing, since the percentage would often be a year or seven away.
1 person likes this
Normally actors are paid by the week - just like all employees. In very low budget, non-guild projects they are usually paid by the week, too. Sometimes they work for free with a promise of a percentage. Nick's experience is exactly like mine; they will never see any money at all.
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I had an offer with daily rates for rehearsing days, fitting days, filming days and days at the studio during post production
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Thanks!
It also depends on what kind of role you have. If you are not technically a lead, you will most likely get a standard contract unless your rep negotiates something else. Percentages happen at the higher levels.
Having been at both ends of the scale, it all depends on your movie. I haven't (and won't do) non-union work. But, now there are SAG ULTRA LOW BUDGET contracts by the MILLIONS being offered out there. Union SAG/AFTRA Actors get paid as little as $100.00 a day if you (as the producer) have that kind of contract with the union. So, there really isn't much reason to do non-union projects anymore. And, most US Union actors won't go against their Union, so if you want any kind of name cache attached to your project, figure out a budget and apply for a SULB contract. You'll get a bit more leverage when you go to distribute your project too.
Only A-list of the A-list actors get percentages - e.g. the JLaws of the world. Name actors get a lump sum above scale ranging from millions for Colin Farrell, to Gone Girl Neil Patrick Harris got I'm guessing hmm maybe $200,000 or so to guys like Colm Meaney and Alessandro Nivola closer to $50,000? But it depends on the budget. And everyone else gets paid weekly or daily for scale which is $900 a day or $3400 a week or something. Plus 10% for the agent and residuals.
Cool! Thanks everyone;P
Just FYI. I'm guessing Neil Patrick Harris made a LOT more than that on Gone Girl. He was making more than that per episode on How I Met Your Mother. I'm guessing he made closer to a million, unless he did it as a favor to someone. He's been a big star since his Doogie Howser days.
Shari, you might be right, maybe he did make closer to a mil, but he wasn't a lead and also TV pays a lot more than features. Actors often are eager to work on a David Fincher or Tarantino film so they often take less money but who knows. Him and his agent alone probably!
If your a union member, call SAG. If non-member, ask, then it's your choice. They're all different. Good luck.
If they don't want you,----- give 'em my name. LOL