5 ms·

So, an actor on a popular show can get, say 500k per episode. And, sure, they have to be good at acting for the show to be good. However, without good writing

So, an actor on a popular show can get, say 500k per episode. And, sure, they have to be good at acting for the show to be good. However, without good writing, they wouldn't have a good show either. The writers don't get that much per episode. They might get that per SEASON. Seems largely unfair.

devindotcom 3y ago
Big productions might pay household-name writers at that level plus points, but most writers are nowhere near that level and are grinding away at various smaller jobs while pitching shows and treatments where pay is delayed, divided, and contingent. I thought this was an enlightening little thread: https://twitter.com/coreydeshon/status/1655319912104218624 https://twitter.com/coreydeshon/status/1655319912104218624
lotsofpulp 3y ago
There is no point in trying to figure out fair and unfair, as there is no clear metric with which you can measure things. For example: -An actor has to maintain a physical appearance -at higher risk of losing income due to an accident since it could change their appearance -has to travel and generally do more physically strenuous tasks I am not saying actors should be getting paid more either. But prices are best determined by supply and demand curves, not by people’s “feelings” on fair and unfair.
sparky_z 3y ago
Not really equivalent in terms of leverage. Generally speaking, no matter how good a writer is, they can be replaced by another writer with the same level of talent if necessary. The vast majority of the audience won't even notice. (Exceptions for some showrunners, but by definition a staff writer needs to fit seamlessly onto the writing team, without much room for a unique creative voice.) By comparison, replacing an actor is much more of a headache, and requires writing out or recasting a character. In some circumstances this could potentially ruin the show. That gives actors much better leverage for salary negotiation, particularly once the show has become established.

devindotcom 3y ago

Big productions might pay household-name writers at that level plus points, but most writers are nowhere near that level and are grinding away at various smaller jobs while pitching shows and treatments where pay is delayed, divided, and contingent. I thought this was an enlightening little thread: https://twitter.com/coreydeshon/status/1655319912104218624 https://twitter.com/coreydeshon/status/1655319912104218624

lotsofpulp 3y ago

There is no point in trying to figure out fair and unfair, as there is no clear metric with which you can measure things. For example: -An actor has to maintain a physical appearance -at higher risk of losing income due to an accident since it could change their appearance -has to travel and generally do more physically strenuous tasks I am not saying actors should be getting paid more either. But prices are best determined by supply and demand curves, not by people’s “feelings” on fair and unfair.

sparky_z 3y ago

Not really equivalent in terms of leverage. Generally speaking, no matter how good a writer is, they can be replaced by another writer with the same level of talent if necessary. The vast majority of the audience won't even notice. (Exceptions for some showrunners, but by definition a staff writer needs to fit seamlessly onto the writing team, without much room for a unique creative voice.) By comparison, replacing an actor is much more of a headache, and requires writing out or recasting a character. In some circumstances this could potentially ruin the show. That gives actors much better leverage for salary negotiation, particularly once the show has become established.