One of the things that makes movie acting different from most jobs is the unpredictable schedule. You may work four full weeks straight or one day in each of those weeks, depending on the production, then move to another movie immediately or sit twiddling your thumbs for six months. On the bright side, union rules make your paycheck somewhat predictable, even if the work isn't.
Tip
The Screen Actors Guild (SAG) says union members get paid every Thursday for the work they did through the previous Saturday. There are some exceptions, such as for actors staying overnight on location. Pay is based on SAG minimum rates, though established actors may have the standing to ask for much more.
SAG: Wage Rates and Due Dates
The big dog of unions in movies and TV is the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, the juggernaut created in the 21st century when SAG and AFTRA merged into one larger union. While not all film productions are union, SAG-AFTRA – sometimes called just SAG – dictates the terms for those that are, including setting wage rates and scheduling payday.
At the time of writing, the Wrapbook website says, the union's basic theatrical agreement sets the SAG minimum salary as $3,488 per week, though stars often make more. For actors who work only a few days, the SAG minimum wage is $1,005 a day. Paying someone per week actually works out cheaper per day. Backstage magazine says starring roles may be paid based on a lump sum covering the run of the picture, with a minimum of $65,000.
The basic agreement applies to productions budgeted at $2.5 million and up. SAG offers alternative contracts, including a lower SAG minimum pay, for films with smaller budgets:
- Most indie films fall into the low-budget category, between $700,000 and $2.5 million. The daily rate for low-budget actors is $630 while weekly SAG minimum pay is $2,130. If the director uses non-union actors as well, they receive the same rates.
- Films budgeted from $250,000 to $700,000 are covered by the modified low-budget agreement. SAG wage rates are $335 per day and $1,166 per week. Background actors, aka extras, are not covered. If the movie first airs on a streaming service rather than a theatrical release, it may be covered by SAG's "New Media" rules which require a different agreement.
- Films budgeted for $250,000 or less get the ultra-low budget agreement. There's no weekly rate and the SAG minimum pay per day is $125.
- Short films budgeted under $50,000 and running 40 minutes or less have no set SAG wage rates. The short-film agreement doesn't require a theatrical release: film festivals or free streaming websites such as YouTube are acceptable.
- The student film agreement doesn't have a SAG minimum wage either. However, it has to run 35 minutes or less with a budget of $35,000 or less and the producers have to be students at an accredited U.S. college. Establishing all this involves a lot of paperwork.
So When is Payday?
Like anyone who works for a living, actors need to know when they'll get their paycheck, not just how much it is. SAG-AFTRA rules cover that too: Whatever money actors earn by Saturday of this week will arrive in a paycheck next Thursday, or Friday if they're working at an overnight location. If the money doesn't arrive, the penalty is $10 for each late day – excepting Saturday, Sunday and holidays – up to $200.
Along with setting SAG minimum pay, the union also sets how many hours directors can work actors before paying overtime. Weekly overtime is based on the performer's workweek, whether or not that matches how the company calculates payroll. If the performer's workweek does not end on a Saturday, it's acceptable to split the total pay over multiple paychecks. The SAG Indie website says overtime under the basic agreement starts once filming exceeds an 8-hour workday, but lower-budget films have more flexibility.
SAG Indie says that for the duration of the film, actors are the production company's employees, not freelancers. Instead of hitting the actors with a 1099 form at the end of the year, the producers have to take out withholding from the paychecks. They're also obligated to make pension and health (P&H) payments for their actors, which works out to roughly 19 percent of their pay. State law may require workers' compensation and liability coverage.
Hollywood is full of stories of productions that flamed out mid-filming or producers who tried to stiff the actors of their pay. To prevent actors winding up unpaid, SAG-AFTRA says, producers have to take out a security bond covering the salaries of their actors and extras. If the production goes broke, the bond pays the actors; if not, the movie-makers get a refund.
SAG Minimum Wage Plus More
SAG wage rates are a floor on what filmmakers pay, not a ceiling. Anyone with enough of a track record to make them desirable may be able to negotiate a higher salary. While the median for movie actors is around $50,000 a year income, according to Business Insider, the biggest names earn well above a million a picture.
Backstage points out that like many jobs, the pay involves more than an actor's paycheck. If the film shoots on location, the cast will need money for travel and accommodations; even if there's no travel, SAG Indie says, actors are entitled to be fed or receive a per diem for food. Big names, Variety says, may negotiate for perks such as star billing in ads, a private dressing room or even a private jet for travel to locations; if the producers don't come through, the pay rate gets bumped up way above SAG minimum salary.
Another factor is residuals, the pay actors get when a theatrical film is run on cable, broadcast TV or streaming over Netflix. The formula for calculating your residual income is complicated, but everyone who appears in the film, except the extras, is entitled to a cut. In most cases, SAG-AFTRA says you'll be paid within one to two months of the movie airing on TV, but there are exceptions.
Without the Union
There's nothing that stops producers from making movies without a SAG-AFTRA agreement, though this is an obstacle to employing union actors. Moviemaker says many low-budget filmmakers would prefer operating outside SAG-AFTRA rules, which they find too cumbersome.
Going non-union gives movie-makers more flexibility on issues such as pay for rehearsal time. However, it's essential they write any such departures from SAG-AFTRA standards into the contract. SAG-AFTRA rules are accepted as the industry norm so if the production doesn't follow those rules, it should make that clear upfront.
FAQs
Actors start out at a day rate, and if they are needed for longer, the payment scheme is bumped up to a weekly rate, and then to a run-of-the-picture rate. For example, on a film with a budget of at least $2 million, under the SAG-AFTRA theatrical contract, the minimum day rate is currently $1,056 per day.
Do actors get a check or direct deposit? ›
In order to work with its actors, The Screen Actors Guild mandates you must work with one of their allowed entertainment payroll services. There's no way around it. In the simplest terms, SAG payroll companies cut checks or direct deposit to your actors.
Do actors get paid enough? ›
Actors made a median salary of $46,960 in 2021. The best-paid 25% made $60,000 that year, while the lowest-paid 25% made $30,040.
Do actors get paid before or after filming? ›
Do actors get paid before or after? Generally, they get paid during the filming, if they're being paid a weekly salary, which most film actors are. If they're in Screen Actor's Guild, they also get a cash per diem per week for meals and indidental expenses.
Do actors get paid every time their movie airs? ›
Residuals are compensation paid to union actors each time their commercial or television work airs. Residuals are also paid to performers in motion pictures after the piece's initial use. Residuals pay on a sliding scale.
How do actors memorize their lines so quickly? ›
When a certain line is accompanied by action, movement, the actor will be able to recall the line every time. Another useful technique is to associate the words with emotions. Evoking an emotion associated with the scene makes memorizing the words easier.
Do actors get Social Security? ›
Often, actors will have pensions from all three unions, and with Social Security, it can be enough to live on, Fowkes said.
How long does it take for actors to get paid? ›
The industry standard is approximately 4-6 weeks from the day you worked, but it can sometimes take up to 3 months. Commercials and corporate jobs often don't pay until after 90 days from the invoice. All payments will be made by BACS directly into your bank account.
Who pays for actors travel? ›
If shooting is at a studio or within a studio zone, there is no compensation for your commute to work. There is also no payment for expenses incurred while traveling to an audition. But a producer must reimburse you for travel to a work site outside a studio zone. What is a studio zone?
Why are actors paid so well? ›
Actors get paid so much because they are part of films, TV shows, and productions that generate a ton of money. Audiences grow to love and want to see more and more specific actors in films and TV shows.
Popular choices include the restaurant, fashion, and homewares industries. Some actors go into producing and directing which gives them another string in their bow. Professional actors will also likely be earning a residual income from past movie appearances.
Why are celebrities so overpaid? ›
Aside from that, the entertainment industry, social media platforms, and sponsors are very profitable. That's a huge reason why celebrities earn so much money. Sponsors, like companies and businesses, are the main profit for celebrities and influencers.
Do actors only get paid once for a movie? ›
Run-of-the-Picture Film Contracts
You booked a lead or a major supporting role, and production needs you from start to finish. That means they're going to pay you one lump sum for the entire shoot.
Do actors go home after filming? ›
Actors who are filming on location can be away for days, weeks, or months at a time, meaning they need a temporary place to call home.
What is the payment of an actor? ›
An Entry Level Actor with less than three years of experience earns an average salary of ₹11.7 Lakhs per year. A mid-career Actor with 4-9 years of experience earns an average salary of ₹3.9 Lakhs per year, while an experienced Actor with 10-20 years of experience earns an average salary of ₹5.6 Lakhs per year.
Do actors get residuals forever? ›
According to the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, some do and some don't. For principal performers, royalties can lead to long-term payoffs that trump the original salary. Background actors, on the other hand, won't be getting any residual checks in the mail.
How much do Netflix actors get paid? ›
Netflix Salary FAQs
How does the salary as an Actor at Netflix compare with the base salary range for this job? The average salary for an Actor is $41,404 per year in United States, which is 73% lower than the average Netflix salary of $157,066 per year for this job.
Why do actors not blink? ›
According to Caine, in a close-up scene, an actor can send a signal of strength and seriousness of purpose by not blinking. And, conversely, the actor can signal weakness, vulnerability and nervousness by blinking more than usual.
What is the hardest emotion to act? ›
Shame is possibly the most difficult emotion we feel, and hard to manage. Sometimes we cover it up by pleasing others, or by trying to be perfect. Sometimes we pull back and spend more time alone. Sometimes we just feel numb.
How do actors cry on cue? ›
Menthol tear sticks and menthol tear-producing sprays are products designed specifically to generate tears and are often used by film and TV actors. Simply apply them lightly under the eyes, and the residue will let off menthol vapors that make your eyes water.
So, do all actors get paid for reruns? According to the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, some do, and some don't. For principal performers, royalties can lead to long-term payoffs that trump the original salary.
How much do actors get in retirement? ›
Minimum Pension: The minimum amount of monthly Regular Pension is $220, except that this minimum shall not apply if eligibility is based on Pension Credits earned under the Alternative Eligibility Program.
How much do beginner actors make? ›
As of Mar 3, 2023, the average annual pay for an Actor Entry Level in the United States is $45,141 a year.
How much do actors get paid monthly? ›
As of Mar 3, 2023, the average monthly pay for an Actor in the United States is $5,744 a month. While ZipRecruiter is seeing monthly salaries as high as $26,625 and as low as $958, the majority of Actor salaries currently range between $1,750 (25th percentile) to $7,208 (75th percentile) across the United States.
What percent of actors make it? ›
How do you become one of them? It's a notoriously tough profession, so what can you do to avoid being one of the 98%?
Do actors get paid for reruns? ›
So, do all actors get paid for reruns? According to the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, some do, and some don't. For principal performers, royalties can lead to long-term payoffs that trump the original salary.
Do actors get holiday pay? ›
It's a common myth that performers are not entitled to holiday pay. But in most cases this isn't true. As performers, you are often defined as a 'worker' and therefore entitled to holiday pay.
How much does extras cost? ›
Generally, nonunion talent will be hired for either a 10- or 12-hour day, with additional pay provided should production run overtime. A common rate for a single day of background work is between $100 and $200.
How much do actors make per film? ›
Actors make a wide range of different amounts of money per movie, depending on whether they are considered an A-list star and several other factors. A-list movie stars average between $15 million to $20 million per movie, and some are paid even more.
How much do actors make per episode? ›
How much does a TV actor get paid per episode? New actors take home between $15,000 and $20,000 per episode on a TV or cable network, while more experienced filmmakers earn from $75,000 to $100,000. The industry's big wigs earn an average of $150,000 for the premiere season.
For TV programs, residual pay to SAG-AFTRA are due: Network prime time - 30 days after the air date. Non-prime time network - 30 days after the air date. Syndication - four months after the air date.
Do all actors get royalties? ›
According to the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, some do and some don't. For principal performers, royalties can lead to long-term payoffs that trump the original salary. Background actors, on the other hand, won't be getting any residual checks in the mail.
Who is No 1 highest paid actor in the world? ›
Who is the highest paid actor for a film? ›
Keanu Reeves is the highest-paid actor in history for a single film. He received 30 million dollars for Matrix Reloaded and Matrix Revolutions.
What does 110 buyout mean in acting? ›
The Prepayment is a payment made at the time of production for use of the production for a fixed period of time (for example if the Declared Use is Free TV, a 110% “Prepayment” of Net Fees allows use in all media including new media but excluding theatrical, worldwide, for a 4 year term).
Do residuals stop when an actor dies? ›
For actors, residuals are governed by a series of labor agreements between the studios and SAG-AFTRA. Since the 1970s, residuals have been unrestricted, meaning the performer must receive a payment for each rebroadcast without limit. This means residual payments may continue well after the performer's death.
Do actors pay taxes on residuals? ›
You do need to report the residual income on your tax return. You need to report the amount listed on your form 1099 as your income, but may deduct expenses associated with it if it is reported on a form 1099-MISC or 1099-NEC in most instances.
Do celebrities pay for their own stars? ›
A: There is a $50,000 sponsorship fee upon selection. The fee is used to pay for the creation and installation of the star, as well as maintenance of the Walk of Fame.
How long do actors get paid for reruns? ›
Actors (other than background actors) get paid again when a performance is rerun. In TV's past, those payments ended after a certain number of replays; now they can go on forever — making those “Law & Order” reruns an annuity for the actors. As for how much the performers are paid, it varies.
Do actors get paid double for playing twins? ›
If an actor plays more then one role (such as twins) are they paid double? No. In professional American film/television/theater/etc., Actors are paid for our time, not for how many roles we perform.
