Do Actors Get Paid For Reruns? (And Other Burning Questions About Hollywood Finances)
You’re watching your favorite show on Netflix, laughing along with the characters, and you suddenly pause to ponder: “Do those actors get paid every time I watch this?” It’s a question that’s plagued the minds of TV enthusiasts for decades, and the answer, my friends, is a resounding… maybe?
Let’s dive into the murky world of Hollywood finances and uncover the secrets behind those sweet, sweet residual checks.
The Magic (and Sometimes Messy) World of Residuals
The term “residuals” is the fancy Hollywood term for the money actors, directors, writers, and other creatives earn beyond their initial salaries. Think of it as a royalty payment, a little thank-you for their work every time their show is re-aired, sold on DVD, or streamed on a platform like Netflix.
Now, before you picture all the cast members of “Friends” swimming in a Scrooge McDuck-style vault of cash, let’s be realistic. The actual amount of those residuals can vary wildly depending on a whole host of factors, including:
- The show’s popularity and longevity: Think “Friends” or “Seinfeld” – those shows are practically cultural phenomena, meaning their residuals are probably enough to buy a small island (or at least a really nice yacht). On the other hand, a show that lasted one season and never really made a splash? Not so much.
- The actor’s status: A big-name star like Jennifer Aniston will likely see a bigger residual check than, say, the actor who played the barista in a single episode of “Friends”. It’s all about those star power dollars, baby!
- The type of platform: Residuals for streaming services are a bit trickier to calculate. While the exact numbers remain shrouded in mystery, it’s generally accepted that actors receive a lower percentage than they would for traditional reruns on cable or broadcast television. It’s like the streaming giants are saying, “Hey, we’re giving you a chance to reach a wider audience, and you should be happy about that… even if you’re not making as much money.”
- The original contract: This is where things can get really complicated. Contracts can be negotiated in all sorts of ways, leading to different residual structures for different actors. Some might get a flat fee per rerun, while others might have a percentage-based deal. It’s a labyrinth of legal jargon that even a seasoned attorney might be tempted to decipher with a bottle of tequila.
The 13th Rerun Rule: It’s Not Just a Myth
One of the most common questions people have about residuals is: “Do actors get paid for every single rerun?” The answer is… well, it’s complicated.
While actors generally receive residuals for each rerun, the amount they get decreases over time. The famous “13th rerun rule” states that after the 13th time a show is re-aired, the residual amount is reduced to 5% of the actor’s original payment.
This means that while those early reruns might be bringing in a hefty sum, it’s a slow but steady decline after that. Imagine it like a delicious slice of cheesecake: you savor the first few bites, but by the 13th bite, you’re probably feeling a bit full and ready to move on to something else.
So, Who’s Making Bank From Reruns?
Let’s talk about the big players, the stars who are still raking in the residuals long after their shows have gone off the air.
- Jennifer Aniston and the “Friends” Cast: They’re the poster children for residual wealth. Estimates suggest they each earn around $20 million per year from “Friends” reruns and streaming alone. That’s a lot of Central Perk coffee!
- The “Seinfeld” Cast: Jerry, Elaine, George, and Kramer are still cashing in on their iconic sitcom, reportedly earning millions annually. Seems like they’ve been able to “get out” of their contracts with a hefty sum.
- The “Office” Cast: While the show is now on a streaming platform, the cast still enjoys healthy residuals for each rerun. It’s safe to say Steve Carell and John Krasinski are doing alright for themselves, even without Michael Scott’s ridiculous antics.
The Other Side of the Coin: Background Actors and the Struggle for Residuals
While the stars are swimming in residuals, the situation for background actors is a bit more bleak. They often work on a “day rate” basis, meaning they’re paid for the time they spend on set, but they don’t typically receive residuals. It’s a stark reminder that the entertainment industry, like most industries, has a significant gap between those at the top and those at the bottom.
The Future of Residuals: Streaming and the Changing Landscape
The rise of streaming services has shaken up the traditional model of residuals. While streaming platforms are undoubtedly a boon for viewers, they haven’t always been so kind to actors and creatives.
The nature of streaming deals and the way residuals are calculated for online platforms are still evolving. While some actors and unions are fighting for more transparency and fair compensation, the future of residuals in the streaming era remains uncertain.
The Bottom Line: It’s Not All About the Money (But It Helps)
While those residuals can be a nice bonus, it’s important to remember that actors are passionate about their craft. The love of acting, the thrill of bringing a character to life, the chance to connect with an audience – these are all vital motivations that drive actors beyond the lure of financial gain.
But let’s be honest, those residuals certainly don’t hurt. After all, who wouldn’t want to get paid for doing something they love, even if it’s just a little extra cash every time someone watches a rerun? It’s like a little pat on the back, a thank you for all the hard work, a reminder that their work is still making people laugh, cry, and feel all the emotions in between. And sometimes, that’s worth more than any amount of money.
So the next time you catch yourself enjoying a rerun of your favorite show, remember the actors who brought it to life. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll appreciate it a little bit more knowing they might be getting a small, sweet reward for their hard work. Because hey, who doesn’t love a bit of happy ending, even in the sometimes-cutthroat world of Hollywood?