How do movie actors get paid ?

Question

Question was asked before, but did not understand answer. I wanted to know if movie stars get paid in one lump sum for each movie or do they get paid in monthly installments. A lump sum check would have thousands taken out for taxes, wouldn't it ?

Answer 1

In the early days of movies stars would be put under contract by a studio and receive a regular paycheck like anyone else although the check amount was significantly larger. Since the late 1950's actors (via agents) negotiate wages and payment terms for their work. Most big budget actors would pay not thousands but hundreds of thousands or millions in taxes. When you make that much money who cares.

You can go to the Screen Actors Guild web site for more info.

Answer 2

it depends on the deal they make and how big a star they are. They will generally get a check everyweek they work on the movie divided by however much they are making. Someone like tom cruise also get paid a large percentage of what ever the movie makes in theaters and on video sales. So Tom Cruise might get paid $25 million to make MI:3 and also make an additional $50 million+ if the movie does good in the theaters and in video sales

Answer 3

Some have it done in what is known as a back-end payments, as they get paid in installment and more money comes in if the film does well.

There is still loads of taxes to pay, which is why they have great accountants