How much and how long do actors have to pay their agents and managers on residuals?

Answer 1

It depends on the market you're in.

For example, in Los Angeles, Chicago, Detroit, Atlanta, Washington, D.C., and Hawaii, an agent may only commission primetime residuals if the original employment contract was overscale (i.e. scale plus 10% or more).

In Los Angeles, Chicago, Detroit, Atlanta, Washington, D.C. and Hawaii, residuals on productions originally created for broadcast television which are exhibited on non-network primetime , syndication , foreign markets , theatrical exhibition , pay TV, Basic Cable,In-flight, and Video/DVDs , are not commissionable unless the performer's employment contract provides for overscale residual payments.

More info:
http://www.sag.org/sagWebApp/Content/Public/AgentRelations_ImpMessage.htm#top

Answer 2

In right-to-work states (Texas, for example) a non-union actor may be represented by an agent who submits you for union and non-union work.

Some non-union producers will send checks directly to the talent, rather than the agent. Then the actor will need to send a check to the agent for the commission.

I understood residuals were not commissionable, but am not an expert on contracts. None of my residuals are commissionable.

Answer 3

Commissions for Talent Agents are NOT the same in every city, so, you should ALWAYS ask about your city.

When an actor books a job, the agent is entitled to his/her commission is 10% in NYC, of the money made by the actor.

Managers must also be paid, they do not work on commission.

Your agent takes his/her 10% when he or she receives the check for you, for the acting job in which you appeared. The agent will then give you a check.

Answer 4

I don't recall that my agent ever got anything from my residuals. She got 10% of the original contract, and that was it.

Answer 5

you should NEVER have to pay your agent.... your agent gets paid when you get paid...usually 15% of what you made because he did the deal... and not a dime before... your getting ripped off... A good agent works for you... you never work for an agent.... its a scam... they really don't care if you succeed, they are only there to make a profit. yeah they might help you get work but they are not there for you.