SCAMS: Fact or perception?
Alright alright, let’s go ahead and get this answer out of the way. Are there scams in life? Sure. Are there, have their been and are there scams today in Hollywood? Sure, probably, most likely and yes. But ultimately the question for me, with regards to this particular subject, is “what defines a scam…really” in […]
Silence: Seriously not a form of communication!
Ok…wait, silence is a form of communication. I mean sure, we all realize that sometimes it isn’t what you DO in life…what you DON’T do…speaks volumes. Yeah, so I get that, but my point about silence is that it really is NOT a form of communication and never will be. What silence does, between ALL […]
Neilsen Ratings: Coming to mobile device near YOU!
Well, it took over 10 years, but you knew this day would come. Since the dawn of television its meal ticket is advertising. You certainly could always say that the existence of TV is really due to the use of toothpaste and laundry soap. But since the 21st century erupted with digital technology, the content […]
TasteTest + YouTube = KickMe-GoGo
From sizzle promo video, to show concept to then PLEASE give me money. Ha. Listen, I completely, and absolutely, get the beauty and the wonder of new media funding. Not only does it allow you to utilize friendships, family and other outlets to fund your idea/project but it also allows complete strangers to get behind […]
Getting Paid (Part 4 of 4)
Box Office Bonuses: While back end points are based on a percentage of the profits, box office bonuses are usually a flat rate, based upon Daily Variety’s weekly box office chart. They work as follows: If your film earns $1 million dollars in the box office as per Daily Variety, then you will get a […]
Getting Paid (Part 3 of 4)
Interchangable Terms: When negotiating a profit provision in a contract, the definition of profits must be well worded, clearly defined and negotiated very carefully. Net profits, gross profits, gross revenue, gross points, adjusted gross profits, adjusted net profits, producer net profits—these terms can necessitate extremely different calculations or very similar accountings, depending how they’re worded, […]
Getting Paid (Part 2 of 4)
Profit Participation on Lower Budgeted Films: Sometimes actors receive back end points if they are working below the SAG minimum and on a lower budgeted film. SAG has 3 alternatives for films budgeted under $2.5 million: Low, Modified Low and Ultra Low Budget Agreements. These agreements allow producers to pay less in up front fees, […]
Getting Paid (Part 1 of 4)
There are different ways an actor can get compensated on a feature film: 1) Flat compensation, which is an “up front” daily or weekly rate, payable in lump sums or on a weekly basis; 2) back end compensation, which pays an actor out on the “back end” of a project, once the film has been […]
Most Favored Nations (PART 2 OF 2)
Most Favored Nations or MFN is particularly useful for SAG Ultra Low and Modified Low Budget films, where the pay scale is considerably reduced from the SAG Basic Agreement day/weekly rates. If my client is only getting $100/day on a SAG Ultra Low Budget project (a film budgeted for under $200,000), I want to ensure […]
Most Favored Nations (PART 1 of 2)
The “Most Favored Nations” clause came about as an international trade term, giving one country equal status to another country with respect to tariffs, regulations and quotas. In the talent agreement context, this concept is used similarly, so an actor receives equal treatment to all other actors on a project with respect to any number […]