All The Money In The World - And More

Early on in my career as an actors agent, I realized that the studios and networks had access to all the money in the world – if they chose to spend it – which they invariably did not. As the years have passed, and studios and networks have been swallowed up by inter-galactic corporations, they now have access to all the money in this and other galaxies combined.

The reasons often given for being very reluctant to spend money on actors (and others, of course) took various forms, some of which were:

“We just don’t have it in the budget” (Meaning – “If my bosses don’t think I am hiring actors as cheaply as possible, I will be replaced by a guy with a crew-cut who will”.) Needless to say, if it is decided to go with “a name” for the part, lots of money suddenly becomes available.

“If we weren’t spending all that money on (star name here), there would have been more money for the rest of the cast.” (Meaning - Think about this one as you wait up for Santa Claus.)

“Everyone else testing for this part has agreed to this money” (Meaning – “If we tell this to everybody, many will panic and accept our initial offer”.)

“I’m not familiar with your client’s work” (Meaning – Strike fear! Go for the quick knockout! Let ‘em think you’re going to laugh in their face if they try to get more money.)

(More of these examples at a later date…)

Also, the meaning of different words and terms became clear to me:

“Feedback” – What they tell you when you don’t get the part.

“Non-Union Work” – You will not be paid for your services. If they did plan to pay you, it would be called “Union Work”.

“Deferment” – Money you will never receive.

“Points” – See above.

“Net Profits” – Ha Ha Ha.

“Most Favored Nations Clause” – Everybody has agreed to work for the same money, unless another party, such as the guy in the next office, decides to gift the star or stars with a Porsche.

(More of these examples at a later date…)

And let us not forget:

“Restaurants” – Down through the centuries, they have provided employment and shelter for struggling actors. So, if they want to serve trans-fats and 4,000 calorie hamburgers – I say “let ‘em!” – we owe them at least that much.


Eric Klass
Eric Klass Consulting

Please contact me at my e-mail address:

eklass@earthlink.net











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