"Middle-class actor" says he and others "can no longer make a living"

[@v.a.993]

I support anyone who is trying to make a decent living. From the adjunct professors, many of whom are grossly underpaid, to the working single parent who holds two jobs to make ends meet, to people in the musical and performing arts. We already have massive poverty issues across this country. We don't need anymore.

[@michaeld.williamsiii9026]

@@angeryrat Preach absolutely so very well said and stated.💯👏🏽💯It seriously needs to get much better totally sad shame…

[@defiantspirit8512]

Steven showed how CEO's went from making 10-20x salary of everyone to 300x

[@PhilMoskowitz]

It’s idiot thinking like this that got us in the high inflation mess we are in now. That’s not how the world works.

[@Jasmine215100]

These computers, AI intelligence and programmers are putting everyone else out of business and out of work! Not everyone can be a teacher or a plumber!!

[@andrewwong8932]

Adjunct professorships were intended for graduate students as transitional opportunities not full-time careers

[@ryanduckworth1638]

Today was a rough one. I work for the biggest film rental equipment company in Canada. This morning 29 extremely dedicated and hardworking people were laid off from our warehouse, and all other Canadian locations were completely closed. Leaving one location with a very small skeleton crew. The few large production companies that rule this industry have just left so many people who live paycheque to paycheque now unemployed. The EI based off of what we make doesn't even cover rent for 99% of the people living here. I wish rental house employees were a part of a film union, we are the backbone of this industry, without us you wouldn't have any of your lights, expendables , stands, generators, cable, distro, dolly's, and in some houses camera's or anything required to make the magic happen. I 100% stand by the writers and the actors in this strike, and I hope this brings positive changes for all film workers overall. We all deserve fair pay and treatment.

[@zephyrr108]

How about everyone needs to be treated right?

[@debrina007]

My heart goes out to B-list actors, the writers, and all the crews who receive underpaid. Without them, the movies and tv shows will not be completed. Keep fighting. You all deserve to be treated better.

[@marissashantez6051]

If they started making better content, Id be happy to start seeing movies and Tv show again, but the ish is just too woke.

[@lakeguy65616]

how do you determine who is underpaid?

[@bavery6957]

​@@marissashantez6051Oh, gawd! 😅 I don't watch TV, but I'd sure like to know what "woke" TV looks like...😂

[@tygressblade]

@@bavery6957She doesn’t know. None of them know. They are just mad that they can be hateful in public to everyone.

[@ryanjohnson5882]

​@marissashantez6051 not every TV show is woke 😂😂

[@deeprollingriver52]

I got rid of my TV years ago. The TV shows and ads were awful.

[@ericdwhitmorec]

But you're still watching through the internet. I don't have a tv either, but I haven't missed any shows

[@lucycan6363]

He knows what he's talking about. I was concerned it was a cry me a river situation. But he is right, its a serious situation

[@matthewk4912]

Yes it is indeed. It's a serious situation regarding writers as well. Many people tell the writers to shut up and assume that the vast majority of them are rich, which is not true. They claim they don't have any talent and write garbage, but don't realize that it's the people up at the top that ask for, commission, reject and sign off on everything. I don't work in Hollywood but I have worked as a writer, and certain companies made me write garbage because it's what they wanted - I kept pushing for something better and they wouldn't listen.

[@notpeachtea6028]

highly doubt that Merv Griffin $1bil Tom Cruiz $550 mil George Clooney $500 mil Mel Gibson $425 mil Will Smith $420 mil Adam Sandler $420 mil Jack Nicholson $400 million Sylvester Stallone $400 mil

[@michael-hw1uv]

Thomas Sowell's, Lecture, 1995, The origin's of Woke. Enjoy, its an eye opener.

[@a.w.thompson4001]

@@notpeachtea6028 Less than 1% make that kind of money. 2% make a living. Everyone else has at least 2 jobs.

[@kisha4040]

​​@@notpeachtea6028You really believe those folks have that kind of money in the bank?

[@3rdandbroadway680]

Hats off to all actors whose name I do not know but vaguely recognize. Without you, all movies would have two people in an empty city.

[@TheRealShaneligans]

Yes 😂

[@shethewriter]

I’m glad he’s speaking out to help people understand: Hollywood is not just an industry of millionaires. It’s a huge industry in America that employs tons of people, many of home make enormous personal and financial sacrifices to be a part of it. UPDATE: *whom

[@notsure1277]

Wow. You almost make it sound as if actors/actresses actually work real jobs...

[@carolperdue7534]

@@notsure1277stop being dumb. These actors “work” provides jobs for tens of thousands of people. From carpenters, to caterers, to seamstresses, to camera people and so on. To try and minimize that is ridiculous.

[@eckankar7756]

maybe pay the A list actors less and share some of that massive paycheck with the little people more????

[@dgantzman]

@@notsure1277I mean working on set for up to 12 hours shooting multiple scenes, doesn’t sound like a job? At least they’re not looking for a hand out from the state.

[@j4nglle]

​@@eckankar7756maybe increase the tax for the 1% nationally ? Cutting the checks of A-listers will do little to nothing. Every single billionaire should be contributing to the country's economy by giving back.

[@mooeykazooey]

We need to stand with the artists of humanity, not the corporations run by greedy people

[@Clintsessentials]

Truth!!!

[@derekfoulk4692]

Life is never as simple as: ("it's just corporate greed man!") Often times their just doing what their competitors are doing. Success tends to work that way, like it or not. I mean your welcome to try change the world by blaming the rich but remember everyone starts somewhere.

[@JoeMama-bk7rd]

Stop whining

[@BossItUp911]

are they greedy? or are you untalented, lazy, and lack discipline? the same as them, you're welcome to climb the corporate ladder or start your own business and do things better. get off of here and get to it.

[@12Nordsee]

if you are looking for art or artistry, don't look at Hollywood

[@jesseseale2558]

As a freelance and contracted PA/artist with a full time job as a photographer/sales associate at a theme park, I FULLY SUPPORT their efforts. Studios need to realize creativity takes heart, passion, soul, etc…

[@mikeswan9832]

I cry wolf, they act like babies. Depending on mommy. Like my guy lebron was told...shut up and shoot

[@MrMannyhw]

Then people should not produce anything for the studios.

[@GimmemuhReparations]

You better learn to unload trucks. Get used to heavy lifting in the hot sun. I recommend buying a comfortable pair of work boots and some leather gloves. You're gonna need em.

[@rpgadventurer32]

Support what? they don't make money, so there's nothing to pay and the people who are paid, or overpaid are the top executives who created this mess in the first place.

[@BoodlooderJeet]

A LOT of people have heart and soul, and quite frankly the vast majority of art is duplication and mimicking anyway. We get that you have courage to perform without being embarrassed. If artists are so great and full of heart and soul, WHY do they need producers at all? Make your own art and pay for it yourself.

[@theCameraVille]

I was an extra in movies with A list stars. They paid us extras $100 bucks for the day. B list actor probably $500-$1000 a day for a small role. So yes, he is on the money. The work isn't consistent and the market is competitive.

[@RajDeelish]

I was also an extra and the rates mentioned are accurate, however, it's on them to go fill their down time with other work to get up to 40 hours a week or so.

[@blissfullycat02]

I think it's so minimizing for people to say the a-listers can't speak out too because they were once that middle or lower class actor and got lucky but so many don't reach that tier which used to be ok but now they can't even get a livable wage or benefits

[@Novastar.SaberCombat]

Exactly. I have literally seen *SO* many people typing things like "I don't care" and "actors are overpaid and do nothing anyhow", and things like this. It's EMBARASSING how uneducated they are, and their lack of compassion is stunning. THIS ISN'T ASKING FOR MILLIONS. It's literally trying to set a baseline where people aren't living in cardboard boxes simply because their line of work is like "FU". :/

[@larryperlas7616]

Overpaid, narcissistic prostitutes = A-listers. The minute all this boils over they are gonna treat the B's the C's, the D's AND the fans like lepers again, and laugh all the way to the bank.

[@notpeachtea6028]

highly doubt that Merv Griffin $1bil Tom Cruiz $550 mil George Clooney $500 mil Mel Gibson $425 mil Will Smith $420 mil Adam Sandler $420 mil Jack Nicholson $400 million Sylvester Stallone $400 mil

[@innocentnemesis3519]

“WhY aRe A-lIsTeRs CoMpLaInInG?!” It’s called solidarity! Which isn’t a concept many Americans understand

[@aethrya]

You cannot speak for 330 million Americans and what they "understand"

[@rpgadventurer32]

Why should Americans show sympathy to people who detest them? These actors are part of the problem of this entire corrupt industry!

[@hannahred7758]

Americans understand indifference and egocentricity

[@germangamer2976]

sadly true

[@jermaineburgess3767]

Pp

[@annwe6]

Brave of him to speak out. Hope he doesn't get any blow back for this. Very enlightening to hear the "middle class" side to all of this.

[@eckankar7756]

not brave, he's auditioning for his next role.

[@joseywales148]

Imagine thinking this is brave and courageous- man is the bar low

[@larryperlas7616]

@@joseywales148 exactly, let's just give everyone a f@#kin medal!

[@mikemondano3624]

Most people would love their blow back. When it's gone, it's gone.

[@blackestknightx8881]

​@@eckankar7756agreed

[@oldenoughtoknowbetter5824]

on the surface we think that if you're on tv, you're rich, have more money than us, and you'll generally be ok. I had no idea Some of my favorite "middle -class" actors i see on commercial and in roles could be in any kind of financial trouble. After understanding the situation and how things have changed with streaming and residuals, i feel for the writers even more, just like when they went on strike more than a decade ago. They are on the short end of the stick, along with the crews, lighting, service catering etc who are all out of work

[@jodyanitawoulf2729]

Thank you for explaining this. I want to hear more. My Dad was a United Auto worker (UAW) & union member. They were on strike when I was a child for 9 months. My Dad would take shifts picketing & once he brought me to a Union meeting. It was strictly confidential so they made me wait outside the meeting in the hallway. I will never forget that 9 months & the strike & how it affected my family & especially my Dad.

[@RebekahCurielAlessi]

Wow. Blessings to you and your family. I can feel your dad's commitment through your writing. ❤

[@DarkPrincessOfLight]

Power to the people ! ✊✊✊ hope you're doing well

[@vibranthang13]

Your dad, and my parents did! I myself am CWA member since 1978! Union is everything ❤❤❤❤❤

[@GimmemuhReparations]

That sounds awful! I'm so glad I don't live in a union area.

[@lauralarrabee7870]

Your dad sounds awesome. That generation had principles and stood up for what they believed in.

[@HeadStronger-HS]

Sounds like what was happening to the music industry 20 years ago.

[@portalomus]

A-list, B-list, C-list solidarity is what a union is all about. I support these actors and writers, they take enormous risks going into this field and thank god they do because otherwise we wouldn't have the booming entertainment industry that we have. More power to them for standing up to be respected and afforded a decent standard of living.

[@wvjaybird5]

Yes, the powers at the top are taking too much off the top and not sharing enough.

[@larryperlas7616]

@@wvjaybird5 exactly! Where were those A-listers when the B's the C's and the D's are getting doors slammed in their faces? Where were they when their fellow "actors" are struggling to make ends meet? They are in their mansions and private beach properties doing debauchery.

[@ULuvJanae]

Don’t forget Z list

[@user-rf1nn8sg3f]

It's never been easier to sell acting or writing skills. Good writers can write books and sell them on amazon, good actors can use onlyfans, rumble, and youtube to get views and sell advertising, acting lessons/courses, and subscription standup/skit comedy. Good actors, musicians, writers don't struggle with power hunger executives like they used to. The assumption is that someone is good though, 99%+ are not good. You have to pay me to watch bad comedy, read a bad book, listen to music I don't like ect... The strike is for actors that can't make it online or in hollywood. Good actors make millions anyway, I'm not sure about writers though, but a good writer can definitely make it online though.

[@larryperlas7616]

@@GameHackingGuru I lived in California pre pandemic, getting out of there was the best decision in my life. The entertainment industry is probably one of the worst industries that ever existed, no loyalty among peers, they will go back to backstabbin each other after this whole things blows over.

[@kenya9540]

The actor gave a great response. And, I totally agree with him. Organizations across the board are trying to replace actual working people with AI.

[@donaldvonglitchenberger4108]

Great response? What have you been hiding under a rock? Ai taking over most jobs has been a thing for 15-20 years. Everyone knows that’s coming

[@blackestknightx8881]

They've been doing that everywhere. There are people with real jobs that are losing their careers to machines. Worry about those people, not the ones that pretend to be everyone else

[@zb3495]

This is a constant in all fields from acting to teaching to lawyers. A small elite and millions grinding away. I once wrote a scientific paper you have to pay $35 to download. It’s been downloaded 2,200 times. I’ve never seen a penny from it.

[@freewheelingit]

Whoa that's the first time I've heard of this -- I'm sorry. I'd love to know more.

[@sebastijancamagajevac9942]

Unbelievable... 😮

[@Posting7]

You need a lawyer. That’s a lot of money to loose.

[@8tor421]

It’s called change, many cashiers can tell you how they were replaced by a machine.

[@SmokyOle]

Nobody can afford a living anymore. Blame landlords and real estate agents.

[@modetraining2961]

And our governments who have done nothing to protect citizens and enable them to buy a home in their own country

[@seeingstars199]

How is it the landlords fault when in some cities they just ended eviction moratorium and they weren’t allow to raise or collect rent for 3 years and had their property being lived in. It sucks but don’t blame them

[@andrewmolen5618]

How about the manufacturing, food processing, retail, shipping and petroleum companies? It is a world wide cash grab and “world governments” are doing nothing to reel in the culprits.

[@ianwparedes]

greedy slum landlords are a huge drag on the entire economy and society. millions of people are one missed paycheck or eviction notice away from being homeless.

[@charlesberkeley6429]

@@andrewmolen5618 It's a pervasive phenomenon touching all sectors and has been for a long time. AI is just exacerbating the issue with actors being the group that is currently vocal about the issue. You are right, governments aren't doing anything but I don't expect they will given that those in government generally serve powerful interests.

[@davida1251]

One of the first day conversations my college theater professors had with our class was if you can do anything else as a career that you enjoy do it

[@douglaz74]

Precisely

[@bartolomeestebanmurillo4459]

Robert DeNiro addressed a graduating class of the NYU Tisch school once and told them basically that.

[@Geo_Babe]

In solidarity with my union!!!! This is so accurate it hits home hard.

[@B86432]

Low goals for ones self to join a union

[@naomigranruth5660]

@@B86432how

[@career5690]

@@B86432oh it’s not health care staffs join unions.

[@hannahred7758]

@@B86432 bootlicker 🚨

[@michael-hw1uv]

Thomas Sowell's, Lecture, 1995, The origin's of Woke. Enjoy, its an eye opener.

[@mattp4079]

You could take 1% of the salary of the top10 A-list actors and pay all of these SAG actors an added $100k.

[@angelinashen7813]

Exactly

[@saidufofanah2210]

Good luck with that

[@georgediaz5522]

You would rather take the pay from top actors rather than say Bob Iger should pay actors more? No one watches a Disney movie for Bob Iger. it's the executives that don't want to pay the actors and writers, not the lead actors.

[@angelinashen7813]

@georgediaz5522 lead actors take away the biggest share of the budget, that means they take the biggest slice of the pie and leave only crumps for all the other production crew. Is it fair?

[@RajDeelish]

@@georgediaz5522 Going with your thinking, no one watches the movie for the extra, the make up artist, or the guy that holds the lights too. But yet, we're all here trying to get them paid.

[@redjacemory4404]

Just like local musicians. Welcome to the struggle, man.

[@michael-hw1uv]

Thomas Sowell's, Lecture, 1995, The origin's of Woke. Enjoy, its an eye opener.

[@zakiahart3919]

Every job in fine arts!

[@ashleyquintanar727]

Working 40 hours a week and spending maybe 4 hours of the day with family doesn't sit right with me

[@smrk2452]

Very well said. We are all suffering in this economy. I hope it gets worked out.

[@annai157]

Really? My grandfather was a sharecropper. I used to live in the third world. We have it great nowadays. As my grandfather used to say "It's not the high cost of living, it's the cost of high living."

[@nicolem889]

@@annai157 Yes and no. Yes, we do get paid more now than ever but we don’t live in centralized cities where people can walk to work, and living in the cities is sky high. 1000 rent is a big problem.

[@annai157]

@@nicolem889 So - move away from those huge cities. I agree - they're not livable. It's MUCH better in "flyover country."

[@greggarsenault4457]

@@annai157how does a person work as an actor in buttf*ck Iowa?

[@GimmemuhReparations]

But, but, but I thought Joe Biden's economy was better than Trump's???

[@ronald3419]

Senior citizen here, who grew up on Classic TV. This makes me think of many of the character actors we all knew by their faces and voices but not necessarily names. I shudder to think that their present day equivalents are victims of the "avocado machine". A couple names I remember are Dabbs Greer who was in at least two episodes, including the pilot, of the old Superman TV series, then was the Pastor on Little House on the Prairie. Another is Bert Mustin, who played Beaver's fireman friend and then the man who laughed so hard that he fell off the bench when Barney's motorcycle took off and left Andy behind. He didn't even get into acting until he was in his mid 60s. With his character acting he had a comfortable later life into his 90s.

[@rridderbusch518]

I loved Bert Mustin. He was like the grandfather I never had. ❤

[@notpeachtea6028]

highly doubt that Merv Griffin $1bil Tom Cruiz $550 mil George Clooney $500 mil Mel Gibson $425 mil Will Smith $420 mil Adam Sandler $420 mil Jack Nicholson $400 million Sylvester Stallone $400 mil

[@sarahthomas2506]

I remember Bert Mustjn in Sanford and Son too! Dabs Greer was in Burnt Offerings and lot of shows and movies! Bill Cobbs and a ling list of character actors!😊

[@FoNgThOnG]

Everyone is struggling nowadays with how expensive everything is.

[@Chris-jr7jb]

As someone who's studying drama at NYU, it's scary to see the industry take this massive turn in how actors are used and compensated.

[@michael-hw1uv]

Thomas Sowell's, Lecture, 1995, The origin's of Woke. Enjoy, its an eye opener.

[@sapphirelane1714]

Respectfully, have you considered switching to a more employable major? I love the arts, but I’ve known for decades it’s not a realistic way to make a living. Maybe major in something like business or healthcare. Definitely a specialty instead of something general. You can always minor in something that piques your interest more, or just study and perform on the side. Good luck with whatever you choose!

[@OtherrWorldss]

It’s good your doing something your passionate about, you can always go to grad school if it doesn’t work out. A major like business would not have much use without grad school anyway like most majors.

[@sailorsister211]

​@sapphirelane1714 One of the biggest cons of working in business or in healthcare. With healthcare, a lot of ppl are quiting due to the fact the fact of the workload, working conditions, burnout, and stress from the job. Many healthcare worker also struggle with fair pay. There no point of picking a major that is well employed if you are not going stick with it or be depressed for the rest of ur life. Then their business. Honestly I feel like business majors are struggling more and more to find a job. It's very competitive field to get into so you may not be able to get a job with degree since a lot of ppl who major in business are undecided and now with social media. Many ppl instead of going to college, they use social media to connect and start their own brand. Many ppl who I know who went to college with business major are working at Walmart or Amazon.

[@Jimmyjanks]

Maybe be good at it or pick a career that actually matters. Just a thought

[@lisaspencer1057]

I’d like to know. What he considers middle class? The average wage. Is like 40-50k a year. I’m betting he makes far more and if that’s true then be happy for it. Other than that get another job like the rest of us.

[@darkfeather6857]

This guy is very articulate and explained his position well! They picked the right mouthpiece. I hope they get what they are seeking!

[@1DoorClosesSoAnother1CanOpen]

I agree. I really didn't grasp fully until I listened to this gentleman.

[@kenswireart88]

Very interesting. I think its a massive cultural shift.

[@michael-hw1uv]

Thomas Sowell's, Lecture, 1995, The origin's of Woke. Enjoy, its an eye opener.

[@zakiahart3919]

As a person with a career in fine arts. I so agree with him!

[@cynthiajubiter6889]

Unions, Unions, Unions are vital for the lower and middle class to make a decent living, or we all would be starving. Yes, FIGHT for your contract rights!

[@LolUGotBusted]

Fight for what you make-believe in! Get it cuz they're actors

[@Linda-fe7jo]

I wish them well, there are a lot of people struggling to make ends meet. Everyone is dealing with price gouging and that doesn't help anyone.

[@angelachanelhuang1651]

I really think A.I. is a cheap way out

[@Mclem2k24]

I think consumers have too many options on too many platforms which end up diluting and cannibalized one and other. As an actor, if you're not on the show de jour your just another tree in the massive forest of entertainment options

[@kallymcdonnell]

I’ve been saying this for several years. Streaming used to be a cheap alternative to satellite & rising cable costs, but there are too many platforms & every year they are raising their prices. Sometimes I think it would be funny if people collectively stopped utilizing streaming & created a larger demand/ consumption for DVD’s & cable again. It would never happen, but it would be interesting.

[@eckankar7756]

@@kallymcdonnell I quit paying years ago because of this. They've lost so many viewers and the platforms are fighting for the viewers that are willing to pay. I've not been to a movie since the 1990s. There is too much out there for free. Entertainment needs to be cut first in a financial crisis.

[@johntomlinson6849]

If the big names didn't demand the HUGE pay they do, then there would be more to go round. Here in the UK, it's amazing how often the so-called star names can afford big London houses and private schools for their kids.

[@petekwando]

Creatives are the tip of the iceberg. There is no field of human endevour where machine learning cannot, given enough time, replace us.

[@petekwando]

@Chaotic_OrderTrue! And it doesn't need to be a bad thing, unless we make it one.

[@StrawberryCoke]

Hmm then how will people have jobs in the future you think?

[@MysteriousFuture]

Remove the ability of the people to have shelter and the bread & circuses (aka the Internet, social media, and gaming) and people will rebel within days

[@petekwando]

@@StrawberryCoke Many of them (or us, depending on the pace of progress) won't. We are headed for a titanic shift that will break many of the foundational assumptions of the global economy. Interesting times, as they say.

[@sah.13]

Just like the music industry. They want to do away with people but they are people. Greed they want all the money for themselves. Keep fighting.

[@rein3684]

The people accepting this is why our country is messed up. We need to fight back and vote for representatives that will fight for us and make America good again. The current monetary system isn’t working. We need lower prices or higher wages. One or the other, or both.

[@bigmountain1970]

Then vote for people who want to CUT Government and spending.

[@poboyfloyd]

@@bigmountain1970 only reason they wants cuts is to pass the money on to their rich donors instead, f*ck that. It's been FOUR decades... the 'trickle' ain't coming...

[@johnwattdotca]

As an American you're supposed to be happy the wars that provide your wealth aren't on American soil.

[@8270361507]

100% agreed. Get the currents reps put of power.

[@jfrankerickson8993]

I think you mean "Make America Great Again"

[@ashleyquintanar727]

We work all day at a job that will replace you tomorrow. We are humans and we deserve to be paid a good wage to support a family, bills and expenses without having to be out like work is our life...

[@jedi4049]

Humans at the top want to squeeze the ones at the bottom, keep them in peril. Only way they can protect what they have or so they think. "Easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than it is for a rich man to enter the gates of heaven." Rich are the same as they were 2000 years ago. Im talking the top top of the rich not little millionares thats nothing.

[@phalynwilliams4119]

This AI stuff is frightening. I remember when the actor who played the dad from the original Back to the Future movie 🎥 sued the producers because they used his image without his consent in their subsequent films. It is disturbing 😳 the way some business people still think that it is okay to cheat or deprive people from being able to financially support themselves.

[@mahneekaha.nightmare5220]

Yea, that situation was also creepy! The actor who replaced him had to wear a mask of his face or something.

[@deanvoss7098]

That actor refused to be in the next movie so they used somebody else I am on your side but when somebody writes a story and you are an actor in that movie you do not own the character the writers or whoever owns it

[@mahneekaha.nightmare5220]

@@deanvoss7098 - That’s the thing, it’s seems as if the actors weren’t told or unaware of ALL that would be involved in regards to their supposed obligations. Basically, they never agreed to ALL of that, in writing, I assume.Not to mention the technology available now that didn’t exist before. I would assume this calls for reevaluation of their contracts. What’s in the contract, the language used, is what really matters and is what I’m trying to understand more in this situation. Even non actors can learn from this situation And may concern us, eventually.It’s what makes any of this very interesting to me.

[@stickyfox]

The average SAG member annual salary was under $20,000 last time I checked. An apartment in southern CA is $3000/month. And that average *included* the pay of people like Brad Pitt and Julia Roberts.

[@TJCLAY]

And that is based on the jobs they get. How much per hour do they make? I don't think they are making minimum wage per hour. That flat number just is not a good indicator of the "poverty" they are going through.

[@notpeachtea6028]

This is the reason that statistic exists Merv Griffin $1bil Tom Cruiz $550 mil George Clooney $500 mil Mel Gibson $425 mil Will Smith $420 mil Adam Sandler $420 mil Jack Nicholson $400 million Sylvester Stallone $400 mil

[@stickyfox]

@@TJCLAY I think the main problem it illustrates is that a handful of actors earn princely salaries while the overwhelming majority get paid less than one needs to survive in this country; just like most other occupations. Everyone knows someone paying $5, $10, or more each month for streaming, on top of the cable bill. It's not like the money isn't out there.

[@douglaz74]

I live an area where the crew and b and c actors live. They have homes and expensive cars. So cry me a river. I am more concerned with a potential ups strike

[@dcj9329]

@@douglaz74AI is going to take over other vocations. How are you not understanding that? Maybe even yours.

[@Whitehorse_crimefighter]

C-list celebrities can't compete with youtube and tiktok

[@Tiffany-uu2hq]

I’m with you Medhi and SAG-AFTRA. What these large companies is doing is intentional. They are intentionally putting off the revisiting of contract and finding all the loopholes they can. Some people may wonder, “then why sign the contract with them in the first place?” Technology changes, but also when your job does not offer financial security, you’re more likely to say yes to what isn’t completely fair to you. My own personal experience with this is with the publishing world. Big publsihers are finding loopholes to not compensate their writers properly and forgoing any royalties by putting out “commissioned books.” I signed a contract to write a commissioned book with a publishing company last year. Before I did, I requested that they could only use my copy for book print and if they wanted to make any other merch from it they would have to renegotiate the contract with me and compensate me for the new use of the content I wrote. The editor/middle person came back and told me I would not get paid in the future if the publishing company repurposed my work into another product because I did not “do any additional work”. It wasn’t just the unwillingness to budge, but also the way they responded to my requests felt like what I was asking for was ridiculous or uncalled for. Proud of y’all for speaking up. It’s validating to know I can do the same.

[@OnionSavoya-gm6op]

The weird thing is The people who still have money Are spending it like blind mad fools.

[@cak400]

There’s making a living and then there’s making a living. His background is not someone who is struggling.

[@MayLily]

Honestly, the public has a skewed view of Hollywood actors, because we see how all the A-listers are making millions of dollars but we forget all the other supporting actors, day players, and extras that are just trying to get a decent living by doing something they love. I just hope this gets resolved soon because all TV shows and movies are getting delayed right now.

[@USADA-HITMAN]

This is why it’s important to learn a trade so you can always fall back on it in case things like this happens

[@jennifer3551]

Good luck to this guy and all the other actors. I hope they get the contract that they want. We all deserve to be treated fairly within the work place

[@AntonioDiaz4-2023]

Risidual pay is the key payment for actors. If they act good and make good content, they will receive money for life by not doing anything everytime someone watches their content for life ❤

[@moniquemonique7543]

Viewers should protest and stop watching if actors and writers aren’t compensated.

[@ST-rj8iu]

We already have. Nobody cares to watch most films or tv anymore. The model has shifted and the actors need to accept this reality. They are not going to get paid what they used to as there are more options. KZbin and tiktok are now entertainment. This happens to many industries. Look at blockbuster. They went out of business. Consumers decide and they are not going to pay for movies. The big actors wanted to shutdown for Covid. People replaced them with streaming. They did this to themselves. Go woke, go broke!

[@annai157]

Really - MOST of what this industry produces isn't worth watching - whether or not the artists are compensated.

[@lattedee2523]

I think that's part of the problem. People are just not into a lot of the shows that are being produced right now. These actors/writers need to realize that Hollywood is not what it once was. The studios have been losing money, so there is no real incentive for them to make a deal.

[@eckankar7756]

I think that's part of the problem, people aren't watching paid programming as much as they used to. I don't, haven't in 20 years.

[@solasluna192]

​@@eckankar7756 Agreed. I don't even own a TV! Not because I can't afford one, but it's just not a necessity anymore with everything at your disposal and reach on a tablet or smartphone. News, weather, movies, tv shows, podcasts, etc... It's all there on hand held devices.

[@chadflpo635]

The world doesn't owe actors a good living, they show their residuals, but never the money they get upfront, I wonder why?.

[@majorseventh2699]

Back in 70's, on a few movie sets, spoke with some of 'the seconds', said they only made $25. a day...they couldn't make a living then.

[@anneahlert2997]

So is it okay that even more people in the industry cannot make a living now?

[@healinggrounds19]

And that's why unions were created.

[@guardianofthegalaxy2051]

$25 in the 70s isn’t the same as $25 now.

[@ericdwhitmorec]

​@@guardianofthegalaxy2051true but it wasn't doing anything in the 70s either

[@djm1613]

⁠average rent was 250 a month in the seventies

[@katanensis]

I don't get it... I got me a master degree in engineering and worked as one for about 10 years. During those years, I realized that the pay and the corporate working environment were not what I really was aiming for. Solution? I carved my own path by starting my own business, I didn't thought that was either reasonable or feasible to change the industry I was working in to fit my wishes and wants. So why can't those people say "well this ain't working for me, just find a new path"

[@olllloollllo]

I hope all writers and low-level actors lose their jobs so they can feel the pain people have been feeling in the American rust belt for decades and who had no one fighting for them. The US has been exploiting the world out of greed for years and now corporate America along with the government is doing it here in the US.

[@rekcck]

Middle Class anybody is facing the same issues. No jobs, no opportunists and no income

[@canadiancitizen2732]

The comments section is a toilet bowl on this one.

[@B86432]

unions are nothing to aspire 2

[@Madbandit77]

​@@B86432 Said the lazy bozo who thinks he's cute by using "2" instead of "to". I bet you're a millionaire.

[@JBTriple8]

@@B86432 Unions reprsent The Common folk guess you support Big Business and Greedy Ceos like Trump and Musk you Corpo Rat

[@macmcleod1188]

Well.. he is in a nicer room than any in my house. I want hard numbers. But I support their right to strike. However I consume less and less entertainment media

[@JBTriple8]

@@macmcleod1188 why are you here on you tube if cosume less media and the Cinemas want your patronage

[@justinhoward7912]

The reality is entertainment doesnt matter when ‘we the people’ are struggling to make ends meet

[@davidwright873]

Remember when the music industry was pirated and eventually streamed? well.....

[@charityb4479]

Everyone is struggling financially right now and nothing seems to be getting resolved what kind of country is this

[@joycoughlan1262]

Wow, so the acting industry's goal is to basicly copy middle-class actors and create AI generated 'extras' to save paying all the supportive actors. Like self-checkouts, driver-less taxis, AI writing, and on. Wow I'm really watching an AI take over.

[@BoodlooderJeet]

You have not seen one single movie with an 'AI' created story or likeness. Calm down.

[@meghanphillips3495]

Good for him speaking out. It's obscene when anyone can't make a living doing their full time job. Keep fighting the good fight!

[@henryzhao4622]

Live in LA these are some of the most phenomenal talents and they can barely survive

[@ericdwhitmorec]

Well that makes sense, things aren't as valuable when it's a surplus of it. That's why they lie about diamonds being rare

[@winning3329]

I absolutely hate LA it's expensive and full of crime and unaffordable, I'm trying to leave.

[@winning3329]

I absolutely hate LA it's expensive and full of crime and unaffordable, I'm trying to leave.

[@fishgutz4272]

The irony is that when a big screen actor does a small screen tv series, they get paid more than all the other actors combined. Few actors do what Keanu Reeves did in a few movies.

[@iAmSantiCruz]

My support to all actors and writers

[@MissAnnaG]

I briefly joined the industry after college. The days and nights were long, a minimum of 12 hours and on payday the check would be about $300. That wasn’t sustainable for me, it’s tough to make a living in entertainment.

[@lizh6578]

They’ve gone back to the way it was during the golden age of television-no residuals, low salaries.

[@DarkandTwisted]

As a fiction writer myself, I agree, this is completely disrespectful.

[@michaelodishelidze222]

Nurses, Police, Teacher’s, Truck Driver’s, Food worker’s they have my sympathy and support. But actors? Nah.

[@ScreamTatumRiley]

Facts

[@kelsilulu]

Those studios are so greedy it’s disgusting

[@doreennewman7182]

We as society can squash this dilemma quickly.....just stop watching the movies, the T.V shows for a month, and this act would hit the powers that be where it would be most effective.....their pockets ! But that'll never come to pass because many aren't disciplined enough to stop watching electronics. 😢😢😢

[@PungiFungi]

A lot of people stop watching TV and the movies precisely because of these crappy writers. Too busy being activists and virtue signaling than actually doing their job.

[@notpeachtea6028]

highly doubt that Merv Griffin $1bil Tom Cruiz $550 mil George Clooney $500 mil Mel Gibson $425 mil Will Smith $420 mil Adam Sandler $420 mil Jack Nicholson $400 million Sylvester Stallone $400 mil

[@billyjackoff]

Pirate everything.

[@jedi4049]

@@PungiFungi I just finished "Lost" and know that this current generation wont write a series to top it.

[@akay_2]

A sort of "Consumer Strike" in solidarity a with the Writers and Actors where viewers and fans take a hard stance of canceling their subscriptions to streaming services until a Good Fair contract is reached would be a big step up! Unfortunately, I don't think there's enough Class Conciousness amongst the general populus at the moment...

[@williamdavis4809]

I think the bigger problem for these middle class actors is the outrageous salaries given to A list actors. Share the wealth

[@goobfilmcast4239]

This actor is brave.....the Entertainment/Media "machine" will never forget.

[@MysteriousFuture]

At this point, it doesn’t matter if they remember him. If the corporations win in bringing AI, most of them wouldn’t have jobs in the industry to be worried about retaliation

[@Liveonpoint99]

Will everyone now apologize to MONIQUIE!?!? She was the first person to articulate the wrongs of Hollywood and Netflix. She was blackballed, dismissed, and belittled now everyone is protesting. Can someone please speak about KARMA!

[@Terrestrial]

It seems that every industry now has the warped idea that the top executives and contractors are the only ones who should be adequately compensated for their work.

[@OliviaDeanne]

This was such a great segment!!! Thank you for representing our situation so clearly and in a relatable way. So many people don't understand the gravitas of the situation.

[@TheLovely990]

They need to pay these actors, period.😮

[@DEMediaDrive]

Time to learn a new skill actually. Still plenty of opportunities in America. Can't spend too much time feeling down. Have to power up and pivot!

[@gloriathomas3245]

One of the biggest misconceptions that people have about actors is the fact these people who are living in expensive homes, driving expensive cars and have millions of dollars. This is really far from the truth unless you belong to the less than 1% of actors. In fact 90% of all actors are unemployed at anytime.

[@winning3329]

I try to explain this to people but they don't understand or don't want to understand

[@notpeachtea6028]

highly doubt that Merv Griffin $1bil Tom Cruiz $550 mil George Clooney $500 mil Mel Gibson $425 mil Will Smith $420 mil Adam Sandler $420 mil Jack Nicholson $400 million Sylvester Stallone $400 mil

[@marktwaine9344]

it never was a stable job through out history....none of the Arts are....

[@douglaz74]

Then change careers

[@mistermilkman]

@@notpeachtea6028 They r not the majority, but nice try.

[@txbulldogboxing1462]

As Americans, greed is all around us.

[@livewithdr.andre1]

Wishing you and all of the “middle-class actors” continued prosperity and success ❤❤

[@alaplex100]

Has anyone noticed that the media never seems to report exactly what the salaries and benefits are.

[@Kaëlanii]

I am a blue color worker working full-time living in New York City making $35,000 a year. My rent is over $25,000 a year I cannot earn a living. This guy should've saved his money because actors make really good money at any level middle-class working actor equals well off middle class in the real world I don't wanna hear actors crying about money you don't work every day and you make six figures a year stop whining about not getting paid enough, you get paid very well, and more than enough, it may not be your fair share, but it's more than enough, so you should certainly fight to get your fair share but stop killing everybody. Y'all are broke NOT poor- stop crying Hollywood.

[@landonp629]

What they don’t tell you is that even under the current contract, the daily minimum for ANY actor, even on the low-budget agreement - is over $700 a day. Imagine that. Half of these actors would have no clue how to live a normal life. You’d think from The way they talk they are making $10 an hour or something.

[@jbirdz3609]

Not an actor but work in the industry. I promise you a huge majority of us are regular working class folks that work really hard. We typically work 12-16/18hr days and have to be ready at the drop of a hat and fully available for any project. If we’re not, we don’t get the work. People miss weddings funerals, doctor appointments, surgeries and family events. We love what we do and we make huge sacrifices to do it. We deserve to make a decent living.

[@landonp629]

I also work in the industry - I am the owner of an independent film production company and also work as a Cinematographer. So trust me, I’m well aware of the long hours and sporadic jobs. However, I also don’t live in the ‘Hollywood vacuum’ where I approach everything financially from an LA-style budget. The comment regarding missing weddings, funderals, doctors appointments, etc is not something that only film industry people deal with. In fact, I’d argue that it can be a lot easier, due to the short nature of jobs in general - to schedule around stuff like this. My mom still works a regular job at a Walmart - she has had to put off her doctor's appointment for 3 months because they won’t approve her time off, and the doctor can’t find a schedule to accommodate in that time period. So again, I don’t think the fact that we miss funerals, weddings and doctors appointments is really an excuse for better pay - it’s what most normal people deal with all the time. As for pay - it’s astronomical compared to what average people make. It is. I have all the union agreements printed on my desk, and looking over them - the pay-rates are very high. For example, an SAG-AFTRA actor working under a typical ‘theatrical’ contract - the most common in Hollywood - a day performer makes a minimum of $1,082 - and a weekly performer (studio week - 5 days) makes $3,756 per week as a minimum. A Walmart worker makes $500-$600 a week. That means that actors working under a typical theatrical contract make 6x more per week, and 10x more per day, than a typical worker making $17 an hour. The Television contract, the second most common SAg-AFTRA agreement, is a tad bit less, but not by much - about $100 a week. Even if you account for low-budget SAG-AFTRA stuff, which makes up most of the remainder of union acting work - Those rates are still $703 per day or $2,622 per week. The crew rates vary depending on the union, but for example - IATSE has a very complex system, but roughly accounts for around $50/Hr minimums. DGA minimums for AD/UPM is from $3,736 a week for a 2nd AD to $6,212 for a UPM. Directors working under the basic agreement make $21,765 per week with a 10-week minimum. WGA is frankly even worse - rates for an original screenplay are $77,495 on the low end and $145,469 on the high end. WGA TV rates are even more weird, but for a network 90-minute or less show is $39,599 to deliver a screenplay per episode. So looking at these rates, and comparing them to what the average person makes working NOT in the industry, we see that the difference is HUGE. Yes, the hours are longer and the work more sporadic, but given the pay is between 6x and 20x more than most other jobs, you’d expect some compromise. And yet even with these sky-high rates, they still want more… So that is my point.

[@lakeside321]

@landonp629 How consistent is the work? A Walmart worker can expect 40 hours a week, whereas an actor might work 8 weeks for the summer and then be out of work a month until he/she can find the next gig.

[@jedi4049]

@@jbirdz3609 "deserve." If powers that be find a more economical means to do it morality has nothing to do with it. Shareholders lives matter too. The bottom line matters. My man can get a second job in retail if life is hard. $PARA

[@jedi4049]

@@landonp629 You win. JBirdz loses. I am the judge.

[@B86432]

Welcome to reality for the rest of the country

[@jazzman7167]

If you can't make a living as an actor, then get a real job like the rest of us!

[@ItsMeHammie]

I am so happy this interview happened. The average pay for a "working actor" is only diminishing. Stand strong!

[@michael-hw1uv]

Thomas Sowell's, Lecture, 1995, The origin's of Woke. Enjoy, its an eye opener.

[@MrFosthesensei]

@@michael-hw1uv what is woke

[@kokolovitch56]

Most people never save because they never believe their income or job will change or disappear. Big mistake.

[@jasonscott4366]

“And he never worked in Hollywood again…”

[@Sarah-qo9bu]

Actors like Tom cruise and the other top handful of actors get paid WAY to much. Why does 1 person need £20 million per movie ??? Then there’s nothing left for the other workers

[@blackspiderman1887]

Everyone knows the entertainment industry is sink or swim. The middle groundwas almost non-existent before and its worse now

[@thesportsguy126]

Why is nobody talking about the A list actors taking a pay cut? Why do actors need 50 million. Isnt 20 enough?

[@BoodlooderJeet]

These actors are beyond privileged, I DON'T CARE.

[@vwatchem]

What a beautiful home he’s talking from

[@Anon0nline]

The answer isn't more money; the answer is more affordable living. This is why inflation keep happening. Most of the population is so stupid that they'd rather deal with the problems of inflation rather than focus on affordable living standards.

[@lemonjuice-q6k]

the people who determines what's affordable are rich 🤣

[@Anon0nline]

@@lemonjuice-q6k Citation needed. The market determines that, and market forces are determined by buyers, This is Economics 101.

[@Cowboys972]

Welcome to the life of us songwriters and producers in the music industry. Good luck to us all.

[@Cukito4]

Thank GOD for adults who DO want to work .

[@WilliamPetersen01]

A.I. will soon replace actors at any level, be it A-list, B-list or lower level.