Industry insiders: how much residuals do lead actors get if I watch an episode of a show or a movie on Netflix.

For the much older films and TV shows before streaming was an idea - probably 0 as it wasn't outlined in their contracts.

I have no idea what current contracts say.

You know we have AI now right?

SJP gets paid in apples.

The residual payments that lead actors receive when you watch a show or movie on Netflix depend on several factors, including the actor’s contract, the production’s budget, and the platform’s subscriber count. 

Understanding Streaming Residuals

Residuals are additional payments made to actors when their work is reused or continues to generate revenue beyond its initial release. In the context of streaming platforms like Netflix, residuals are calculated differently compared to traditional television. 

For high-budget subscription video-on-demand (HBSVOD) services such as Netflix, the Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has established formulas to determine residual payments. These formulas consider the actor’s total applicable compensation (TAC), the platform’s subscriber factor, and a percentage that decreases over time. 

Example Calculation

Let’s consider a one-hour episode with a TAC ceiling of $4,562. Assuming Netflix has a domestic subscriber factor of 150% and it’s the first year of exhibition (45% rate), the calculation would be:  

• Domestic Residual: $4,562 × 1.5 × 0.45 = $3,079.35

• Foreign Residual: $4,562 × 0.9 × 0.45 = $1,847.61

• Total Year 1 Residual: $3,079.35 + $1,847.61 = $4,926.96 

If the show qualifies for a streaming bonus (achieving significant viewership), an additional 75% of the total residual is added: 

• Streaming Bonus: $4,926.96 × 0.75 = $3,695.22

• Total with Bonus: $4,926.96 + $3,695.22 = $8,622.18

These figures are based on the 2023 SAG-AFTRA agreement and apply to new productions starting principal photography after the agreement’s ratification. 

Variability in Residuals

It’s important to note that residuals can vary widely. For instance, some actors have reported receiving minimal residuals despite appearing in popular Netflix series. Kimiko Glenn, who starred in “Orange Is the New Black,” revealed she received a foreign royalty statement for just $27.30, highlighting disparities in compensation. 

These variations underscore the complexities of residual payments in the streaming era, influenced by factors such as contract specifics, role prominence, and the evolving landscape of digital content distribution. 

If you have a specific show or actor in mind, I can provide more detailed information on their residual arrangements.

Chat GTP: How much does Olivia de Havilland make in residuals?

ChatGPT said:

Olivia de Havilland, a celebrated actress of Hollywood's Golden Age, passed away in July 2020 at the age of 104. At the time of her death, her net worth was estimated to be between $20 million and $50 million, with most sources citing the higher figure . NCESC +6 Repeat Replay +6 Showbiz Cheat Sheet +6

While specific details about her annual residual income aren't publicly available, it's reasonable to infer that she received ongoing royalties from her extensive body of work. Her filmography includes iconic roles in classics such as Gone with the Wind (1939), The Heiress (1949), and To Each His Own (1946), all of which have enjoyed enduring popularity through syndication and home media releases. The Wealth Advisor +7 CelebsMoney +7 Repeat Replay +7

It's important to note that during the era when de Havilland was most active, residual payment structures were not as robust or standardized as they are today. Therefore, while she likely earned residuals, the amounts may not have been as substantial as those received by actors in more recent decades.

Beyond her acting career, de Havilland made significant contributions to the film industry, most notably through her successful legal challenge against Warner Bros. in the 1940s. This landmark case led to the "De Havilland Law," which limited the duration of studio contracts and granted actors greater freedom in their careers . Celebrity Net Worth

In summary, while exact figures on Olivia de Havilland's residual earnings are not publicly disclosed, her substantial net worth at the time of her passing reflects a combination of her successful film career, ongoing royalties, and prudent financial management.

de Havilland must havd been a drug dealer, because she sure didn't earn that much from the movies.

AI doesn't seem to know that residuals didn't exist for any films or tv before 1962. In the current SAG-AFTRA contracts, I think nothing before 1973 triggers residuals any longer.

Netflix is a new animal vis a vis residuals. Any of the new high budget SVOD (Streaming Video on Demand) are still playing catch up as far as the residual structure established by network tv. It's not as much as you might think, but getting better. The best residuals are still on shows like Law & Order SVU, because they play successfully on so many platforms for years and years.