Do Actors Get Paid for Reruns and How Has Streaming Changed the Landscape?

Yes, actors typically receive payment for reruns, although the specifics can vary based on their contract, the production company, and the type of show. This article delves into the details of how actors are compensated for reruns and the impact of streaming platforms on these financial arrangements.

Reruns and Residuals: A Closer Look

Reruns: These are repeat airings of a show beyond an initial broadcast period in various media formats. Reruns are a common practice in television, which can generate significant viewership and revenue for broadcasters and producers.

Residuals: In the United States, actors are often paid residuals for reruns of television shows. Residuals are payments made to actors based on the continued airing of a show after its initial broadcast. The amount can depend on several factors, including the show's success, the platform of broadcast (cable, streaming, etc.), and the actor's role.

The Role of Contracts

The details regarding residuals and rerun payments are usually outlined in the actor's contract. Different unions, such as SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) for actors in the U.S., have specific agreements that govern how residuals are calculated and paid. These unions play a crucial role in ensuring that actors are fairly compensated based on their work.

Streaming Services and the New Normal

With the rise of streaming platforms, the landscape of residual payments has evolved. Actors may receive different forms of compensation for shows that are streamed versus those that are aired as traditional reruns on television. Streaming platforms often seek comprehensive rights to content, often for a single upfront payment, which effectively sidelines the traditional model of ongoing residuals.

This shift has led to significant tensions, exemplified by the disputes and strikes involving guilds such as SAG-AFTRA and the Writers Guild of America (WGA). These guilds have since made strides in negotiating more favorable terms for their members in the streaming era, and while progress has been made, challenges remain.

Historical Context and the Evolution of Residuals and Royalties

In the dynamic world of entertainment, the financial frameworks for compensating actors and other creatives have seen significant evolution. Until recently, residuals and royalties were often used interchangeably, though with nuanced differences that formed the bedrock of income for those involved in TV shows and films. These payments were triggered by various forms of content use, including:

1. Syndication: Broadcasting a show across various networks, often nationwide. 2. Reruns: Repeat airing of a show beyond a pre-agreed number of times. 3. Foreign Sales: The distribution and airing of content in international markets.

Successful involvement in a hit show, especially with a savvy agent securing beneficial contracts, could generate substantial income from these payments. However, with the advent of streaming platforms, the landscape has altered dramatically, leading to a re-evaluation of how residuals and royalties are handled.

The Future of Residual Payments

While the changes brought about by streaming platforms have disrupted the traditional model of residual payments, there are ongoing negotiations and efforts to reformulate these arrangements. Actors and their unions continue to advocate for equitable compensation and fair treatment of their work in the digital age. As the industry continues to evolve, the landscape of compensations for reruns and residuals is likely to continue to change and adapt.

Understanding the nuances of how actors are compensated for reruns and the impact of streaming platforms is crucial for anyone involved in the entertainment industry, from actors and producers to fans who enjoy their favorite shows.