What % would you offer a D-list actor?

capitalP

capitalP

Veteran
Just wondering, I have this D-list actor interested in a project I'm trying to put together. I don't have all the budget to pay his fees. I only have half his fee. His manager is asking he gets 25% of the gross profit of the film. Is this something you guys would do? I figured 15% would be ideal. Just wondering.
 
Define "gross profit," is that producer's gross? or the overall gross revenue of the film?

Even at producer's gross, I'd say no to 25%. Unless it was someone who could really open, not just theoretically, and D-list doesn't sound like it's quite there. Your biggest concern, at the end of the day, is that you'll be giving away money on paper which you might not have in reality (depending on when they get their percent and what expenses come out of where).
 
In another thread you were prepared to give 50% of a theoretical budget, and work for nothing. What's 25% of nothing anyway. If this guy has a marketable following, twitter etc. I'd structure a deal around VOD, and offer a healthy % against nothing up front. If he can produce the audience you'll both get paid. If you cut a check good luck getting anything out of him but shooting days.
 
capitalP said:
Just wondering, I have this D-list actor interested in a project I'm trying to put together. I don't have all the budget to pay his fees. I only have half his fee. His manager is asking he gets 25% of the gross profit of the film. Is this something you guys would do? I figured 15% would be ideal. Just wondering.
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Full stop -- before you can do anything at all, you have to find out what this actor's worth.

Call some distributors. Tell them exactly what you're planning -- "Hi, I'm a low-budget filmmaker, I've got an actor interested, so tell me -- if I brought you a (fill in the blank: horror, indie comedy, action film) starring (fill in the blank: Steven Seagal, Michael Dorn, Gary Graham), is that something you'd be interested in?"

Call three or four of them. They'll talk to you. They really, really don't want you to go out and make an unsaleable piece of doggie doodoo, because then there's nothing in it for them. They will tell you what will sell. And they'll tell you whether that D-list actor will bring value to your project or not. Some actors bring value, and some (even though they're recognizable) don't. We may recognize Urkel, but does that mean a ticket-buying member of the public would pay a DVD rental fee or theater ticket to see Urkel in a movie? That's what you need to know.

It may turn out that your D-list actor isn't worth more than a $500 day rate. Or it may turn out that your D-list actor can guarantee some sales in some foreign territories. But until you ask those who really really know (the distributors), you're just guessing.
 
dop16mm said:
In another thread you were prepared to give 50% of a theoretical budget, and work for nothing. What's 25% of nothing anyway. If this guy has a marketable following, twitter etc. I'd structure a deal around VOD, and offer a healthy % against nothing up front. If he can produce the audience you'll both get paid. If you cut a check good luck getting anything out of him but shooting days.
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I actually wasn't able to get his full asking price, so in turn his agent said since I can't pay him the price they are asking for, I can give him a portion then that's when he mentioned the 25%. Before I was just gonna pay him his entire fee and be done with him.

But Barry you bring up a good point about calling the distributors. I'm almost afraid what their answer is gonna be :), but at least I know where I stand. But this guy will definitely bring me the audience I'm looking for or else I would of never went after him. My problem is not recouping my budget back, I know I definitely will. Worst case scenerio if I don't get a distribution deal, screenings alone will make my budget back. I'm only worried about say for some reason the movie takes off and starts making tons of money, then not only will I'll have to cough up 25% to him but he would have already made additional money up front.

But then again, without him there would be no money to make anyway, so I guess it's an even trade off but that 25% seems too crazy. I got burned once before by a distributor I'd hate to be burn again by an actor this time. I'm meeting with him Wed so I gotta make a decision. I'm gonna say 15%, and his agent just said gross profit, didn't go into details.

But one good thing I'll get is him giving written statement that he will market and promote the film.
 
capitalP said:
I'm only worried about say for some reason the movie takes off and starts making tons of money, then not only will I'll have to cough up 25% to him but he would have already made additional money up front.
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I think you should follow your instincts. Find out what he's worth as Barry recommended, then you'll have some negotiating leverage to pay him what he's worth. I think the flat rate is a lot cleaner and will allow you to sleep at night.
 
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