One of the most intriguing aspects of kid actors' careers is the potential for residuals, especially for those who appear in popular TV shows or films. Residuals, primarily associated with unionized actors, are additional earnings for broadcast or rerun of a performance. But when it comes to child actors, the landscape can be a bit more complex.
The short answer to whether kid actors get residuals is 'usually, but not always'. It largely depends on their contract, the type of production, and the union they're a part of.
Residuals in Union Productions
For productions within the purview of SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists), child actors often get residuals. According to SAG-AFTRA's schedule of minimum scale fees, child actors receive a share of the license fee when a performance is broadcast or streamed online.
However, the amount and the way these residuals are distributed can vary. For instance, for TV show reruns, kid actors typically receive a percentage of the show's residuals. For streaming platforms, the calculation is often more complex, given their unique revenue models.
TV Shows and Series
In TV shows, kid actors often receive residuals for reruns on cable channels. Here, the payment is usually calculated based on the number of reruns and the channel's viewingership.
A notable example is Stranger Things' young ensemble, who reportedly receive about $20,000 per episode in their recent deals, with a significant portion of that being residuals from reruns on Netflix.
Movies and Films
For feature films, residuals for kid actors are usually less predictable. They often depend on how much money the film makes and how many times it's re-watched or streamed.
A case in point is the cast of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. Due to the film's astounding success and constant reruns, its child actors - including Drew Barrymore - are rumored to have earned millions from residuals over time.
Non-Union Productions and Other Considerations
In non-union productions or in cases where the child actor isn't part of SAG-AFTRA, residuals may not be guaranteed. Negotiation skills of the actors' representatives often play a significant role here.
Moreover, residues can extend beyond broadcasting and streaming. Some kid actors might earn residuals from merchandising, video sales, or other forms of exploitation of the production. But again, these depend largely on the contracts and agreements signed by both the child actor and their representatives.
Ultimately, the world of kid actors residuals is vast and varied, with many factors dictating the 'yes' or 'no' to whether they get residuals and how much they receive. But with growing awareness and stricter regulations, the opportunities for child actors to earn residuals and enjoy long-term financial benefits are increasingly Heightened.
