Mandy Moore, the star of the acclaimed television drama “This Is Us,” recently revealed a shocking reality faced by many actors: her residual checks from streaming are alarmingly low, with some as small as 81 cents. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, she highlighted the profound challenges posed by streaming platforms on residual payments, stating, “The residual issue is a huge issue.” Moore underscored the disparity, expressing that while current actors may be in fortunate positions, those who came before them could often rely on residuals to meet their financial obligations.
The stark figures Moore shared are not mere anecdotes; she mentioned that her business manager even received checks worth one or two cents, emphasizing a significant shift in how actors are compensated. Historically, residuals provided a crucial financial lifeline for actors, allowing them to sustain themselves through reruns. Yet, with the rise of streaming services, this safety net is dwindling. Instead of the traditional long seasons that network shows offered, which ensured steady income from reruns, streaming transformed the industry into one with shorter seasons and longer gaps between filming, ultimately reducing residual payments drastically.
Moore actively participated in recent labor actions alongside her fellow SAG-AFTRA members. They demanded a restructuring of pay for streaming services outside Walt Disney Studios during the historic SAG-AFTRA strike, marking a significant moment when both SAG-AFTRA and the Writers Guild of America (WGA) stood united. This joint strike was the first occurrence since 1960, reflecting the urgency of the issue at hand. The financial distress caused by streaming practices resonated deeply within the unions, with both expressing concerns about how these changes threaten the ability of many actors, especially those who aren’t household names, to maintain a middle-class lifestyle in the industry.
SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher and chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland articulated the struggles their members face, stating, “It’s increasingly difficult for our members to achieve and maintain a middle-class lifestyle working as a performer.” Their aim during the negotiations was clear: secure fair contracts that truly take into account the impact of streaming, including requests for higher residuals, improved wages, and safeguards against the potential for artificial intelligence to replace human performers in the industry.
While Mandy Moore’s experience with residuals from “This Is Us” illustrates a personal predicament, it also highlights a broader industry crisis, one that has galvanized SAG-AFTRA and WGA members in their pursuit of better rights and compensation. As the landscape of entertainment continues to evolve, the implications of these ongoing discussions will be crucial for the future of many actors in Hollywood.
