Evidence study no. 25 of the motion picture industry (1933)

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118 -cv <^> ^> The Motion Picture Industry time than anyone else in the cast, and headline bookings on the titles and advertising copy. Stars operate under various forms of contracts, in all of which are inserted special clauses to meet individual requirements. Contracts contain provisions as to the types of roles to be portrayed, the amount of camera time, selection of costumes, associate players, and hundreds of other variables. Star contracts are for one or more pictures, for a definite time with or without renewal options, or for a definite time with the number of pictures stipulated. Some contracts are exclusive and others nonexclusive. As has been indicated, long-term contracts usually are subdivided into six-month periods. At the end of such periods, the producers have the right to discontinue or renew the contracts. Renewals usually provide for salary increases. Star salaries vary in accordance with the actors' drawing power, type of contract, etc. Term contracts range upward to $30,000 per week. In some cases the salaries are paid on the basis of a flat amount each week; in others, on the basis of the ratio of actual working time to a full 48-hour week. In the latter case, production schedules often are arranged to provide for the photographing in sequence of all scenes in which the star appears, thereby minimizing his or her salary. Star salaries paid on single or multiple picture contracts range upward to $500,000 per picture. In some instances they involve a guaranty and percentage of box office receipts. The contracts for featured players in general are term agreements with options stipulating a definite amount per week, regardless of the number of pictures in which they are cast. When not affiliated with any producer, featured players are signed under contracts similar to those provided for stars. Their salaries range from $100 a week upward to $2,500 or $3,000. Small-part players usually sign contracts for specific pictures. Their salaries in general are on a weekly basis, the amounts being dependent almost entirely upon the relative