Author Topic: ARTICLE: 'Hamilton' producers to share profits with original cast  (Read 4137 times)

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dallas10086

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http://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/16/theater/hamilton-producers-and-actors-reach-deal-on-sharing-profits.html?smid=pl-share&_r=0

While I don't see this becoming the trend with every B'way musical, I think it's a good move on the producers' part.

Do you think this will change how people associated with new works negotiate their contracts?

Michelle R. Wood

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Maybe, but there's a key phrase buried in this article that bears remembering:

Quote
... producers have largely opted to pay actors who help develop shows more up front, in exchange for not granting them a share of profits if — as happens relatively rarely — the show becomes profitable.

For every Hamilton, there are a lot of flops out there. Getting a stake in future profits of a megahit is great; getting a stake in future profits of a show that may not be restaged for a decade (if ever) offers little to compensate teams for their work. Whatever profit sharing is offered/negotiated for, it should not come at the expense of the money actors/crews make here and now.
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MatthewShiner

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Given in one year, I helped develope 7 new musicals at various stages, I am just not sure how this would be regulated . . . One of the shows that was in a very long incubation - has gone through 12 SMs.  And I was not able to do the most recent production.  Would everyone who ever did a reading or workshop get their fair percentage of a certain percent?

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dallas10086

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Given in one year, I helped develope 7 new musicals at various stages, I am just not sure how this would be regulated . . . One of the shows that was in a very long incubation - has gone through 12 SMs.  And I was not able to do the most recent production.  Would everyone who ever did a reading or workshop get their fair percentage of a certain percent?

This coupled with Michelle's point about profit makes me think this won't become the standard. With $500,000/week in profits I can understand why the cast would see the opportunity to work towards a profit share arrangement, given the odds of a musical being that successful.

KMC

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It's cool that the producers of this show are willing to share profits - it's their profit and should be dispensed at their discretion.

In terms of actors (and SMs, musicians, technicians, costumers, etc.) looking for a negotiated share of profits on future shows - the bar to clear is this: if you would like X% of profit, are you willing to either A) assume X% of liabilities if the show is a financial loser and/or B) work for a lower salary or nothing for the chance of a windfall later?  The answer, of course, is no.  So it'll likely be a non starter.
« Last Edit: Apr 21, 2016, 04:22 pm by KMC »
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