There’s no shortage of criticism about executive pay, but those numbers are, by and large, peanuts compared with the asking prices of Hollywood stars. Some actors demand $20 million or more per film, not including a percentage of the box-office take. So the Business Journal asks:
Are Hollywood stars worth their salaries?
Richard Wortham
Project Coordinator
Carter & Burgess
No. I know they work hard and I’m sure they’re good at what they do, but someone like Leonardo DiCaprio hasn’t been around that long. John Travolta is in that same money bracket. The young stars should at least pay their dues.
Mark Rafalowski <PIC NEWSMAKERS 7/27>
Senior Vice President
Dick Clark Productions Inc.
Yes. In our business, attention is the key issue grabbing people’s attention so they see the film or buy the product. These are the market forces at work, these numbers come out of negotiation. These people bring a certain marketing value to a project. Everyone is happy with these numbers; if they weren’t, they wouldn’t agree to pay them.
John M. Pierce III
Project Manager
The Carson Cos.
Most actors have a really short shelf life, God bless them, so let them get it while they can. A lot of people have just faded out. Take Kevin Costner, for example. I say, go for what you can, while you can get it. Look, it’s a ridiculous amount of money, but we live in a ridiculous world.
Roy Knight
Vice President of Sales
The Bach Corp.
Whenever anyone has as a marketable skill, well, that is worth whatever the market will bear. Clearly with DiCaprio, the skills he has, whatever they might be, are driving the market. Which is how it should be, whether you’re talking about a landscaper, artist, actor or even an executive at an outstanding chocolate company.
James A. Muenzer
Vice President of Design-Build Services
Matt Construction
Yes. If it makes money for the studios, then they are worth every penny.
Steven Spigarelli
Vice President of Group and Member Services
PMI Dental Health Plan
It certainly seems excessive, but as in any industry, it’s important to be competitive in the area of compensation. The entertainment industry is obviously one of the most competitive. As a result, it’s not surprising that celebrity salaries are continuing to escalate. With salaries as high as DiCaprio’s, perhaps I should consider a screen test on my next day off.
