How do soap actors get paid??

[lylabellablueyes]

Do they get a standard amount each month. Or do they get it yearly. Or.... Do they get it per episode.

Just wondered as some are only in a few episodes throughout storylines, like Heather from Eastenders for instance?? :-)

[Buenchico]

From the 14th-20th May 2011 edition of Radio Times:

"Across Emmerdale, Coronation Street and EastEnders, the pay structure is the same: actors get a fee per episode, which can range from £400 to £2000, with a guaranteed number of episodes a year (as few as 30 or as many as a 100) and a repeat fee. Salaries can therefore range from £12,000 to well over £200,000, depending upon popularity. For example, a middle-ranking actor on EastEnders can get 65 episodes per year at £1,100 each".

Chris

[boxtops]

I guess it's on a contract basis, they are probably paid when they work (like all actors), and not when they don't. That's why some seem to get so much, actors can spend an awful lot of time "resting".

[lylabellablueyes]

Great answers. Thanks x

[Maydup]

In the well known soaps the main characters have an annual salary and a fixed term contract. They are paid regardless of the story lines, but have to attend everyday as they do minor appearances, like being in the pub and on the market when others are in the forefront. Their contract are renogciated each year by their agents.

If they want to do other work they have to ask for a release to their contract. Its rare for them to be allowed a short term release and they often have to take the plunge and quit altogether, so the offer has to be good.

The ones who work on and off and rest in between times are the minor roles and the walk on parts.

[supersuezy24]

Hi Lyla, A woman I used to work with used to rent a house with some friends, her landlord was an actress from Hollyoaks, she played one of the Mcqueens, can't recall her first name, she only got paid for each episode she was in.