In our column that takes you inside the world of media we exaplin why equal pay for actors should not be a thing | Cinemas ban Wicked fans from a certain behaviour | ABC Chair Kim Williams wants more money for the national broadcaster.
WATCH: A VIDEO VERSION OF THIS ARTICLE IS AVAILABLE IN THE PLAYER ABOVE
DOES THE ABC DESERVE MORE MONEY?
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ABC Chair Kim Williams addressed the National Press Club yesterday with begging bowl in hand, asking for more funding from the Federal Government.
While acknowledging the ABC receives over $1B per year, Williams explained “that the budget allocation has not kept pace with rising costs,”.
“We have also expanded our physical footprint while other media services have contracted. So not only does the ABC have less, but it is more efficient and provides more,” Williams continued.
*WATCH THE COMMENTS IN THE PLAYER ABOVE
While I greatly respect and admire Kim Williams, the ABC is simply facing the same reality of its commercial competitors – although cutbacks at the national broadcaster have not been as severe.
Every commercial newsroom across this country in TV, print and radio is doing more with less – that’s just the way it is in 2024. The resources at the ABC are still the envy of other networks, where people often roll their eyes at the idea of the ABC not having enough funding.
While Williams made a lot of good points about misinformation and the importance of journalism, his call for more funding has not gone down well with many.
PAY PARITY OUTRAGE
Outrage is brewing on the internet over a rumoured pay gap between the two lead actresses in Wicked. It has been reported Ariana Grande, who stars as Glinda Upland, earned $15 million. Her co-star Cynthia Erivo received $1 million for her part as Elphaba Thropp.
Cue outrage the two stars did not get the same fee.
I’ll come back to that in a moment.
But in a twist worthy of a Hollywood screenplay, a spokesperson from Universal films has told The Hollywood Reporter that “Reports of pay disparity between Cynthia and Ariana are completely false and based on internet fodder. The women received equal pay for their work on Wicked”.
Cue my outrage.
Why should these two women get equal pay?
Ariana Grande is a global superstar who will bring in a mass audience. Personally, I have never heard of Cynthia Erivo before (and I’m not having a go at her when I say that). A quick look at her credits suggests she has never had a breakout role before and her casting in this film. This role seems like the opportunity of a lifetime, which is fantastic for her, but not a casting that is likely to bring in a mass audience like her superstar co-star.
Pay parity has no place in Hollywood.
Actors, especially, should be paid for the value they bring to a production and the audience they are likely to draw.
You might remember there was outrage a few years ago when it was revealed The Crown’s Queen Claire Foy was paid less than co-star Matt Smith, who portrayed the Duke of Edinburgh.
At the time I couldn’t understand why this was an issue. Matt Smith had just come off playing one of television’s most iconic characters – The Doctor in Doctor Who. I’m sure he wasn’t being paid as much as the actor he replaced – David Tennant – because Tennant was a bigger star and for Smith it was an opportunity at stardom.
So, after playing the Doctor, he commanded a higher fee when he landed his next gig.
It was the same here for Claire Foy. Yes, she was playing the lead character but she wasn’t yet a star.
That’s how it works.
Now, if a female star is being paid less than a man with a smaller profile, that is a problem. Otherwise, it comes down to negotiating yourself (through your agent) the best deal.
The idea of pay parity for actors is a bizarre notion, especially when the ‘worth’ of an actor is based on box office (or ratings) return.
WICKED SING-ALONG
Still on Wicked and theatres have been forced to ban moviegoers from singing along to the box-office breaking film.
Yes, it has come to this.
Apparently, some fans have been a bit too enthusiastic, prompting cinemas across the US to make post flyers asking patrons to resist exercising their vocal chords.
“To our guests seeing Wicked” the flyer says. “We ask that you allow everyone to enjoy the cinema experience. Please refrain from singing during the show.”
It does my head in that people even need to be told this. A movie is not a concert, other people don’t want to hear you singing over the film just because you think you’re special for knowing all the words.
For some the need to sing along is so great, special screenings will be held at Christmas where fans can belt out their favourite tunes along with the movie.
Shouldn’t be annoying at all.
BEST OF THE BEST
Next week, something new. Every Thursday we’re going to highlight the best story of the week from any platform, from any company.
So, if you’ve seen something of note, let me know at rmcknight@seven.com.au.
INSIDE MEDIA is published every Monday and Thursday.
Rob McKnight is the co-owner of TV Blackbox.