The Town with Matthew Belloni cover image

The Town with Matthew Belloni

Equal Pay, Equal Stake: A Filmmaking Experiment

Dec 6, 2024
Clint Bentley and Greg Kwedar, renowned filmmakers behind 'Sing Sing' and 'Jockey,' delve into their revolutionary payment model where everyone on set, from actors to production assistants, earns the same rate. They explore the perks of equitable compensation in film, emphasizing transparency and collaboration among all contributors. Their discussion highlights how this model not only supports fair pay but also fosters a strong team mentality. Plus, they touch on Tom Cruise's legendary coconut cakes and predict possible Oscar nominations.
33:26

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The innovative payment model in 'Sing Sing' eliminates pay disparities by providing equal compensation and equity to all participants, reinforcing shared value.
  • Despite challenges in larger productions, the filmmakers advocate for scalable elements of their model, promoting sustainable filmmaking without sacrificing artistic integrity.

Deep dives

Equitable Payment Model in Film Production

An innovative payment model was implemented in the film 'Sing Sing', allowing all participants, from the lead actors to production assistants, to receive equal pay based on the SAG minimums. This approach aimed to eliminate pay disparities that typically exist in film productions, reinforcing the idea that everyone involved holds the same intrinsic value in the project. This model not only provided pay raises for lower-wage workers but also meant more veteran actors took pay cuts. This equal compensation structure highlights a shift in the industry towards prioritizing collective ownership and profit sharing.

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