Residuals are compensation paid to performers for use of a motion picture or television program after its initial use. For TV work, residuals begin once a show starts re-airing or is released to video/DVD, pay television, broadcast TV or basic cable. For film work, residuals begin once the movie appears on video/DVD, basic cable and free or pay television.
All performers hired under or upgraded to a principal performer agreement whose performance remains in the final product qualify. This includes performers, professional singers, stunt performers, stunt coordinators, pilots, dancers employed under Schedule J and puppeteers.
Payment depends on license agreements, the project’s commercial viability and when and how often the product airs. However, as long as the product is generating revenue for the producer, the performer is entitled to residuals (based on contract year and under which type the project was produced).
Between 1.5 million and 1.6 million paper checks are processed each year by the Guild’s Residuals Department.
After a performer dies all residuals will continue to flow to designated heirs as long as the TV or movie product continues to generate revenue for the producer.