In the realm of the entertainment industry, when it came to average income levels, film actors stood at the forefront, followed by film directors, film producers, and film screenwriters. After that came television actors, television directors, and television producers. Next were those involved in the music industry, including singers and producers, and then came television screenwriters, cinematographers, and lighting technicians.
On the whole, the film industry formed the apex of the pyramid, followed by television, music, modeling, and hosts. This hierarchy wasn't just reflected in income; the industry status of its practitioners followed a similar pattern. This was the fundamental reason why singers, models, and television actors aspired to step into the world of film, for it was the ultimate battleground of fame and fortune.
Within the television industry, the income for A-list actors could reach as high as one hundred and fifty to three hundred thousand per episode. Experienced supporting actors earned between seventy to a hundred thousand, while newbies generally received a starting salary of ten thousand, capped at twenty thousand. However, the television industry had a unique characteristic—the actors' pay would gradually rise with the increase in the number of seasons. It wasn't uncommon for the lead actors in long-running popular shows to command a million dollars per episode.
In the case of someone like Renly, a fee of twenty thousand per episode was already considered top-tier remuneration. As Roy knew, within the entire "The Pacific" production team, Renly's paycheck ranked third highest, trailing only behind the other two leads, James Badge Dale and Jon Seda. Both of them were seasoned actors who had spent over a decade in Hollywood, although they might have mostly been considered as second or third-tier actors, their experience spoke for itself.
Upon learning the results, Roy was quite astonished. Yet, seeing Renly's calm demeanor, it was actually Roy who was surprised, which caused a wry smile to form on his lips.
On further reflection, among the three core protagonists, "The Pacific" production team had chosen two well-experienced actors, with Renly being the only fresh newcomer. This ability alone was enough to draw attention. Looking at it this way, Renly was definitely not as simple as he might seem on the surface.
As the official agent of SAG, he had encountered countless new actors. Sometimes, he would meet with thirty newcomers in a single day. Responsible for their affairs, he didn't have enough time to truly understand each and every one of them, only striving to fulfill his duties. Yet now, he found himself slightly intrigued by the young man before him.
However, interest was just that—interest. In the vast machinery of the film industry, what was never in short supply were talents, and exceptions as well. But those who could truly carve out a realm of their own were few and far between. A blink of an eye later, Roy had already reverted to his usual self, returning to the business at hand.
"Besides the remuneration, you'll also need to sign a confidentiality agreement, refraining from disclosing any content related to the show in any form before the official broadcast," Roy's pace wasn't fast, but the volume of information he conveyed was substantial. "There are also some basic terms you can read in detail once you get back. If the television station has promotional activities after the show airs, you're required to cooperate unconditionally, at least during the broadcast period."
As a newcomer, Renly had practically no bargaining capital. All the terms were standardized and could be cross-referenced. In this regard, HBO displayed their magnanimity as a top-tier network; all information in their standard contract was clear and concise.
"Before the formal signing, if you have any questions, you can call me. My working hours are from nine to six. Unless you're on the brink of death, don't dial my number at any other time," Roy concluded all the details sternly, as was his habit, and for the time being, his work had reached a temporary conclusion.
Tidying up his belongings, he knew he had to head to Warner Bros. later today. Another set of auditions for a different series awaited him there. He was the official agent sent by the union to be present at any open audition for a TV series or film. Yesterday had been the same for "The Pacific".
But as he watched Renly peruse the contract before him, Roy's actions paused for a moment. In the midst of contemplation, he decided to offer some words of wisdom as an additional gesture, "Big companies like HBO have a fixed process. After you sign the contract, the first advance payment will be credited to your account. Then, after the production of the show concludes, comes the second payment. The final payment will be settled after the show's broadcast. My advice to you is, make good use of your first advance payment, don't squander it."
Renly's gaze lifted from the contract, looking at Roy with a hint of curiosity. "What do you mean?"
Roy shrugged, stating matter-of-factly, "Young actors are often like this—first earnings, wild joy, lavish spending, relishing youth." Then he raised his hands, making air quotes, "yolo". This was an abbreviation for "you only live once", originally meant to encourage people to take risks without fear, as life is lived just once, so make the most of it. However, after excessive interpretation, it took on a sarcastic tone, gradually becoming a cover up for irresponsibility and reckless behavior.
Roy's eye-roll expression was vividly illustrative, and it couldn't help but amuse Renly. "Don't laugh. I'm serious," Roy's tone remained largely unchanged, still as decisive and swift as before, making it hard to tell he was being "serious". "Many newcomers, after getting their advance payment, either impulsively buy a luxury car and flaunt it around, or they surrender it all to drug dealers, indulging themselves. The most common occurrence is throwing lavish parties, inviting a bunch of friends to squander. But let me tell you, that's the most foolish behavior."
This was Roy's friendly reminder, "If you want to continue down the path of an actor, or if you want to secure a place in Hollywood, you need to be smart about it."
This time, Renly felt Roy's kindness and sincerity. Generally, such advice would only be given by professional agents to their artists. Official public agents like Roy only needed to ensure these new actors didn't fall into legal loopholes; that was sufficient.
Renly knew about this thanks to Chris.
During the phase of being a rookie actor, self-investment was crucial. Even if it wasn't necessary to relentlessly build muscle like Chris did, maintaining a good physique was essential. Crafting an image with wardrobe choices was a bottomless pit that required consistent effort over the months and years, especially in the age of social media where street photography was the trend. As one's status rose to a certain level, even details like one's car or jogging shoes would become part of personal image investment, and so on.
Behind the glamorous world of Hollywood and its substantial income, expenses flowed like water—a designer evening gown costing tens of thousands of dollars was just the tip of the iceberg.
Chris was currently under the supervision of his agent, rigorously managing his earnings. Unexpectedly, Roy had offered personal advice as well.
Renly gazed at Roy, earnestly expressing his gratitude, "Thank you."
Roy could sense the sincerity in Renly's words. It seemed that he had truly taken his advice to heart, a rarity among new actors. Reflecting on it, Renly was about to star in "The Pacific", a project collaboratively created by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks. Not only that, he had secured the highest remuneration for a newcomer actor. Maybe, just maybe, this young man had the potential to become another top-tier superstar.
But this intuitive sensation passed in a flash. Roy soon chuckled self-deprecatingly, reminding himself that Hollywood saw a constant influx of new actors; there were hundreds of them if not a thousand. Where would so many top-tier superstars come from? He was indeed overthinking things today.
Nodding, Roy offered his response, "Apart from that, do you have any other questions?"
"Yes," Renly nodded, "I'm interested in the schedule for the shoot."
"Right," Roy recalled, "On Monday, come over to collect the script. On Friday, there'll be a preliminary meeting for all cast members. The specific details will be discussed in that meeting. I'll let you know the time and location of the Friday meeting when you come over on Monday."
"Okay," Renly briskly nodded and then stood up, "I'm done here. I won't disturb you further."
Roy didn't stand on ceremony either. He quickly packed up his briefcase and left the office with Renly. Roy left the guild building directly, while Renly entered the lobby, searching for Chris.
With ease, Renly spotted Chris, surrounded by admirers, sitting behind a desk. There were three women and one man with him. Chris was animatedly conversing, and the others were all smiles, creating a lively atmosphere.
As Renly contemplated whether he should interrupt their cheerful mood, Chris noticed him first. Chris lifted his right hand high in greeting, "Hey, buddy." Renly also waved in response and walked over, "How's it going?" Chris asked eagerly.
Renly courteously nodded in acknowledgment toward the four people beside Chris, "Finished, everything went smoothly." Succinct and clear, without any unnecessary elaboration, "I'm planning to head to the library to do some research. What about you?"
Chris had originally wanted to inquire about the specifics—such as which role Renly was playing, the situation on the set, or his earnings—but Renly didn't give him a chance. "Library?" Chris's enthusiasm instantly waned as he stretched out in a big yawn, "I'm heading to the gym later. Let's forget it. Shall we meet at my place tonight?"
Renly gestured "ok" and nodded again to the four people, "Have a great day." Then he turned and walked away, his steps gradually fading along with the chorus of laughter that soon followed. The sound, coupled with the footsteps, gradually grew fainter until it vanished completely.
The remuneration for starring in "The Pacific" was a total of $140,000—a mere drop in the bucket in Hollywood. However, this marked Renly's first income as an actor. It also meant that from today on, Renly's journey as an actor had finally set sail!