I've always wondered what's the standard procedure when pornstars get payed for doing scenes and movies. Is it generally cash or check payment right after the scene, or do most get a monthly salary from their agency?
I think most pay by check because they want written record for their tax prep. Personally, I pay in cash and talent seems to prefer it that way. No concern about getting paid. I've had talent complain about other producers and see cash payment as a way to differentiate my business.
Isn't it hard to find clients without an agent? well I'm glad for you sake that you get all the money yourself and don't have to share with an agency =)
Sometimes, yes. If I want work, I need to contact the producers myself. If I was in LA, I don't doubt it would be far easier, but even from Wisconsin, I still make it work. Agents, at least some of the ones I've dealt with, have seemed kind of lazy. The best two I've worked with were Sophie Dee's husband, Lee, and Mike from Monster Modelz out of NYC. Both represented strongly, chased down any lead they could, and charged a fair rate. They also respected my limits and made an honest effort. Neither tried to rip me off or tell me that I couldn't book my own work when outside the city they represented. I don't want to get into the shitty agents, but at least two are out of business. An agent has two things a solo girl tends not to: A large number of contacts, and the ability to provide a kill fee if a girl doesn't show or otherwise fails to live up to her end of a shoot. The contacts you can curate on your own, the kill fee, not so much. For example, I know how to get a hold of Porno Dan from Immoral Productions, but because I'm not represented by an agent, he's unlikely to ever book me for a shoot. He has no financial guarantee that I'd show up, on time, and ready to work, so it isn't worth it to him to take that risk. Billy Watson, on the other hand, I could probably call tomorrow and be in LA next month shooting a Blacks on Blondes gang bang or something. I've worked with Billy before, he knows he can trust me, and there's no risk. Same for Eric Jover at Ultima DVD, or the very amazing folks at Kink.com. So, my options aren't as wide as, say, a Spiegler Girl, though I'd take a chance on an agent again with him, but I'm not completely without options.
Contract girls get a salary from the company they are contracted too. Digital Playground, Wicked, and Vivid are the main/largest companies who do this. The other 99% of performers receive either cash, check, or occasionally payroll after each scene. This is known as same day pay, where cash & check go directly to the performer. Payroll is typically sent to the agency (occasionally the performer) 2-6 weeks (sometimes more :P) after the scene. A common misconception is that agency's pay the talent. Rather, the talent pays his or her agent. The usual commission is 10-15%. To me, the benefit of having an agent is to make the established contacts. As a relative newbie I don't have Penthouse or Elegant Angel's casting directors on speed dial ;) but my agent does! Also companies will generally seek out the agencies rosters for talent, rather than individuals, for the reasons that Clayra stated. If you've been established in the business (such as Sara Jay or Lisa Ann) the need for an agent is eliminated, as you are obviously frequently requested and have many contacts. :) Emma
I learn something new every day, and today it's the kill fee. That's a first for me. I work with amateurs and would love to be able to collect a kill fee. I had a new girl no-show for an appointment yesterday. Curious what the kill fee is typically and how does it work. Thanks
I'm surprised to hear most performers get paid with a check. Other than from the big/major studios I would assume in these troubled times the performers would be taking a chance accepted a check. I figured there'd be chance that the check bounces.
^ The other side of the coin is that getting paid by check is better for proving your income tax filing is accurate. If you get paid in cash then it is your word versus the producer's or, worse, the opinion of the IRS.
My understanding is a 1099 is required if you pay any one individual more than $600 in any one calendar year. If producers are looking to help talent evade taxes, they put themselves are risk also. I try to avoid illegal tax situations. Remember, 2257 documentation makes it difficult to say the product doesn't exist. I've always reported my porn income completely even though I know others don't.
Contract girls would receive a W2 and have taxes deducted. Possibly other benefits like signing bonus, insurance and other incentives (selling x amount copies and such could be included. Non contract girls are basically independent contractors who receive a 1099 and pay their own taxes [ you pay higher FICA, Medicare and double Social Security tax, there is cap on Social Security] (cap should be around $140k) this means you are liable only to pay social security tax up to $140k, but normally increases on a yearly basis. You are basically a day laborer. I'm sure companies offer pay on same day as an incentive for performers to show plus most ppl in the business seem to have a problem saving money because of cost of living, drug issues or over spending on non essentials. Being an independent contractor is okay for those who are young and don't have has many responsibilities but for long term it's risky, also no medical insurance is another out of pocket expense or take a chance and go without. No glamour for independent performers.
Hazel Heart Interview
Posted - Feb 16 2012 : 3:26PM