Q: I recently landed a TV commercial, but I was confused by the payment information. Do I get paid every time the commercial airs or just once?

A: Congratulations on getting a commercial role!

Payment structures for commercial acting can seem very confusing. Before you sign any contracts, you should make sure you understanding just what you're agreeing to. There are various ways you can get paid.

The most basic type of paycheck for commercial acting is the Flat-Fee or Buy-Out. Under this contract the producers pay you per hour on the commercial or a lump sum for the gig. After that they have the unlimited right to your work in the commercial, and can use it as often as they like. Local, regional, and non-SAG commercials are often paid this way. Non-SAG commercials can have custom contracts that stipulate where the commercial can be shown, for instance within a particular state, or for how long, which can be many years.

The Wild Spot Fee structure is more desirable, as you're performance is purchased for a period of time, usually around 13 weeks. If your commercial is popular, they can purchase an additional 13 weeks from you for the same price. This can go on indefinitely. I'm sure you've seen TV commercials recently that you could have sworn came out years ago.

The best kind of pay structure is the Residual. With Residuals you're paid for your time on the set, and you're paid an additional fee every time your commercial is aired or purchased. These kinds of contracts are usually reserved for big-budget commercials for national properties, and air during prime-time! Residuals never expire, except under extraordinary legal circumstances.

Again, make sure you understand just what you're being paid for before you sign your name to anything. Do you really want to be the face of an embarrassing medication for four years for a one-time $200 paycheck?

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