Sopranos' stars demand pay raise, but HBO will not pay
06-15-06 | 10:24 AM
#1
Thread Starter
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Sopranos' stars demand pay raise, but HBO will not pay
'Sopranos' Stars Warn "Pay Rise or We're Off" [from IMDB]:
Cast members of hit mafia series The Sopranos are demanding higher salaries after the show's bosses secured a string of lucrative rerun rights and staggering DVD sales. Jamie-Lynn Sigler, who plays Meadow, Robert Iler, who plays A.J., Steven Schirripa, who plays Bobby Bacala, Steven Van Zandt, who plays Silvio Dante, Lorraine Bracco, who plays Dr. Melfi, and Tony Sirico, who plays Paulie 'Walnuts', are all demanding a substantial rise before signing up for the final season, set to begin next month. They've reportedly threatened to walk out unless their wages more than double. However, network HBO is only offering a fraction of their demands, and may be forced to write characters out of the series if they don't settle. A source tells the New York Post, "It's coming down to the wire. HBO just doesn't want to pay. No one has deals and they're very far apart. (Show creator) David Chase has tried to help the actors, but even his pleas have fallen on deaf ears. The guys want (a new deal) to happen. These are the last eight episodes, and the money is going to be coming in for HBO for years to come. But the actors get no residuals - and they want to be compensated. They're being treated like dog s**t." An HBO spokesman refused to comment on the pay reports.
More of the cast members should lobby with the ones demanding more for their time and contributions, this way if HBO doesn't pay, they have no show. That's what good about striking. HBO, unless they don't care about a final season, would have no choice but to cave in.
Cast members of hit mafia series The Sopranos are demanding higher salaries after the show's bosses secured a string of lucrative rerun rights and staggering DVD sales. Jamie-Lynn Sigler, who plays Meadow, Robert Iler, who plays A.J., Steven Schirripa, who plays Bobby Bacala, Steven Van Zandt, who plays Silvio Dante, Lorraine Bracco, who plays Dr. Melfi, and Tony Sirico, who plays Paulie 'Walnuts', are all demanding a substantial rise before signing up for the final season, set to begin next month. They've reportedly threatened to walk out unless their wages more than double. However, network HBO is only offering a fraction of their demands, and may be forced to write characters out of the series if they don't settle. A source tells the New York Post, "It's coming down to the wire. HBO just doesn't want to pay. No one has deals and they're very far apart. (Show creator) David Chase has tried to help the actors, but even his pleas have fallen on deaf ears. The guys want (a new deal) to happen. These are the last eight episodes, and the money is going to be coming in for HBO for years to come. But the actors get no residuals - and they want to be compensated. They're being treated like dog s**t." An HBO spokesman refused to comment on the pay reports.
More of the cast members should lobby with the ones demanding more for their time and contributions, this way if HBO doesn't pay, they have no show. That's what good about striking. HBO, unless they don't care about a final season, would have no choice but to cave in.
06-15-06 | 06:04 PM
#2
DVD Talk Limited Edition
I hope HBO rocks its BBC style and just never brings the show back.
Something about the quote "They're being treated like dog s**t" made angry. Sure HBO's going to be raking in the dough, but its not like the actors haven't been given their due over the years.
It's not television, its HBO...well it sort of is just like network television now...but with swearing and nudity.
Something about the quote "They're being treated like dog s**t" made angry. Sure HBO's going to be raking in the dough, but its not like the actors haven't been given their due over the years.
It's not television, its HBO...well it sort of is just like network television now...but with swearing and nudity.
06-15-06 | 08:58 PM
#4
already a thread but the title on this one is easier to understand.
