The ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike against Hollywood’s streaming platforms and studios has brought to light the issues surrounding streaming residuals, and actress Mandy Moore is speaking out about her personal experiences. Known for her role as the matriarch in the popular NBC drama ‘This Is Us,’ Moore revealed that she once received a check for just a penny as part of the show’s streaming residuals.
As one of the Emmy-nominated stars of ‘This Is Us,’ Moore spent six seasons captivating audiences with her powerful performance. However, despite the show’s massive success and streaming deal with Hulu, Moore, like many other actors, has faced the challenges of meager residuals. In an interview from the picket line in Burbank, she shared her frustrations, saying, “The residual issue is a huge issue.”
Moore’s sentiments resonate with hundreds of actors participating in the strike. She expressed gratitude for her fortunate position as a working actor but emphasized that the traditional residual model is no longer sustainable for many. “We’re in incredibly fortunate positions as working actors having been on shows that found tremendous success in one way or another,” she said. “But many actors in our position for years before us were able to live off of residuals or at least pay their bills.”
The impact of streaming on residuals is significant, leaving many actors with meager payouts for their work. Moore disclosed that she had received checks as small as 81 cents for the streaming residuals of ‘This Is Us.’ Her business manager even shared instances of residuals amounting to a mere penny or two.
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Katie Lowes, former star of ‘Scandal,’ joined Moore on the picket line and also voiced her concerns about streaming residuals. Reflecting on the past when successful shows could sustain actors for years through re-airing and residuals, Lowes said, “And that just not a reality anymore. The entire model has changed.”
SAG-AFTRA‘s proposal for new media revenue sharing, allowing casts to benefit from their performances’ success on streaming platforms, was rejected by the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), representing streamers and studios like Disney and Apple. The issue of streaming residuals remains unaddressed in the ongoing negotiations.
While actors continue to receive residuals from broadcast network re-airings, the landscape of the industry has shifted in the era of Peak TV. Broadcast networks now prioritize year-round original content, reducing the frequency of scripted episode repeats. As a result, there is a growing demand for streaming residuals among both the Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA. Streamers like Netflix, Amazon, Apple, and Disney do not disclose traditional viewership data, which further complicates the matter. The lack of transparency has become a core issue for both the WGA and SAG-AFTRA.
Mandy Moore and Katie Lowes share a similar acting background, and both have experienced the challenges of navigating the changing industry. Lowes, known for her role in ‘Scandal,’ guest-starred alongside Moore in the final season of ‘This Is Us.’ As prominent members of SAG-AFTRA, they stand in solidarity with their fellow actors, advocating for fair compensation and better treatment in the streaming era.
As the strike continues, actors like Moore and Lowes are raising their voices, shedding light on the issues faced by working performers in the ever-evolving landscape of the entertainment industry. The call for change and fair treatment echoes throughout the picket lines, with hopes that the collective efforts will lead to a more equitable future for all actors.