Hollywood's shift to streaming is rewriting the script for stars' big paydays
CNN
Like other changes to entertainment distribution through the years, the studio shift toward streaming — hastened by the unforeseen consequences of the pandemic — has Hollywood talent and their representatives demanding a different way to be paid.
Scarlett Johansson's lawsuit against Disney over the simultaneous streaming release of "Black Widow" marks perhaps the most significant push back thus far, setting the stage for a significant battle that promises to rewrite the rules over how stars get paid. While Johansson received an upfront salary for starring in the movie — $20 million, according to Disney's response to the lawsuit — her complaint notes that making the film available via Disney+ enhanced the value of the streaming service but reduced box-office revenue, depriving her of "box office bonuses" that would be calculated based on what "Black Widow" earned in theaters.More Related News