Actor's Cut: Income From Film Profits
With corporatisation of the film industry, top actors are increasingly opting for co-production models to get a slice of their films' profits

Apart from their regular acting fees, Bollywood actors are looking at different revenue models to increase their income from movies they’re a part of. In the co-production model, actors themselves get into the production of the film: They often charge less than their market rate, and get a share of the profits the film goes on to make. Studios are obliging them, as it cuts costs and reduces risks. Partnerships have taken on different forms, as even young Bollywood actors, including Abhay Deol and Anushka Sharma, are turning co-producers. Deals are often complex and not very clearly spelt out.
The old model has evolved, with companies like Shah Rukh Khan’s Red Chillies Entertainment, and Aamir Khan Productions structuring complex co-production deals. Usually, the films are produced in partnership with big studios like UTV or Eros. A-list actors work for a (lower than usual) fee, plus a share of profits. Akshay Kumar is known to insist on profits from the Punjab territory. Others have similar deals for Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
First Published: Dec 23, 2013, 06:15
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