Cast compensation for TV appearance

Their pay is not enough!

ColiesMom;75352 wrote:
Their pay is not enough!

That is the truth! Some cast members would probably do the challenges for nothing, which fights against a united front for the entire cast to receive better compensation. In a discussion yesterday with a challenge veteran, we calculated the compensation at @ $8.92 per hour.

V1man;75354 wrote:
In a discussion yesterday with a challenge veteran, we calculated the compensation at @ $8.92 per hour.

6 weeks at a $9000 flat fee?

V1man;75354 wrote:
That is the truth! Some cast members would probably do the challenges for nothing, which fights against a united front for the entire cast to receive better compensation. In a discussion yesterday with a challenge veteran, we calculated the compensation at @ $8.92 per hour.

Wow yeah that compensation is pretty minimal, considering what they probably make in their everyday lives. At the same time, though, I'm sure the exposure is worth more than the money and there's nothing like an all expense paid "vacation" :) I had just always wondered when they said there was a $100,00 prize (or whatever the amount for the season was) how that compared to what they were already making.

Also, when the cast wins prizes (as opposed to cash) for the challenges, do they have to get the prize or can they get the monetary value. For example, I am watching the Inferno right now and the prize for the Wrap and Roll challenge is a motor scooter. So would they be able to just get the cash for the prize and not the prize. Sorry if this is a petty question... it's just one of those things that always crosses my mind when I watch the show.

RRRWJunkie;75553 wrote:
Also, when the cast wins prizes (as opposed to cash) for the challenges, do they have to get the prize or can they get the monetary value. For example, I am watching the Inferno right now and the prize for the Wrap and Roll challenge is a motor scooter. So would they be able to just get the cash for the prize and not the prize. Sorry if this is a petty question... it's just one of those things that always crosses my mind when I watch the show.

The Prize!

ssseeeaaann;75356 wrote:
6 weeks at a $9000 flat fee?

Somewhere someone did the wrong math.

ColiesMom;75558 wrote:
The Prize!

And the tax bill based on the full retail value.

I do remember Svet saying she never got the bike she won on The Duel and got the money instead. And Kendal said that on her season of RR, she never got the trip she won, but was given the monetary value instead. The cast has no choice obviously, but apparently production can replace the prizes.

jr588;75567 wrote:
I do remember Svet saying she never got the bike she won on The Duel and got the money instead. And Kendal said that on her season of RR, she never got the trip she won, but was given the monetary value instead. The cast has no choice obviously, but apparently production can replace the prizes.

Sometimes, six months later when the show airs, the prizes are no longer available. In some cases, the sponsor will make a lesser cash offer. What really sucks is to win somethings you have to then sell on Ebay to pay the tax bill, only to sell if for just enough to cover the taxes.

V1man;75580 wrote:
Sometimes, six months later when the show airs, the prizes are no longer available. In some cases, the sponsor will make a lesser cash offer. What really sucks is to win somethings you have to then sell on Ebay to pay the tax bill, only to sell if for just enough to cover the taxes.

So going by all of that...there's no point in trying to even win the prizes then.

Debut Album;75594 wrote:
So going by all of that...there's no point in trying to even win the prizes then.

I'd just say that one should be aware of the down side to "winning." Sometimes when TJ announces the prizes, production has to get him to do it again, so the cast reaction on tape is more positive. ;)

ColiesMom;75352 wrote:
Their pay is not enough!

I don't know, I may be the only one, but if they get paid a couple grand just to go on a challenge, I feel it's fine -- in fact, plenty. I don't know, that's just me though. They are going on a Real World/Road Rules Challenge to compete for money. It's not like they are really doing a lot of working labor while they are out of the country on these things. They drink, party, hang out, compete, ect. Not many people get that opportunity, so I feel the pay shouldn't even be an issue. But that's just me.

Buck05;75636 wrote:
I don't know, I may be the only one, but if they get paid a couple grand just to go on a challenge, I feel it's fine -- in fact, plenty. I don't know, that's just me though. They are going on a Real World/Road Rules Challenge to compete for money. It's not like they are really doing a lot of working labor while they are out of the country on these things. They drink, party, hang out, compete, ect. Not many people get that opportunity, so I feel the pay shouldn't even be an issue. But that's just me.

Yes it is, and it is not a subject I suggest you ever bring up in the presence of cast members. MTV and BMP make a fortune from these shows and they should not be allowed to do so on the backs of poorly paid and very badly treated cast members.

V1man;75643 wrote:
Yes it is, and it is not a subject I suggest you ever bring up in the presence of cast members. MTV and BMP make a fortune from these shows and they should not be allowed to do so on the backs of poorly paid and very badly treated cast members.

If I ran into a cast member, I doubt I'd bring something like that up ;). It's probably because I am not personally involved, but if I was in their shoes just having the opportunity to go on these challenges would be enough for me. BUT, I can't say that for sure until I'm actually there. I'm not pressing judgment onto those who feel they don't get paid enough, to each their own. I just think getting paid a couple grand to go travel, be on TV, and compete is a pretty good deal.

Buck05;75649 wrote:
If I ran into a cast member, I doubt I'd bring something like that up ;). It's probably because I am not personally involved, but if I was in their shoes just having the opportunity to go on these challenges would be enough for me. BUT, I can't say that for sure until I'm actually there. I'm not pressing judgment onto those who feel they don't get paid enough, to each their own. I just think getting paid a couple grand to go travel, be on TV, and compete is a pretty good deal.

ColiesMom, he's all yours. I give up.

I'm not trying to stir the pot or anything.

This has nothing to do with RW/RR Challenges, but I've been thinking... do people on Big Brother, Survivor, The Mole, ect. get paid to do it? I never knew that for sure.

Buck05;75671 wrote:
This has nothing to do with RW/RR Challenges, but I've been thinking... do people on Big Brother, Survivor, The Mole, ect. get paid to do it? I never knew that for sure.

Yes, there is compensation. Every show is different. People appearing on their second or third reality show are paid more than those on their first one. Tila Tequila was paid $125,000 according to a source close to her show.

V1man;75679 wrote:
Yes, there is compensation. Every show is different. People appearing on their second or third reality show are paid more than those on their first one. Tila Tequila was paid $125,000 according to a source close to her show.

Holy cow!!!! I guess I didn't realize other shows were paying its casts so well... hmm maybe I'll rethink my opinion on the RW/RR challenges. Gosh, that just seems like so much money to do a reality show! Wow.

While I see what Buck is trying to say, because I would love to be on one of these shows, with all the money MTV makes from it you would think MTV would be more generous with compensation. Lord knows they can afford it. Instead, cast members get minimal and production looks stingy. Doesn't seem fair since cast members are basically entertaining America, which is automatic money into MTV's pocket.

Buck05;75683 wrote:
Holy cow!!!! I guess I didn't realize other shows were paying its casts so well... hmm maybe I'll rethink my opinion on the RW/RR challenges. Gosh, that just seems like so much money to do a reality show! Wow.

I completely agree that the cast is being underpaid, I assume Tila made $125,000 because she is the lone star of the show. The people on the challenges share the spotlight with 20 or 30 others.

Buck05;75649 wrote:
If I ran into a cast member, I doubt I'd bring something like that up ;). It's probably because I am not personally involved, but if I was in their shoes just having the opportunity to go on these challenges would be enough for me. BUT, I can't say that for sure until I'm actually there. I'm not pressing judgment onto those who feel they don't get paid enough, to each their own. I just think getting paid a couple grand to go travel, be on TV, and compete is a pretty good deal.

When you consider how much they are losing out on while away, it probably doesn't add up to much. I am currently paid very poorly (aw, being a social worker) but when I have to travel for work and be away for a weekend, I am compensated much better than a bit less than $9 an hour.

hpkhg45;75689 wrote:
I completely agree that the cast is being underpaid, I assume Tila made $125,000 because she is the lone star of the show. The people on the challenges share the spotlight with 20 or 30 others.

Very true.

needsalife;75690 wrote:
When you consider how much they are losing out on while away, it probably doesn't add up to much. I am currently paid very poorly (aw, being a social worker) but when I have to travel for work and be away for a weekend, I am compensated much better than a bit less than $9 an hour.

Yeah, I guess you're right. Okay, you've all convinced me. I wasn't taking into account what they lose by taking the time to actually go take part in these amazing experiences. But, I guess that only goes for those who actually get jobs in between challenges.

Buck05;75693 wrote:
Yeah, I guess you're right. Okay, you've all convinced me. I wasn't taking into account what they lose by taking the time to actually go take part in these amazing experiences. But, I guess that only goes for those who actually get jobs in between challenges.

I'm quite sure all of them have at least some sort of means of income that they do outside of their MTV work, if its not a formal job. Even those who do college tours miss out on 6 weeks of appearances. I doubt anyone could last the many months in between the challenges unless they pretty much won every single one.

Well I know they have SOME form of income... but look at Paula for example. She QUIT her job to go on a challenge. I'm assuming (which is a dangerous thing, but with her I think it's a safe bet) that she gets her money off of MTV appearances and club appearances and what not. That's who I was referring to when I meant "those who have jobs." I don't consider club hopping and touring college campuses a job.

Buck05;75700 wrote:
Well I know they have SOME form of income... but look at Paula for example. She QUIT her job to go on a challenge. I'm assuming (which is a dangerous thing, but with her I think it's a safe bet) that she gets her money off of MTV appearances and club appearances and what not. That's who I was referring to when I meant "those who have jobs." I don't consider club hopping and touring college campuses a job.

Yea, but her time on the challenges causes her to miss appearance opportunities or spring break trips, etc. She uses her MTV name, but those appearances have nothing to do with MTV and BMP can't dock her pay because they gave her a name.

I've already said that I've come to the realization that MTV/BMP could afford to pay the cast more money. I just feel sorry for someone like Johanna (who has a real job and is sacrificing real work time to do the challenge) as opposed to a Paula, who gets all her money off of appearances.

Yea, it must be a pain for someone like Johanna who comes from the UK to a challenge for low pay.