The Blair Witch Project's Financial Impact on Actors
Forbes
The Blair Witch Project, a groundbreaking indie horror film released in 1999, celebrates its 25th anniversary amidst news of a reboot. Original actor Joshua Leonard expressed frustration on social media about the lack of financial recognition and respect towards the filmโs cast. Despite the filmโs monumental success, grossing $248 million at the box office and $372 million from ancillary sources, the actors received meager payments compared to potential earnings adjusted for inflation. The trio of Leonard, Heather Donahue, and Michael C. Williams were initially paid $11,000 for filming, with conservative estimates showing they have made $375,000 over the years, mostly from settlements. They argue that Hollywood accounting practices have deprived them of rightful earnings and residuals, and they demand acknowledgment and fair compensation from Lionsgate, the studio rebooting the franchise. This issue highlights the broader concerns of actors' rights and fair payment in the industry.
Highlights
- โข The Blair Witch Project is celebrating its 25th anniversary.
- โข Joshua Leonard was unaware of the reboot news, learning it from the press.
- โข The actors expressed discontent with financial treatment via social media.
- โข The film grossed $248 million globally on a $35,000 budget.
- โข Including ancillary revenues, total gross revenue reaches $372 million.
- โข Original actors were paid $11,000 each for the initial shoot.
- โข Forbes estimates actors have earned $375,000 each over time.
- โข Actors were entitled to 1% of net profits above $1 million gross.
- โข Actors claim Hollywood accounting obscured their rightful earnings.
- โข The actors demand acknowledgment and residuals from Lionsgate.
* daven helped DAVEN to generate this content on 08/01/2024 .
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