What's my TV deal point worth?

February 13, 2014 6:48 AM

I am working on a TV series. My deal gives me a point on the show. I vaguely understand this means one percent of the show's profit, but have no idea of that this actually means in terms of potential compensation.

Without getting too specific: The show will be on a cable network with a track record of successful shows. So let's say the show I'm working on is successful along the lines of a dramatic scripted series like Homeland or Boardwalk Empire. What might my point be worth?

posted by anonymous to Media & Arts (4 answers total)

Is your point on the net (profit after expenses, roughly) or the gross (straight-up gross income)? There's a huge difference between the two.

More importantly, do you have an agent or a manager? If so, ask them about this; it's their job. (If no, it might be worth considering. Agents and managers do the work of understanding the money so you can get the best possible deal. It's an industry with a ton of accountants who are really, really good at making sure nothing shows a profit.)
posted by pie ninja at 7:00 AM on February 13, 2014 [4 favorites]

Yeah-- with film the points basically mean nothing. With TV-- I don't know.
posted by egeanin at 8:32 AM on February 13, 2014

This is definitely a question for your management, or if you have an accountant/financial manager type person who deals with your loan out and related Money Stuff You Have To Know If You Work In The Entertainment Industry. Someone at the WGA or Producers' Guild could probably tell you, as well.
posted by Sara C. at 8:58 AM on February 13, 2014 [2 favorites]

Usually points really come into play upon sale into syndication. You will get compensation once the show is making profits, usually a few seasons in if it gets that far, but maybe sooner, depending on the financing. But the big money is when it sells in reruns for 1M/episode (or whatever.) One point on one show that gets to syndication is all I pray for. Also, there's a great book called "Small Screen, Big Picture" that's really informative about stuff like this.
posted by buzzkillington at 12:02 AM on February 14, 2014 [1 favorite]