In a significant move inspired by the ongoing developments in Hollywood, the Kenya Actors Guild has taken decisive action to update its rate cards, aiming to revolutionize the pay structure for actors within the country.
This bold step comes at a crucial time when more than 160,000 Hollywood actors have raised their voices in protest against declining wages and unfair compensation.
The Kenya Actors Guild’s updated rate cards mark a momentous shift in the acting landscape in Kenya.
Here are the updated salaries Kenyan actors will earn per episode and movies in 2023 as compiled by WoK.
Rate Adjustments for TV Series:
For local TV series, seasoned main actors will now receive Ksh30,000 per episode, while junior main actors will earn Ksh25,000 per episode.
Supporting actors, both seasoned and junior, have also seen an increase in their fees, with seasoned actors receiving Ksh20,000 per episode and junior supporting actors being entitled to Ksh15,500.
Background actors with a script are remunerated with Ksh3,000, while those without speaking roles (extras) will receive Ksh1,500.
These adjustments reflect the Guild’s commitment to recognizing the efforts of all actors, regardless of their roles in the production.
Global Recognition for Kenyan Actors:
If a Kenyan actor lands a main lead role in an international TV series, the remuneration escalates significantly.
The main lead actor is entitled to an impressive $2,500 (Ksh355,125) per episode, while the main supporting actor will earn $2,000 (Ksh284,100) per episode.
Enhanced Rates for Local Films:
The Kenya Actors Guild’s proactive stance is not limited to TV series; it also extends to the local film industry.
Main actors in local films will now receive Ksh15,000 per day, a substantial increase from the previous rate of Ksh5,000.
Similarly, main supporting actors will see a significant rise in their daily compensation, with their rate being adjusted to Ksh12,000 per day from Ksh3,500.
Junior main actors can now charge Ksh9,000 per day, while junior supporting actors will earn Ksh6,000 per day, both receiving an increase from their previous rates of Kh5,500 and Sh3,500, respectively.
These adjustments aim to ensure that emerging talents are not undervalued and are fairly compensated for their contributions to the creative process.
Global Context
The Kenya Actors Guild’s proactive approach comes amid a period when the global acting community is grappling with significant challenges related to fair compensation and working conditions.
In Hollywood, more than 160,000 actors have joined forces through organizations like the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) to advocate for improved wages and revenue sharing from major streaming platforms such as Apple, Amazon, Netflix, NBC Universal, Sony, Paramount, and CBS News.
SAG asserts that these streaming platforms have been hesitant to engage in meaningful negotiations to secure better rates for performers, leading to financial hardships for many actors.
As streaming platforms continue to dominate the entertainment landscape, the urgency for equitable compensation and fair working conditions has become even more critical.
