WASHINGTON: The upcoming Netflix film The Rip is making headlines even before its release, not just for its stars but for a new deal that puts film crews first.
According to Variety, actors Ben Affleck and Matt Damon have worked with Netflix on a special agreement that could give bonuses to all cast and crew members if the film performs well on the platform.
The move is being seen as a significant step, as streaming films usually pay workers a fixed amount and do not offer extra money even if a film becomes a hit. With The Rip, that system could change.
Speaking to Variety at the worldwide premiere of The Rip in New York on Tuesday night, Affleck emphasised how important he feels a “decent middle wage” is for people working behind the scenes. He also explained why he and Damon wanted a new kind of deal for the film.
“Well, I would not characterise it as, like, an effort to do something commendable or to use a platform. Really, this business is changing, and in order to maintain the integrity of it and to provide the decent middle-class wage that has been standard for decades in this country, you need compensation that works for people. And as you’ve seen, there has been a lot of tumult, change, and transition, so you have to adapt,” Affleck told Variety.
“There’s no guarantee that everyone is going to get rich or be successful, but if you work on a project and it is successful, you ought to benefit from that,” he added.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the deal was made through Affleck and Damon’s production company, Artists Equity. It differs from Netflix’s usual practice, in which cast and crew receive a fixed amount upfront, set in advance.
Under this agreement, all 1,200 people who worked on The Rip will be eligible for a one-off bonus if the film meets Netflix’s performance targets. The film’s performance will be evaluated over its first 90 days on the platform and compared with other Netflix titles.
The Rip follows the story of two Miami cops who discover hidden money. The new pay model is being closely watched, as it could influence how streaming platforms treat film workers in the future.