All reality television stars are not created equal. Some reality TV cast members are hauling in millions through their contracts, while others aren’t making much at all. The cast of the iconic MTV reality TV show, “The Real World,” for example, did not make much per week. However, their rent was paid. The cast of “Vanderpump Rules,” meanwhile, collected a mere $5,000 for the entire first season of the show, Reality Tea reported. Despite the fact that these reality TV stars didn’t make much money per episode, they weren’t exactly stuck in dead-end jobs either.
The Trade-off
What reality TV might not pay per episode it makes up for in plenty through publicity. Cast members on a reality TV show who only make a few hundred dollars per episode can leverage their publicity to get an endorsement deal worth many times that.
If shows are breakout hits, of course, stars may be able to negotiate better-paying contracts, but that depends on the sort of show. While the stars of “Vanderpump Rules” eventually were able to increase their pay grade, their television show was based on their lives. They were in a position to negotiate. “The Real World” lives on with new casts. For this reason, MTV can keep salaries relatively low.
Endorsement deals
In cases where the television show isn’t dependent on a single personality to continue, it would be wise for cast members to explore endorsement deals. All sorts of reality TV celebrities have endorsement deals, including the Kardashian clan. Khloe Kardashian recently began working with Kybella, which offers a non-surgical procedure to remove double-chins, according to plastic surgeon Glenn Vallecillos.
These agreements are the source of revenue for reality TV stars who are on shows that don’t pay well. The publicity, in many cases, can be as good as money, because it can easily lead to large contracts to endorse products or appear at events.
Understanding Chattel Paper: A Key Component in Secured Transactions
Using chattel paper to obtain a security interest in personal property is a powerful tool. It can ensure lenders have a legal claim on collateral ranging from inventory to intellectual property. To reduce risk and protect your legal rights, businesses and lenders should understand the legal framework. This framework governs the creation, sale, and enforcement […]
For years, digital assets operated in a legal gray area, a frontier where innovation outpaced the reach of regulators and law enforcement. In this early “Wild West” phase of finance, crypto startups thrived under minimal oversight. That era, however, is coming to an end. The importance of crypto compliance has become paramount as cryptocurrency has […]
Supreme Court and Title VII: Implications for Reverse Discrimination
Earlier this month, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision in Ames v. Ohio Department of Youth Services vitiating the so-called “background circumstances” test required by half of federal circuit courts.1 The background circumstances test required majority group plaintiffs pleading discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act to meet a heightened pleading standard […]
Special purpose acquisition companies (better known as SPACs) appear to be making a comeback. SPAC offerings for 2025 have already nearly surpassed last year’s totals, with additional transactions in the pipeline. SPACs last experienced a boom between 2020–2021, with approximately 600 U.S. companies raising a record $163 billion in 2021. Notable companies that went public […]
Short Form Merger: Streamlining the Process for Businesses
Merging two companies is a complex legal and business transaction. A short form merger, in which an acquiring company merges with a subsidiary corporation, offers a more streamlined process that involves important corporate governance considerations. A short form merger, in which an acquiring company merges with a subsidiary corporation, offers a more streamlined process. However, […]
Tariff Response Options for Small Businesses Facing Financial Distress
The Trump Administration’s new tariffs are having an oversized impact on small businesses, which already tend to operate on razor thin margins. Many businesses have been forced to raise prices, find new suppliers, lay off staff, and delay growth plans. For businesses facing even more dire financial circumstances, there are additional tariff response options, including […]
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!
Explore What Matters Most to You.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.
Let`s get in touch!
Sign up to get the latest from the Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC attorneys!
