Obsession Cast and Crew Allege Underpayment Despite Film's Record Box Office Success
The art director of the blockbuster film Obsession publicly disclosed earning only $6,761 after taxes despite the film grossing over $250 million, sparking industry debate about fair compensation. The film was made on a $750,000 budget with all payments based on one month of work, at a time when no one anticipated the unprecedented commercial success. The controversy raises questions about how profit-sharing and bonuses should be structured for microbudget films that become massive hits.
Art director Sally Choi revealed on Instagram that she earned $6,761 after taxes ($300 per day) on Obsession, which is projected to gross over $250 million. Choi noted that many crew members were volunteers and that she performed multiple roles including set dressing, graphic design, and background acting. Unconfirmed reports suggest lead actor Inde Navarrette earned only $20,000 on the film. The entire production operated on a $750,000 budget with contracts negotiated before the film's unprecedented success, meaning compensation was based on expected scope rather than actual returns. Industry analysts note that profit-sharing arrangements are rare outside of major A-list actors with significant leverage, though the massive disparity between production costs and box office returns has reignited debate about fair compensation structures for breakout hits.
What's missing
The article does not discuss whether the production company or studio has made any voluntary bonus payments or offered additional compensation following the film's success, nor does it address what industry standards exist for profit-sharing in independent or microbudget films that become blockbusters.
How coverage differed
Forbes frames this as a nuanced issue requiring hindsight perspective, emphasizing that crew members benefit from career advancement opportunities rather than direct financial compensation. The article suggests Choi may have damaged her professional reputation by speaking out, implying her public disclosure was strategically unwise rather than focusing solely on the fairness question.
What different sources said
- ForbesCenter
Why ‘Obsession’ Actors And Crew Were Allegedly ‘Underpaid,’ Despite Record Success
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