Hot D*mn! Somebody in the US is getting a clue about the Hollywood/Canada hoo-hah.

Now, if only Hollywood would get a clue and lower it's costs by paying actors and producers less money (most directors, writers, and behind-the-scenes types are paid just about right).

Some actors get paid a lot because they're the only thing the producer has to convince investors they aren't sinking their money into a dog. And as for producer's pay, remember who controls the money...

Actors show up, get dressed up as well as made up, go stand where the director tells them, and spout their lines. When they're done, they go back to their trailor untill the director wants them to stand somewhere else and spout a few more lines. They're faces and figureheads; some are to be admired, some are to be pitied.

Have you any clue about what goes on behind the scenes?

Yeah, producers control the money, and that's the *only* reason they get paid so well.

Those behind the scenes--artists, set designers/location specialists, special effects wizards, stunt doubles, etc. are the ones who do the real work.

Oh I agree. Not that I have any personal experience with the movie industry, mind you. But actors do have considerable influence on the box office. I mean, if certain actresses are running around the screen almost undressed, I don't care if the plot makes sense.... And I know that the makeup, costume, and camera persons probably have as much to do with this visual success as the actress, but they are invisible. So it greatly soothes down the investors if you can say, "People will pay $10 for a ticket just to see X and Y on-screen". And that means that X and Y can grab about $20 million each, since without them there might not be any money for shooting at all. And Z might be the best makeup artist in the business, but the investors don't know about her contribution...

Who is it that brings together all those behind-the-stage people? Producer, director, or 2nd assistant flunky? That's who should really be getting the credit.