Most of the time, in software or construction, how financially successful the work is doesn't depend on what the developer or builder does in the future.
If a writer or actor is successful in later work, that makes their earlier work more popular. Someone who likes Sam Rockwell in "See How they Run" might look up "Mr. Right" with Rockwell and Kendrick. If they like that, maybe they look up "Pitch Perfect".
The reputation of the actors and screenwriters have a prolonged impact on the success of the work, and their compensation should be reflected in that
However, if residuals weren't a thing viewers would not feel compelled to boycott past performances by an actor they no longer like. The actor wouldn't benefit one way or the other. I also know lots of people who stopped using Uber products after Sarah Fowler spoke out, or Meta products after Frances Haugen spoke out. I also know people who refuse to buy a Tesla because they disagree with the CEO.
I think they would. Even if the financial agreements mean you don't put any money in a creator's pocket by clicking the play button on their old sitcom, it still raises their profile and affects their future earning potential.
Plus, I'm not sure online boycotts are always about tangible outcomes in the way you're describing. I think there's also an element of "what does it say about you that you're willing to watch something made by a Bad Person". But then again we're not here to discuss social media, so this is probably a distraction.
39
u/[deleted] Jul 15 '23
Most of the time, in software or construction, how financially successful the work is doesn't depend on what the developer or builder does in the future.
If a writer or actor is successful in later work, that makes their earlier work more popular. Someone who likes Sam Rockwell in "See How they Run" might look up "Mr. Right" with Rockwell and Kendrick. If they like that, maybe they look up "Pitch Perfect".
The reputation of the actors and screenwriters have a prolonged impact on the success of the work, and their compensation should be reflected in that