The entertainment industry in South Africa is filled with talent and opportunities, but understanding how actors are paid reveals a more complex picture. Contrary to popular belief, actors don’t earn every time their work airs. Instead, payment structures vary based on the type of project, role, and contractual agreements.
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Payment Structures for TV Commercials in South Africa
TV commercials offer one of the most transparent payment systems, consisting of two main components: day rates and usage fees.
- Day Rate:
This is the amount paid per day for time spent on set. Factors influencing this rate include the actor’s experience, the type of role (lead, supporting, or extra), and the production’s budget.
For example, day rates can range from R1,500 to R5,000 for extras, while leads may earn significantly more. - Usage Fees:
These are calculated based on where and how long the commercial will air (e.g., TV, online, or cinema). Longer campaigns and ads airing on multiple platforms command higher fees.
Usage fees are typically paid upfront to cover the ad’s full airing period. For instance, usage fees can range from R20,000 to R100,000 or more, depending on the campaign’s reach and duration.
Actors in commercials are advised to practise financial discipline since future work isn’t guaranteed.
How TV Series and Soapies Pay Actors in SA
The payment model for actors in TV series and soapies differs from that of commercials. Actors are paid based on their roles and presence on set:
- Day Rate:
Supporting actors and those appearing in specific episodes are paid per day of filming. Day rates for these roles typically range from R2,000 to R5,000. - Global Sum:
Lead actors often receive a monthly payment (akin to a salary) that covers their work over a set period. This amount can range from R30,000 to R100,000+ per month, depending on the production and the actor’s experience.
However, once paid, actors do not earn royalties or additional income when the show is broadcast, regardless of its popularity.
The South African entertainment industry continues to captivate audiences with soapies like Uzalo and Generations: The Legacy, boasting millions of viewers every day. Uzalo, for instance, attracts an impressive 9.88 million viewers, while Generations follows closely with 9.1 million viewers.
Contrary to popular belief, high viewership doesn’t always translate to the highest-paid actors. While some lead actors in Generations: The Legacy earn top-tier salaries, actors in Uzalo highlight the financial challenges within the industry, often pursuing other avenues like radio presenting and event hosting to supplement their income.
Uzalo Actor Salaries (2020)
Despite being South Africa’s most-watched soapie, salaries for Uzalo actors reflect the disparity in pay across the industry:
- Mangcobo (Lead Actress): R40,000 to R55,000 per month.
- Nkunzi (Lead Actor): R40,000 to R50,000 per month.
- Mamlambo: R35,000 to R45,000 per month.
- Sibonelo: R25,000 to R35,000 per month.
- Nonka: R20,000 to R30,000 per month.
- Sbu: R30,000 to R40,000 per month.
- Zekhethelo and Lilly: R20,000 to R30,000 per month.
- Madlala and Mbatha (Supporting Roles): R15,000 to R25,000 per month.
For more details on Uzalo actor salaries, visit EntertainmentSA.
Generations: The Legacy Actor Salaries (2020)
As one of South Africa’s longest-running soapies, Generations offers competitive salaries, especially for its seasoned actors:
- Jack Mabaso (Lead Actor): R120,000 per month.
- Tau Mogale: R90,000 per month before his departure.
- Mazwi Moroka: R35,000 to R40,000 per month.
- Smanga Moroka: R37,000 to R45,000 per month.
- Supporting Actors: R2,500 to R6,000 per call.
Explore more details about these salaries on EntertainmentSA.
Salaries of Top South African Actors in 2023
Some South African actors have achieved significant recognition and earnings in the entertainment industry:
- Rapulana Seiphemo
- Known for his roles as Tau Mogale in Generations and Hector Sebata in The Queen.
- Salary: R120,000 to R135,000 per month.
- Learn more at Savanna News.
- Connie Ferguson
- Famous for her roles as Karabo Moroka in Generations and Harriet Khoza in The Queen.
- Salary: R160,000 per month (2022).
- Motshidi Motshegwao
- Played Naomi in Rhythm City and Florence Nxumalo in the movie Drum.
- Salary: R80,000 per month.
Find additional information at The South African
While shows like Generations pay their leads significantly, supporting actors often earn less, and day-rate actors take home between R2,500 and R6,000 per call. Uzalo, despite its massive viewership, showcases the pay disparities in the industry, with even lead actors earning considerably less than their counterparts in Generations.
Actors in South Africa often diversify their careers to supplement their income, exploring opportunities like event hosting, presenting, and social media endorsements.
South African Acting Agencies per Province
South Africa’s entertainment industry is supported by numerous casting agencies across its provinces, each playing a pivotal role in discovering and nurturing talent. Here’s an overview of notable casting agencies by province:
Acting Agencies in Gauteng Province
- Kingclip Casting, Acting, and Voice Agency
Location: Rosebank, Johannesburg
Notable Talent: Recognised for representing several prominent South African actors. - Legends Actors & Performers Management
Location: Illovo, Johannesburg
Notable Talent: Esteemed for managing a diverse roster of successful actors and performers. - Kids on Camera Casting Agency
Location: Norwood, Johannesburg
Specialisation: Focuses on training and managing young actors for various media productions. - Wendy’s Talent Agency
Location: Maboneng Precinct, Johannesburg
Specialisation: Represents a wide range of talent for TV, film, and commercials.
Acting Agencies in Western Cape Province
- Kool Kids Casting Club
Location: Durbanville, Cape Town
Specialisation: Focuses on casting children for TV adverts, catalogues, magazines, and billboards.
Acting Agencies in KwaZulu-Natal Province
- Forecast Casting & Character Agency
Location: Overport, Durban
Specialisation: Offers selective casting for film, TV, and print campaigns, representing a wide range of artists. - Let’s Face It Cc
Location: Athlone, Durban
Specialisation: Provides casting services for various media, including TV commercials and films.
Acting Agencies in Eastern Cape Province
- Mehlareng Actors and Performers Agency
Location: Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
Notable Talent: Represents actors featured in local productions, contributing to the regional arts scene.
Acting Agencies in Free State Province
- Clear Ocean Casting & Modelling Agency
Location: Bloemfontein
Specialisation: Casts fashion and runway models, actors, and extras for TV productions.
Negotiation and Agents
Negotiation plays a vital role in how much actors earn. Experienced agents can advocate for higher pay rates by showcasing an actor’s talent and previous work. For those without agents, self-promotion and persistence are critical.
Actors are advised to stay authentic during auditions, as producers are looking for specific qualities, not someone trying to fit an imagined mould.
Challenges and Financial Realities
The acting industry in South Africa comes with significant challenges, especially for newcomers.
- Upfront Costs:
Auditions, training, and maintaining a professional appearance require money, even when actors are not actively working.
Costs for professional training can range from R5,000 to R20,000, depending on the institution or workshop. - Income Instability:
Work is often irregular, making financial planning essential. Successful actors frequently diversify their income by exploring other opportunities within the industry, such as endorsements or teaching.