Actors, producers and directors each play different roles in the
creation of a play, film, radio-television program or other
performance. Actors interpret a writer’s script and play
characters. Producers are in charge of the production from a
business standpoint and sometimes pay for the project. Directors
supervise the performance details, including cast selection,
sets and the actors. A few actors and directors become famous
for their work and earn huge salaries. Many struggle to earn a
living from the profession and often must take on outside jobs.
For an actor, winning a role even in a small production can be
fiercely competitive. The pay of actors, producers and directors
is based on their ability to land projects, their personal power
to attract audiences and the part of the industry in which they
work. Despite the huge income of a few Hollywood stars, most
actors struggle to earn consistent pay and often work at other
jobs to make ends meet. About 50 of almost 100,000 members of
the Screen Actors Guild