The Simpsons, the long running comedy animation show, has been extended for another two series.
Fox announced that a contract dispute between themselves and the cast had been settled and the cast were going to make another two series. The deal struck has not been revealed but according to The Hollywood Reporter the cast agreed to a 30% pay cut. The Simpsons producers had previously said that the current financial model was not sustainable and would have resulted in the show finishing.
In a response the cast had asked for a cut of the merchandising profits. It is know known whether they got this small share but they were willing to accept a pay cut to receive a share of the massive profits from merchandising.
The voice actors currently earn £5.2m ($8m) each per series. This is quite extraordinary and shows the sheer magnitude of the animation. It is one of the biggest television programs all over the world.
Harry Shearer, one of the show’s cast’ said he was told that there were “simply no circumstances under which the network would consider allowing me or any of the actors to share in the show’s success”
Shearer did admit however that the salaries of the cast “were ridiculous by any normal standard”. He also added that he found it hard to believe that this was Fox’s last say on the subject of profit sharing.
Producers had said that a 45% pay cut would be needed in order to keep the program going. They haven’t commented in response to Shearer’s comments, though.
The Simpsons is currently the longest-running comedy series and has is currently in its 23rd series. The show has been broadcast in over 100 countries and it has also been translated into over 50 languages.
Ratings for the latest series have been lower than previous years. 7.1m has been the average in the US, down 14% on the series last year.
US network, Fox, want to increase the revenue from The Simpsons. They have been thinking of running a Simpsons channel devoted to The Simpsons with shows running 24/7.