What are Residuals?

Residuals are a form of royalty payment for performers. Residuals mean performers benefit financially in a show’s success when it sells well. Payments are calculated on the basis of sales performance domestically and globally using rules that are set out in industry negotiated agreements.

The Industry refers to these as Actors' Residuals, and the terms for Australian Actors' residuals are negotiated between MEAA and SPA

Residuals – as a generic term – covers Repeat Fees, Ancillary Usage Fees and Residuals fees for TV and online, and Australian Free Television Residual Fees, Making-Of Residual Fees, North American Residual Fees, Performer Net Profit Entitlements and US Network Residual Fees for feature films.

Screenrights manages the Residuals obligation on specific titles that have opted in to the service.