Do actors get paid when their recorded lines are used in STO?

felderburg · April 2023

My google is weak in this area apparently. I'm just curious if all the actors who have their Star Trek episode audio used in STO get paid for that snippet.

mez83 · April 2023

I doubt it. I believe CBS has the right to distribute anything from the shows as they see fit.

spiritborn · April 2023

Yeah I doubt they paid for pre-recorded lines from the shows, obviously for lines recorded for STO they get paid (as least for the first use).

eazzie · April 2023

I am pretty sure if audio used from a ST show is used in game, such as Battle at the Binary then copyright of said audio belongs to CBS and is used in STO with the permission and consent of CBS as all voice acting in STO the actors need to be a member of SAG (screen actors guild)

felderburg · April 2023

mez83 wrote: »

I doubt it. I believe CBS has the right to distribute anything from the shows as they see fit.

But actors get residuals when the shows are aired again, and their likenesses are subject to approval in things like games and comics.

ambassadorkael · April 2023

As far as I understand it, Paramount has the rights to the audio and their contracts for residuals *probably* only apply to re-airings of the shows. That said, I'm not an expert, it's possible Paramount has to pay them something when a line is used for a different medium.

husanakx · April 2023

I imagine it would depend on whom the specific actor in question is. For the older shows probably CBC can do as they like as contracts at that time would not have envisioned video game use. There are plenty of disagreements over streaming as it is not specifically covered in any old contract. For newer actors in newer shows... it would depend I would think on the caliber of the star. The big names almost for sure have residuals for video game and electronic media use... the smaller stars may have signed contracts that essentially gave up residuals for such things.

vetteguy904 · April 2023

I doubt the actors got paid. or even care for the bit lines in measure of morality when all the enterprises show up

crypticarmsman · May 2023

felderburg wrote: »

My google is weak in this area apparently. I'm just curious if all the actors who have their Star Trek episode audio used in STO get paid for that snippet.

There may be a one time residual payment or something along those lines - it would depend on the contract the actor involved signed; OR it could be CBS/Cryptic themselves negotiated with an actor, or his agent to get a release to use the lines.

But in the end, neither the studio nor Cryptic would do something that could get them sued in court.

vetteguy904 wrote: »

I doubt the actors got paid. or even care for the bit lines in measure of morality when all the enterprises show up

And you would be wrong - residuals are a HUGE deal; and any use of their performance in a for profit product would require some type of agreement for use. Again, anytime te performance is used in a 'for profit' setting, you can be sure the actor and their agent want a cut.

Unknown · May 2023

This content has been removed.

Do actors get paid when their recorded lines are used in STO?

Comments