There’s a fascinating article in this week’s Entertainment Weekly about CSI, focusing on how the original actors feel about the tense (and ongoing) salary negotiations and the multiple spin-offs. William Petersen is getting $500,000 an episode, Marg Helgenberger is getting $200,000 and George Eads, Gary Dourdan and Jorja Fox are getting $100,000. Only Petersen is happy about the paycheck… but they are all pissed about the spin-offs.
Helgenberger is equally tense: ”One moment you are on something inspired and innovative, and the next minute you are the quasi-blond chick on one of those crime-solving shows,” she says. ”I’m a little bit nauseous from having been force-fed some humble pie.”
The cast, despite the big paycheck, are getting creatively restless as well.
“I get really bored just having to hold the flashlight up higher — which is one of the directions I get.” [Helgenberger says] Petersen, naturally, is even more blunt: ”I try and stay awake, and for me, that’s fresh at this point,” he says sarcastically.
What effect does CSI:New York have on the original CSI show?
Just stumbled across your blog and noticed that you write well and use spell check.
Great blog!
I may write well (that’s open to debate), but I certainly don’t use spell check! I’m glad you’re enjoying my blog.
Actors biting the hand that feeds them. What about this surprises me? That’s right, nothing!
I can see their point somewhat, but this attitude really bothers me. As soon as I stop enjoying the show, I’m going to stop watching just to spite them!
Can be decent viewing at times – but really …. if you’re not happy with your job (even with a bumper paycheck) – then go find other work.