Candlelight Processional Narrators: Are they paid?

[Dizzytime]

Seems like a crass curiosity, don't mean it to be that way, but the we've been debating if the narrators are paid, or maybe (just) get luxury VIP from arrival to leaving including transportation. Or maybe lots of $$$$$. or not?
I have no idea what a big Hollywood star would get for two or three nights doing the CP at DW, but the longer I thought about it I decided it could be a LOT.

Again, just curious, and probably nobody really knows about what DW pays (or not) , but my feeling is it's so impressive that they do come that their motivation to perform At CP in EPCOT must be more than income.

 

[Berlioz70]

Yes, they are paid.

A big part about being a celebrity is making money on special appearances. Appearing in a Disney show/parade/concert/TV spot (Disney 365, etc) is no exception. Some have been public about donating that money to charities they support as they do the show out of the love for it.

 

[reginaastralis]

I think a telling sign is, personally, the amount of people who've come back year after year to do it. Yes, some have a Disney tie-in, but there are others who you can tell genuinely enjoy performing this show, or they wouldn't offer three days of shows, three times a day, no matter the money.

http://www.intercot.com/infocentral/holidays/christmas/cpnarrators.asp

 

[Dizzytime]

The list is impressive, no doubt about it, and the number that have returned is wonderful. Certainly would like to think they get as much pleasure as we get from them being there. They are all outstanding performers, and I'm looking forward to seeing CP again in December.

 

[larryz]

Well, if they're paid more than scale, I'd say something fishy is going on...

 

[TheRustyScupper]

Well, if they're paid more than scale, I'd say something fishy is going on...

1) I don't think these folks work for "scale".
2) Unless, it is in some contract as a Disney or ABC tie-in.
3) Performer "scale" is far too low for these folks.

 

[AmyB2006]

1) I don't think these folks work for "scale".
2) Unless, it is in some contract as a Disney or ABC tie-in.
3) Performer "scale" is far too low for these folks.

Agreed. Some of them are major celebrities. I'm sure they're being paid a pretty penny to be there. They're certainly "volunteering" for Disney perks. LOL

 

[DebbieB]

Well, if they're paid more than scale, I'd say something fishy is going on...

What would be "fishy"? Each celebrity is free to negotiate a contract to appear.

Keep in mind Disney takes in thousands per show with dinner packages plus extra attendance at Epcot (CP is popular with locals). Many times it's the celebrity that draws more people in. It's not a charity event.

 

[Dizzytime]

What would be "fishy"? Each celebrity is free to negotiate a contract to appear.

Keep in mind Disney takes in thousands per show with dinner packages plus extra attendance at Epcot (CP is popular with locals). Many times it's the celebrity that draws more people in. It's not a charity event.

Yes, I can see it's definitely not a charity event. Candlelight Processional is unique enough, given what it is (the time of year and the way it's done), that one tends to think it has nothing to do with money. Just the love of Disney and Christmas is enough for us to be there, so why not the performers too? hah! I guess I see it more clearly now. Whether they get $5000/show, $50,000/show, or whatever scale is?, it seems to be going very, very well.

 

[BlueStarryHat]

Well, if they're paid more than scale, I'd say something fishy is going on...

Scale? Fishy? Are you doing the fish pun thing on purpose?

 

[larryz]

Scale? Fishy? Are you doing the fish pun thing on purpose?

Ding, ding, ding!

That, ladies and gentlemen, was what we call a "Thunderbird Pun" -- right over your heads at 600 miles an hour.

 

[pumpernickel]

Yes

 

[Dizzytime]

Ding, ding, ding!

That, ladies and gentlemen, was what we call a "Thunderbird Pun" -- right over your heads at 600 miles an hour.

yeah, larryz, that was by me.

Thanks for all your replies. Seems like I got the answer: that they do get paid, nobody knows, or is saying, how much (maybe it varies?) and some (at least) donate their fee to charities.
I'm good with that, and know it's really none of my business anyway. So glad to see them all here, and I will put my curiosity to rest with this one.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

. . . Seems like I got the answer: that they do get paid, nobody knows, or is saying, how much (maybe it varies?) and some (at least) donate their fee to charities . . .

As an FYI for Actors Equity (parades, HDDR, etc) . . .
1) WDW Equity is
. . . just under $16/hr for a principle or step-out
. . . about $14/hr for chorus
2) Other Equity bases are
. . . Broadway = about $657/wk
. . . TV shows (eg. Tonight Show) $490/show (the last time I saw the article)

NOTE: Obviously, most actors don't get scale. However, many do it
for free or scale if they have a agreement, such as publicity for an
upcoming movie where it is in their contract to promote the flick. Also,
doing it for free (donation) is not eligible as a tax write-off.

 

[Dizzytime]

As an FYI for Actors Equity (parades, HDDR, etc) . . .
1) WDW Equity is
. . . just under $16/hr for a principle or step-out
. . . about $14/hr for chorus
2) Other Equity bases are
. . . Broadway = about $657/wk
. . . TV shows (eg. Tonight Show) $490/show (the last time I saw the article)

NOTE: Obviously, most actors don't get scale. However, many do it
for free or scale if they have a agreement, such as publicity for an
upcoming movie where it is in their contract to promote the flick. Also,
doing it for free (donation) is not eligible as a tax write-off.

Honestly, I find this very interesting. I had no idea what people earn doing this stuff, and I do appreciate what you're saying about the varying pay, sometimes GREATLY I imagine, and that this is not (necessarily) indicative of what CP performers earn or don't.

Thanks for posting this, TheRustyScupper. Really appreciate it!