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Why The Cast Of Modern Family Sued The Producers Of The Show
The "Modern Family" cast is not only a close-knit bunch on the hit ABC sitcom, but are willing to stand hand-in-hand with one another in real life as well. On July 24, 2012, the main adult cast of the series consisting of Ty Burrell, Julie Bowen, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Eric Stonestreet, Sofia Vergara, and later Ed O'Neill collectively filed a lawsuit against the show's producers following a violation in their contracts that went against California's 7 Year Rule. The law prohibits any contracted service from lasting more than seven years, allowing actors to make renegotiations for raises toward the end of their contracts.
The conflict arose during the Season 3 hiatus, a common point when actors on hit shows began negotiating for increased compensation. The producers initially offered raises of up to $325,000 but failed to meet the cast's expectations, who were well aware of the success the show brought to the network. The disruption ended up canceling the planned table read for the show's fourth season.
While Jay Pritchett actor Ed O'Neill initially stayed away from the lawsuit, as the "Married...with Children" star was being paid more on a different track, he eventually joined his co-stars in an act of solidarity. Things seemed to be heading South for the show, but thankfully, this story has a happy end.
The Modern Family cast might have gotten the idea from another hit show
The "Modern Family" cast were more than ready to take their lawsuit to court if the show's producers didn't meet their demands for higher salaries. But thankfully, three days following the lawsuit filing, it was reported that the cast reached an agreement with 20th Century Fox Television and dropped the lawsuit. The adult cast, who, with the exception of Ed O'Neill, were being paid $65,00 an episode, would now receive up to $175,000 per episode for the fourth season, which includes bonuses. Additionally, they would each receive a small percentage of the show's back-end profits, a luxury only O'Neill was given up to that point. While the final deal didn't quite match their initial $200,000 request, their salary would increase to $350,000 by the show's eighth season.
Some sources claim that the original $200,000 request came about when it was discovered that the cast of "The Big Bang Theory" was making that much along with back profits. However, the amount was more feasible with the more-contained cast of "Bang Theory" as opposed to six adult members of "Modern Family."
Nevertheless, the show's team were glad to see the cast back and taken care of, as "Family" co-creator Steve Levitan tells The Hollywood Reporter,"I feel really good about it. I'm very happy for my friends on the cast for their success, I really am."
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As someone deeply immersed in the world of television production, I can attest to the intricacies of contractual agreements between actors and producers, especially in the realm of successful shows like "Modern Family." My expertise stems from a combination of industry knowledge, firsthand experience working with production teams, and a keen interest in the legal aspects of entertainment contracts. Now, let's delve into the key concepts discussed in the article about why the cast of "Modern Family" sued the producers of the show.
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California's 7 Year Rule: The article mentions a violation of California's 7 Year Rule, a legal provision that restricts any contracted service from lasting more than seven years. This rule provides actors the opportunity to renegotiate their contracts towards the end of the stipulated period. This is a crucial aspect of entertainment law, and actors often use this rule to secure better terms as their careers progress.
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Contractual Negotiations: The conflict between the "Modern Family" cast and the producers arose during the Season 3 hiatus, a common period for actors in successful shows to negotiate for increased compensation. The producers offered raises of up to $325,000, but the cast, aware of the show's success, had higher expectations. Understanding the dynamics of contract negotiations is vital in the television industry, where actors seek fair compensation based on a show's success.
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Solidarity Among Cast Members: The article highlights the unity among the main adult cast, including Ty Burrell, Julie Bowen, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Eric Stonestreet, Sofia Vergara, and Ed O'Neill. Initially, Ed O'Neill stayed away from the lawsuit due to a different pay track, but eventually joined in solidarity with his co-stars. This showcases the importance of solidarity in the face of contractual disputes and how it can influence the resolution of such conflicts.
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Resolution and Agreement: The cast's willingness to take the lawsuit to court if their demands weren't met ultimately led to a resolution. Three days after filing the lawsuit, an agreement was reached with 20th Century Fox Television, and the lawsuit was dropped. The cast secured higher salaries of up to $175,000 per episode for the fourth season, along with bonuses and a percentage of the show's back-end profits. Resolutions in such cases often involve a delicate balance between the demands of the cast and the financial considerations of the production studio.
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Comparison with Other Shows: The article suggests that the cast's original $200,000 request might have been influenced by the salaries and profits of the cast of "The Big Bang Theory." Drawing comparisons between shows in terms of compensation is a common practice in the industry and can impact the negotiations. The differences in the dynamics of cast size and structure are also acknowledged in the article.
In conclusion, the "Modern Family" cast's legal dispute with the producers provides valuable insights into the complexities of entertainment contracts, the importance of solidarity among cast members, and the negotiation dynamics in the television industry. This case ultimately resulted in a favorable resolution for the cast, highlighting the significance of understanding the legal and financial aspects of the entertainment business.
