James McAvoy has shed light on the unpredictable nature of residual payments in the film industry, revealing that checks can vary dramatically, from only a few hundred pounds to as little as 25 pence. During a recent appearance on the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast, hosted by Josh Horowitz, the Scottish actor shared his experiences and insights, particularly reflecting on his role in the 2016 thriller “Split.”
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The actor remarked that while residual income is often erratic, his earnings from “Split” stand out due to the film’s remarkable success. McAvoy pointed out that “Split” was produced on a modest budget of approximately £6 million, with an additional £30 million allocated for advertising. Its triumphant debut weekend saw box office earnings soar to around £40 million, marking a significant profit margin that translated into more substantial residual payments for the cast and crew.
“I think it was made for like £6 million, and let’s say they spent £30 million advertising it, and in our first weekend, we made £40 million,” McAvoy explained. “So, we were in profit. Our first residual check came at the end of the first weekend. It was bonkers.” His praise for the film’s director, M. Night Shyamalan, further illustrated the collaborative effort that led to the film’s financial success.
Shyamalan’s meticulous planning and preparedness were highlighted by McAvoy, who admired the director’s ability to maximise time on set and maintain a focused vision. “Night is super smart in so many ways. The thing that I took away from him was his preparedness,” he said. “He made that film and [2019’s] Glass on incredibly modest budgets.” McAvoy praised Shyamalan’s capability to communicate effectively with both cast and crew, which enabled efficient shooting schedules and ultimately contributed to the films’ commercial successes.
Having portrayed a character with dissociative identity disorder in “Split,” McAvoy was tasked with embodying multiple personalities, a role he found both challenging and rewarding. This performance garnered him critical acclaim and increased his visibility in Hollywood. Moreover, it was on the set of “Split” that McAvoy met his future wife, Lisa Liberati, who was working as Shyamalan’s personal assistant at the time.
McAvoy’s reflections on residuals highlight a common issue within the industry where actors often face uncertainty regarding financial returns from their work. He pointed out that while certain projects may yield significant returns, others might present disappointing earnings, with some actors receiving checks as low as 25 pence. This disparity underlines the unpredictable nature of residuals, which can be frustrating for those in the profession.
Despite the occasional disappointments with residual checks, McAvoy’s focus remains on the artistic and collaborative aspects of filmmaking. His partnership with Shyamalan, particularly on “Split,” has evidently left a lasting impression and shaped his approach to future projects.
As McAvoy continues to navigate the complexities of the film industry, his experiences serve as a reminder of both the challenges and rewards that come with being an actor. With a successful career that spans over two decades, he remains dedicated to delivering compelling performances and engaging stories, while also advocating for fairer practices in an industry that can often be inconsistent in its treatment of talent. The success of “Split” not only bolstered his earnings but also reinforced the significance of strategic filmmaking and collaboration in achieving box office success.