Originally Posted by BagBerry13

Gilda, I hope you understand that I can't really take your opinion as an objective one IYKWIM. Actors as well as athletes and politicians are these kind of professions that are highly overpaid for what they are doing. They don't better the world. They're pretending to be someone else, they play their favorite sport or they lie for a living. Those profession don't deserve a bit to get that much money. I wouldn't say a thing if the same amount of money would go to doctors, teachers or any other profession that actually works their a*s off to help the world or humanity. So the little things actors have to "bear" (intrusion of privacy which we know can be avoided by adapting your lifestyle) for getting so much money can be taken by them. If the intrusion is so "hard" they should just move from LA because let's be real nowhere else it's as intense as there. If they really love the profession of acting they could work at a theatre for less or anywhere else. But it's about the money and fame for them so nope, no compassion for them. Amen! Exactly. And we know that Beige is calling the paps because she's still getting photographed even though she hasn't done anything in 2 years except jewelry and being a professional girlfriend. I don't see Macaulay Culkin getting photographed at all and we know how much he worked lately. Or Daniel Radcliffe who actually has done something lately (or in the past anyway). So yeah she's calling the paps to stay relevant. It's a fact.

EXACTLY! I totally agree and I couldn't have said this better myself.

WOW - Way Out West music festival in Gothenburg, Sweden got a free live stream. Right now Florence and the machine are on stage ......and I'll be there tomorrow to see First Aid Kid, Wilco and Bon Iver

http://www.wayoutwest.se/live




Edit: Alex is up for a Tubie as "Best Actor". Vote here http://www.televisionwithoutpity.com...s/nominees.php

Originally Posted by BagBerry13

Gilda, I hope you understand that I can't really take your opinion as an objective one IYKWIM. Actors as well as athletes and politicians are these kind of professions that are highly overpaid for what they are doing. They don't better the world. They're pretending to be someone else, they play their favorite sport or they lie for a living. Those profession don't deserve a bit to get that much money. I wouldn't say a thing if the same amount of money would go to doctors, teachers or any other profession that actually works their a*s off to help the world or humanity. So the little things actors have to "bear" (intrusion of privacy which we know can be avoided by adapting your lifestyle) for getting so much money can be taken by them. If the intrusion is so "hard" they should just move from LA because let's be real nowhere else it's as intense as there. If they really love the profession of acting they could work at a theatre for less or anywhere else. But it's about the money and fame for them so nope, no compassion for them.

Oddly enough, I have a lot more patience with "overpaid" athletes than I do actors. Athletes - especially those in full contact sports - risk their lives with every injury, and a few million dollar post-career surgeries can wipe out any saving they have done.

Originally Posted by xxxKAYLEIGHxxx

WOW - Way Out West music festival in Gothenburg, Sweden got a free live stream. Right now Florence and the machine are on stage ......and I'll be there tomorrow to see First Aid Kid, Wilco and Bon Iver http://www.wayoutwest.se/live Edit: Alex is up for a Tubie as "Best Actor". Vote here http://www.televisionwithoutpity.com...s/nominees.php

WOW Have a good trip Spot A Skars And have a blast
And thanks for the links

Originally Posted by xxxKAYLEIGHxxx

WOW - Way Out West music festival in Gothenburg, Sweden got a free live stream. Right now Florence and the machine are on stage ......and I'll be there tomorrow to see First Aid Kid, Wilco and Bon Iver http://www.wayoutwest.se/live Edit: Alex is up for a Tubie as "Best Actor". Vote here http://www.televisionwithoutpity.com...s/nominees.php

Thank for the link!!!!!!!

Originally Posted by xxxKAYLEIGHxxx

WOW - Way Out West music festival in Gothenburg, Sweden got a free live stream. Right now Florence and the machine are on stage ......and I'll be there tomorrow to see First Aid Kid, Wilco and Bon Iver http://www.wayoutwest.se/live Edit: Alex is up for a Tubie as "Best Actor". Vote here http://www.televisionwithoutpity.com...s/nominees.php

Have an AWESOME time, Kayleigh!!

I'm going to play devil's advocate here:

Actors like Alex (and I'm talking about him specifically because I think generalisations are just lazy) get paid a lot of money because we, the fans go see his films, watch his series, give his posts massive hits on gossip sits and importantly, because he does good work..so to have a crack at him because he's done well and gets paid for it seems....hypocritical.

Many famous stars say they get paid all that money because it pays for the loss of privacy. I believe that as well. Lots of those same actors also have problems with paparazzi that step over the line.

With regards to Alex and his "complaints", the only thing I've seen him mention are the paps.There have been lots of comments such as "its his job", "the paparazzi are just doing their job", "it comes with the territory". Fine. Point taken and there is truth in that, however would any of us put up with harassment in our workplace? How would we react if we were told that just because we earn a decent salary we should shutup, sit down, play nice and accept whatever harassment comes our way....because its our job?. That sounds like it's encouraging not only bad behaviour but a culture of silence. Not all, but some of these paparazzi are really nasty. Anyone that has seen video of them on either TMZ or other bottom feeders knows what I'm talking about.

Alex is incredibly popular, increasingly so...but does that mean he shouldn't be allowed the same freedoms as the rest of us?

Freedom of speech and the right to one's opinions gets bandied about a lot here, yet when Alex makes a complaint about the paps, he needs to be quiet? When he makes a comment about his life, as opposed to just commenters sitting on a forum doing it, he needs to take a seat because he's done well and is nearing the top echelon for his craft? OK. Good logic there.

Sounds more like backlash against economic hardship or some other "ship" to me.

Also...just to point out...we're on a forum where people regularly spend upwards of $5k on a handbag, and the forum's motto is "shallow obsessing, strongly encouraged".....I guess people who are doing well and who can afford the latest Hermes or what have you should take a seat and not express their opinions as well? That wipes out a lot of threads .... and more importantly... a lot of interesting people.

Originally Posted by FreeSpirit71

I'm going to play devil's advocate here: Actors like Alex (and I'm talking about him specifically because I think generalisations are just lazy) get paid a lot of money because we, the fans go see his films, watch his series, give his posts massive hits on gossip sits and importantly, because he does good work..so to have a crack at him because he's done well and gets paid for it seems....hypocritical. Many famous stars say they get paid all that money because it pays for the loss of privacy. I believe that as well. Lots of those same actors also have problems with paparazzi that step over the line. With regards to Alex and his "complaints", the only thing I've seen him mention are the paps.There have been lots of comments such as "its his job", "the paparazzi are just doing their job", "it comes with the territory". Fine. Point taken and there is truth in that, however would any of us put up with harassment in our workplace? How would we react if we were told that just because we earn a decent salary we should shutup, sit down, play nice and accept whatever harassment comes our way....because its our job?. That sounds like it's encouraging not only bad behaviour but a culture of silence. Not all, but some of these paparazzi are really nasty. Anyone that has seen video of them on either TMZ or other bottom feeders knows what I'm talking about. Alex is incredibly popular, increasingly so...but does that mean he shouldn't be allowed the same freedoms as the rest of us? Freedom of speech and the right to one's opinions gets bandied about a lot here, yet when Alex makes a complaint about the paps, he needs to be quiet? When he makes a comment about his life, as opposed to just commenters sitting on a forum doing it, he needs to take a seat because he's done well and is nearing the top echelon for his craft? OK. Good logic there. Sounds more like backlash against economic hardship or some other "ship" to me. Also...just to point out...we're on a forum where people regularly spend upwards of $5k on a handbag, and the forum's motto is "shallow obsessing, strongly encouraged".....I guess people who are doing well and who can afford the latest Hermes or what have you should take a seat and not express their opinions as well? That wipes out a lot of threads .... and more importantly... a lot of interesting people.

I think Alex is very aware of his good fortune and doesn't want to complain about things like the paps too much. I think he's aware of how it sounds. But when they're papping him while he's grocery shopping, he's got a point.

And since the the end of last year when he's home (whether in LA or Stockholm) he's pretty much able to avoid them (not that Stockholm is overrun with paps). It's when he's on location that he's easier to find.

I also don't see him complaining about spending time singing autographs or posing for photos, even there are times, like last fall in NYC, where it must have been exhausting at times. He does appreciate the fans.

Originally Posted by FreeSpirit71

I'm going to play devil's advocate here: Actors like Alex (and I'm talking about him specifically because I think generalisations are just lazy) get paid a lot of money because we, the fans go see his films, watch his series, give his posts massive hits on gossip sits and importantly, because he does good work..so to have a crack at him because he's done well and gets paid for it seems....hypocritical. Many famous stars say they get paid all that money because it pays for the loss of privacy. I believe that as well. Lots of those same actors also have problems with paparazzi that step over the line. With regards to Alex and his "complaints", the only thing I've seen him mention are the paps.There have been lots of comments such as "its his job", "the paparazzi are just doing their job", "it comes with the territory". Fine. Point taken and there is truth in that, however would any of us put up with harassment in our workplace? How would we react if we were told that just because we earn a decent salary we should shutup, sit down, play nice and accept whatever harassment comes our way....because its our job?. That sounds like it's encouraging not only bad behaviour but a culture of silence. Not all, but some of these paparazzi are really nasty. Anyone that has seen video of them on either TMZ or other bottom feeders knows what I'm talking about. Alex is incredibly popular, increasingly so...but does that mean he shouldn't be allowed the same freedoms as the rest of us? Freedom of speech and the right to one's opinions gets bandied about a lot here, yet when Alex makes a complaint about the paps, he needs to be quiet? When he makes a comment about his life, as opposed to just commenters sitting on a forum doing it, he needs to take a seat because he's done well and is nearing the top echelon for his craft? OK. Good logic there. Sounds more like backlash against economic hardship or some other "ship" to me. Also...just to point out...we're on a forum where people regularly spend upwards of $5k on a handbag, and the forum's motto is "shallow obsessing, strongly encouraged".....I guess people who are doing well and who can afford the latest Hermes or what have you should take a seat and not express their opinions as well? That wipes out a lot of threads .... and more importantly... a lot of interesting people.

Free, very well put, especially the last part. I think Alex or anyone who is recognizable in the business and lives in LA puts up with the paps and probably should expect it, I don't think that's the worst thing he has to deal with. Nor does he make a huge thing out of it, although he clearly doesn't love it. However, I honestly don't know how he tolerates the fan stuff - twice this week in NYC while eating out, I was sitting right near "famous" people who got a constant parade of fans, gawkers, whatever parading up to the table or walking by. I would go nuts and definitely not be 1/3 as polite as the individuals who had to deal with it behaved. I don't know how he or anyone else with a bit of fame does it, even if it is flattering and necessary to keeping their popularity high.

Re the conversation that started this - the per episode payment - most of these actors, unless they are Tom Cruise, only have the leverage to negotiate their salary and that's all they get. No merchandise/syndication rights/etc are usually in the offing unless it is a franchise that they came into with a lot of inherent power in place and helped get it produced in the first place. Having worked in Marketing a long time, all of those licenses and merchandise and tie-in rights are carved up and sold without much going to the actual actors themselves. Not too many of them make any sort of decent money consistently compared to how many available actors are out there. I don't really begrudge the few that do make it.

Originally Posted by scaredsquirrel

Free, very well put, especially the last part. I think Alex or anyone who is recognizable in the business and lives in LA puts up with the paps and probably should expect it, I don't think that's the worst thing he has to deal with. Nor does he make a huge thing out of it, although he clearly doesn't love it. However, I honestly don't know how he tolerates the fan stuff - twice this week in NYC while eating out, I was sitting right near "famous" people who got a constant parade of fans, gawkers, whatever parading up to the table or walking by. I would go nuts and definitely not be 1/3 as polite as the individuals who had to deal with it behaved. I don't know how he or anyone else with a bit of fame does it, even if it is flattering and necessary to keeping their popularity high. Re the conversation that started this - the per episode payment - most of these actors, unless they are Tom Cruise, only have the leverage to negotiate their salary and that's all they get. No merchandise/syndication rights/etc are usually in the offing unless it is a franchise that they came into with a lot of inherent power in place and helped get it produced in the first place. Having worked in Marketing a long time, all of those licenses and merchandise and tie-in rights are carved up and sold without much going to the actual actors themselves. Not too many of them make any sort of decent money consistently compared to how many available actors are out there. I don't really begrudge the few that do make it.

I think it would be nice if HBO threw them a little something extra (above and beyond iPads), but they don't have to. Now, if the series goes past their contract time and HBO wants to keep them and the series, it might get interesting.

Very well put Free and Squirrel!

There's plenty that goes in to working out actors' rates of course, but fundamentally it's pretty simple economics: they are worth (or considered to be worth) X amount to a project, and so they are paid the accordant Y. Does any one individual "deserve" that sort of cash? Arguably not, but if it didn't go to them it would just stay in a producer's pocket - unfortunately the reality is, it wouldn't find its way to any doctors!

I think it's worth bearing in mind also that we are aware of a tiny handful at the pinnacle of their careers - the vast majority if not all toiled away in obscurity, dealing with rejection after rejection, and being paid a pittance if at all, for many years before landing a gig like True Blood. Theatre jobs are few and far between these days (and often barely pay a living wage), so "just go do theatre" isn't actually reasonable (same goes for indie or European film, incidentally), and if you want to work in LA, you pretty much have to live in LA.

Every actor I know (and I know a lot!) is deeply passionate about what they do. Fame = success in our industry, so yes, the ambitious do get a kick out of being famous to some extent, but I promise you, no sane person goes into acting (or the industry at all) for the money. In Hollywood, visibility = a better shot a parts because financing can be dependent on a particular actors perceived ability to bring audience, so many of those dismissed by some here as "famewhores" are simply working the system to get a shot at quality roles - and those who aren't considered famewhores are just doing a more subtle job of it.

Of course there are exceptions and I am far from saying that they're all perfect flowers who should be patted on the head and given chocolate at all times (trust me, I know the obnoxious side of actors better than most!), but by and large actors just want to work and be successful and yeah, enjoy the perks without necessarily selling their souls, just like the rest of us!

Originally Posted by FreeSpirit71

I'm going to play devil's advocate here: Actors like Alex (and I'm talking about him specifically because I think generalisations are just lazy) get paid a lot of money because we, the fans go see his films, watch his series, give his posts massive hits on gossip sits and importantly, because he does good work..so to have a crack at him because he's done well and gets paid for it seems....hypocritical. Many famous stars say they get paid all that money because it pays for the loss of privacy. I believe that as well. Lots of those same actors also have problems with paparazzi that step over the line. With regards to Alex and his "complaints", the only thing I've seen him mention are the paps.There have been lots of comments such as "its his job", "the paparazzi are just doing their job", "it comes with the territory". Fine. Point taken and there is truth in that, however would any of us put up with harassment in our workplace? How would we react if we were told that just because we earn a decent salary we should shutup, sit down, play nice and accept whatever harassment comes our way....because its our job?. That sounds like it's encouraging not only bad behaviour but a culture of silence. Not all, but some of these paparazzi are really nasty. Anyone that has seen video of them on either TMZ or other bottom feeders knows what I'm talking about. Alex is incredibly popular, increasingly so...but does that mean he shouldn't be allowed the same freedoms as the rest of us? Freedom of speech and the right to one's opinions gets bandied about a lot here, yet when Alex makes a complaint about the paps, he needs to be quiet? When he makes a comment about his life, as opposed to just commenters sitting on a forum doing it, he needs to take a seat because he's done well and is nearing the top echelon for his craft? OK. Good logic there. Sounds more like backlash against economic hardship or some other "ship" to me. Also...just to point out...we're on a forum where people regularly spend upwards of $5k on a handbag, and the forum's motto is "shallow obsessing, strongly encouraged".....I guess people who are doing well and who can afford the latest Hermes or what have you should take a seat and not express their opinions as well? That wipes out a lot of threads .... and more importantly... a lot of interesting people.

Yep, because Askars is who we are discussing on this forum so what he does, whether I agree with it or not, is what I'm going to comment on. Yeah, freedom of speech and the right to one's opinion does get bandied about here and since this isn't supposed to be an Orwellian forum, I expect people to agree to disagree or not agree at all.

No, I don't expect Askars to be silent, but actors who complain about being inconvenienced in some way is annoying to hear or read about especially when they get sooooo many perks for what it is they do. Thank God that Askars is one of the few actors who seems to complain the least...or so it seems.

I don't know about any economic hardship backlash since I've never had the luxury of making even close to the salaries these actors make, (and note: that's the profession I chose and obviously it wasn't for a large paycheck) but I do know when actors are whining about having it so hard when they can't fathom what hard is...at this point in their lives.

For the record, I didn't join this forum for its expansive collection of purses. I joined this forum, when I did, to discuss Askars and all aspects of him, be it positive or negative. The group of Posters from when I joined has obviously changed ( unfortunately, it's kind of an "Askars can do no wrong" slant these days), but I will continue to add my two cents whether I agree with someone or not. As I've said in the past, I will always state my opinion whether people care to hear it or not just as I expect others to state theirs.


*Also for the record Free, I say all of this to say, that I do see and understand your point.

Originally Posted by somethingaboutu

Excellent points! Much agreed. It's like he is expected - or they are- to be absolutely perfect and just deal with whatever is thrown their way.

For the amount of money these actors make, they had better be absolutely perfect and deal with whatever comes their way! What tha' h-e-double hockey sticks! I know I certainly expect it.

*Okay, I'm actually kidding THIS time. Well...a little .

Originally Posted by BuckeyeChicago

I think Alex is very aware of his good fortune and doesn't want to complain about things like the paps too much. I think he's aware of how it sounds. But when they're papping him while he's grocery shopping, he's got a point. And since the the end of last year when he's home (whether in LA or Stockholm) he's pretty much able to avoid them (not that Stockholm is overrun with paps). It's when he's on location that he's easier to find. I also don't see him complaining about spending time singing autographs or posing for photos, even there are times, like last fall in NYC, where it must have been exhausting at times. He does appreciate the fans.

I do agree with this post Buckeye. Askars does seem to be aware of his good fortune and does seem to keep his complaints to a minimum, which is a good thing. Yeah, being papped while grocery shopping is a bit much. I have to admit that I wouldn't like the paps following me around Whole Foods supermarket while I'm constantly tasting the samples. If it were me, the paps would get a face and a camera full of hummus! But then again, if I chose that particular profession, I would kind of expect to be followed by the paps.Not saying it's right, but I would expect it.

I'll leave the who gets to say what stuff to the side, because I honestly don't care if people hold opinions that aren't mine, as long as everyone gets to speak and are not drowned out. Equally or more so, I don't appreciate anyone who comes here and feels like they have to stomp on others in the name of 'protecting' Alex, that's even crazier to me. The only thing I'll flag that I don't think is accurate is the "Askars is not to be touched, he is a god" label on people who post here that I hear every now and then (and not just from Mik's comment above, it just prompted my thinking). Sure isn't me, and not everyone else here, that's why we get in these debates. In fact, since a number of us post on other threads here, I'll say most of those are a whole lot more sunny on some actors, usually hot men, who can be pointed at much more directly for being fame and perkwhores than Alex is, but it doesn't happen and that seems to be just fine. It's the nature of following someone, I doubt we follow anyone because we're not positively leaning for that person (or else we're masochists to keep looking at it, hence, no Bosworth thread!).

Where it always gets murky here is beyond talking about what someone's body of work comprises or our view of that work or potential for future work. We don't know these celebs as people personally and we're only guessing at what they do or say or believe so to go beyond that starts to draw some division. I'm guilty of it, will continue to be, it's what gossip is and makes it kind of enjoyable at times, but it's just speculating. I personally think most famous people shouldn't be set up to be admired or role models, they would deeply disappoint on that front, and they aren't equipped to do it. My expectations are low and stay low in terms of them having to think what I think or do with their money what I might do in the same situation. We used to beat the h*ll out of the whole 'Alex should be more charity-oriented' dialogue and I just can't get there because I'm not him and I don't need him to model my behavior. But understand that isn't how other people see it, no fur off my back, so we'll probably have this discussion more often than not. And Alex will continue to wear jeans that make his a** look bad even if I write three pages of posts begging him not to...

Originally Posted by scaredsquirrel

I'll leave the who gets to say what stuff to the side, because I honestly don't care if people hold opinions that aren't mine, as long as everyone gets to speak and are not drowned out. Equally or more so, I don't appreciate anyone who comes here and feels like they have to stomp on others in the name of 'protecting' Alex, that's even crazier to me. The only thing I'll flag that I don't think is accurate is the "Askars is not to be touched, he is a god" label on people who post here that I hear every now and then (and not just from Mik's comment above, it just prompted my thinking). Sure isn't me, and not everyone else here, that's why we get in these debates. In fact, since a number of us post on other threads here, I'll say most of those are a whole lot more sunny on some actors, usually hot men, who can be pointed at much more directly for being fame and perkwhores than Alex is, but it doesn't happen and that seems to be just fine. It's the nature of following someone, I doubt we follow anyone because we're not positively leaning for that person (or else we're masochists to keep looking at it, hence, no Bosworth thread!). Where it always gets murky here is beyond talking about what someone's body of work comprises or our view of that work or potential for future work. We don't know these celebs as people personally and we're only guessing at what they do or say or believe so to go beyond that starts to draw some division. I'm guilty of it, will continue to be, it's what gossip is and makes it kind of enjoyable at times, but it's just speculating. I personally think most famous people shouldn't be set up to be admired or role models, they would deeply disappoint on that front, and they aren't equipped to do it. My expectations are low and stay low in terms of them having to think what I think or do with their money what I might do in the same situation. We used to beat the h*ll out of the whole 'Alex should be more charity-oriented' dialogue and I just can't get there because I'm not him and I don't need him to model my behavior. But understand that isn't how other people see it, no fur off my back, so we'll probably have this discussion more often than not. And Alex will continue to wear jeans that make his a** look bad even if I write three pages of posts begging him not to...

As I've gotten older and seen actors that I did like and admire-Mel Gibson, for example-turn out to be complete a**holes, I've learned to lower my expectations.
Is Alex perfect? No, nor do I expect him to be. As long as he doesn't turn out to be a complete drug addict/racist/homophobic ax murder, I think I'm still going to like him.

Ah, the jeans, well, I think that goes in the 'not perfect' category, no?

Alex and Paula Patton at the photo from "Disconnect"



... and a few words from the article in "La stampa". The article is in Italian, translate into English by Google Translate:

"(...) The perspectives, of course, are different. "Disconnect" by Henry-Alex Rubin depicts a mosaic of humanity in the pain of "exploring the consequences of habit to live anywhere, remaining still in the same place." A couple in crisis and under treatment for infertility is found united and passionate when she is forced to go in search of money that were subtracted on-line, as a result of identity theft. He is a exmarine, interprets the new sex symbol running at Alexander Skarsgard, Stellan son of the famous: "The film is married to Paula Patton - he says - we both have the habit of chatting, ours is a marriage that does not work. At some point someone is going appropriated our identity, because we think we know who may have been, we decided to look for it together. The journey we face to find this thief telematics, starring Michael Nyqvis who is my friend and lives in Stockholm, two blocks away from me, triggers something between us, and eventually get back together. "Skarsgard for the experience was exciting, "It 'a film with twisted tales, a little' as Robert Altman's Short cuts, there are actually entered in, and I found it very well with the director. The entire film revolves around the way people relate to the digital age in which we live. "There is a widowed ex-cop who must deal with a child who practices cyber-bullying against a classmate. There are two parents trying to control the child shy and introverted, musically gifted, who has attempted suicide several times. There is a reporter chasing a scoop wants to convince a teenager recruited to a site just for adults to become the subject of a story that will endanger his career and life of the boy.(...)"

source:http://www3.lastampa.it/cinematv/sez...o/lstp/465240/