'Queer Eye' guys, NBC do contract makeover
'Queer' guys cash in
Oct 31, 2003
NBC has come to terms on a new deal for the stars of the hit Bravo series "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy."
Recently completed negotiations have produced a contract awaiting signatures on both sides of the deal, according to sources, who indicated that the Fab Five all received raises more than doubling their original salaries. Although fronted by four different talent agencies -- as well as various managers and lawyers -- the Fab Five representatives banded together in order to command equal pay.
Cultural icons seemingly overnight, the stars of "Queer" are fashionista Carson Kressley, interior-design guru Thom Filicia, food-and-wine expert Ted Allen, lifestyle maven Jai Rodriguez and hair- and skin-care maestro Kyan Douglas.
The new deal also guarantees that a specific number of the new episodes will be repurposed on NBC in primetime, which would pay out additional dollars to the hosts in each instance. They were not remunerated by NBC for the repurposed episodes during the first season.
In addition, NBC retains approval rights to any endorsement deal that explicitly mentions the Fab Five nickname -- the trademark to which the network co-owns with "Queer" production company Scout Prods. The hosts are reportedly entertaining numerous offers for commercial appearances.
Individually, however, the Fab Five are free to pursue deals without NBC oversight. The new contract also provides more wiggle room for them to participate in other outside projects but nothing that could pose a potential competitive threat like a regular role on another TV series.
The "Queer" quintet returned to the negotiating table with new agents in tow after the first season to remedy the relative pittance they made at $3,000 per episode. Their new deal doles out at least $8,000 per episode, according to one source familiar with the deal.
Last month, NBC ordered 40 new episodes of "Queer" from Scout Prods. (HR 9/26). The series' initial 13-episode run, which began in July, was an instant ratings hit for Bravo and performed well in select airings on NBC.
NBC declined comment, as did representatives for the Fab Five, including ICM, which represents Kressley; WMA, which represents Filicia and Allen; Mark Turner of Abrams Artists Agency, who represents Rodriguez; and Endeavor, which represents Douglas. Rodriguez and Douglas also were repped in the deal by attorney Jeanne Newman.
Recently completed negotiations have produced a contract awaiting signatures on both sides of the deal, according to sources, who indicated that the Fab Five all received raises more than doubling their original salaries. Although fronted by four different talent agencies -- as well as various managers and lawyers -- the Fab Five representatives banded together in order to command equal pay.
Cultural icons seemingly overnight, the stars of "Queer" are fashionista Carson Kressley, interior-design guru Thom Filicia, food-and-wine expert Ted Allen, lifestyle maven Jai Rodriguez and hair- and skin-care maestro Kyan Douglas.
The new deal also guarantees that a specific number of the new episodes will be repurposed on NBC in primetime, which would pay out additional dollars to the hosts in each instance. They were not remunerated by NBC for the repurposed episodes during the first season.
In addition, NBC retains approval rights to any endorsement deal that explicitly mentions the Fab Five nickname -- the trademark to which the network co-owns with "Queer" production company Scout Prods. The hosts are reportedly entertaining numerous offers for commercial appearances.
Individually, however, the Fab Five are free to pursue deals without NBC oversight. The new contract also provides more wiggle room for them to participate in other outside projects but nothing that could pose a potential competitive threat like a regular role on another TV series.
The "Queer" quintet returned to the negotiating table with new agents in tow after the first season to remedy the relative pittance they made at $3,000 per episode. Their new deal doles out at least $8,000 per episode, according to one source familiar with the deal.
Last month, NBC ordered 40 new episodes of "Queer" from Scout Prods. (HR 9/26). The series' initial 13-episode run, which began in July, was an instant ratings hit for Bravo and performed well in select airings on NBC.
NBC declined comment, as did representatives for the Fab Five, including ICM, which represents Kressley; WMA, which represents Filicia and Allen; Mark Turner of Abrams Artists Agency, who represents Rodriguez; and Endeavor, which represents Douglas. Rodriguez and Douglas also were repped in the deal by attorney Jeanne Newman.
Share on LinkedIn
