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NBC may be "Friend"-less
if stars don't get bigger bucks
July 14, 1996
Web posted at: 7:10 p.m. EDTLOS ANGELES (CNN) -- They're a tightknit gang. The six friends who plunged into stardom on NBC's hit sitcom "Friends" are sticking together in their demand for a new deal.
A report in the July 15 issue of TIME, on newsstands Monday, says the six cast members have threatened not to report for work in August unless they each get about $100,000 per episode, plus part of profits made by the series . TIME cited sources close to the show as saying an August delay could threaten taping of the fall episodes.
Before the show was launched two years ago, the stars signed five-year contracts at about $22,500 an episode. At the time, David Schwimmer, Jennifer Aniston, Matthew Perry, Lisa Kudrow and Matt LeBlanc were unknowns, while Courtney Cox was known for roles in the movie "Ace Ventura: Pet Detective" and the TV show "Family Ties."
They've gotten raises since "Friends" became a hit, but now they want more.
Warner Bros. has reportedly sold the show into syndication for $4 million per episode, but the deal hinges on production for at least two more seasons. The TIME report said the weakest link in the negotiating strategy was Schwimmer, who aspires to a movie career. He reportedly is balking at signing a longer contract, which Warner would likely demand in exchange for more money for the stars.
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