Duplass Spills on Low Pay and Big Budgets

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Mark Duplass primarily focuses on producing independent TV series and movies as his primary interest. However, he acknowledges that this often requires him to accept projects with a more financially-oriented motive, which can be referred to as taking on an opportunity for greater financial gain.

Following his win of the Impact Award at the Miami Film Festival on the 12th of April, the actor and producer expressed reservations about agreeing to work on “Good American Family” for Hulu and “The Morning Show” on Apple TV+.

He explained his reason for joining the show, “Other than a financial incentive, which I must admit I’m not against, I find appealing! After all, I need to finance my independent projects, and this aspect plays a role, if I’m being honest.” Upon learning more about it and immersing himself in portraying Michael Barnett, he became fascinated by the story of Natalia Grace.

Before joining “The Morning Show” in 2019, he was also hesitant.

He had made a commitment to himself and his company that he wouldn’t accept another acting role unless he was in charge, as it can get complicated. Being a producer already keeps him busy, and adding an acting project on top of that would mean someone else telling him where and when to be, which can create problems. He expressed this difficulty. But then Apple contacted him with the offer to costar alongside Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon in their show, and he responded by reminding them about his previous statement, explaining that it would indeed be a challenge for him.

In the end, “The Morning Show” stood out from the norm because it provided him an opportunity to collaborate with individuals he’s long admired.

Duplass commented that complexities arise in shows with high-profile actors and numerous producers, making them prone to personality conflicts and uncomfortable situations where communication breaks down. However, he expressed that the Apple TV+ drama is an exception, as everyone involved is exceptionally kind. He attributes this to the fact that it’s largely managed by Reese and Jen, who have had their fair share of difficult experiences on set in the past. They know how to create a positive environment and run things effectively.

Fortunately for me, Duplass leverages his major productions to finance his indie projects, such as “The Long Long Night” and “The Creep Tapes.” The advantages of both scenarios are quite appealing.

It’s quite a contrast to live the well-orchestrated life of being on shows like ‘Good American Family’ or ‘The Morning Show’, and yet here I am, finding joy in having my breakfast waiting for me in my trailer… After six weeks of this luxurious routine, I start feeling a bit disconnected from my roots and think, gosh, what about that teenage indie rocker who used to travel in his van, make independent films, and struggle? He chuckled. So then I step away and create ‘Creep’, where I’m the one hanging lights, cooking for the crew, and doing everything hands-on. It’s a different kind of wonderful. And after a few weeks of this DIY lifestyle, I find myself yearning for the days when someone would bring me my breakfast!

Duplass, known for collaborating extensively with his brother Jay Duplass on numerous productions, highlights that the “excellent” income from these projects significantly bolsters his entire “ecosystem” during a critical period.

He’s being more thoughtful about the stories he wants to share publicly, given our current situation as a nation and the state of our culture. This consideration involves discussions with his family, friends, and brother, where they weigh the advantages and disadvantages of new projects to determine what feels right.

Mark Duplass made his significant debut on television in “The League,” a sitcom that aired from 2009 to 2012 on FX. During this show, he shared the screen with his wife, Katie Aselton. Notably, the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) hadn’t combined their forces at that point, resulting in a unique payment structure for actors.

In simpler terms, “Duplass stated that they had contracts with AFTRA which allowed them to pay him significantly less. His agents presented him with the contract and said he wouldn’t believe it. The payment was $8,000 per episode, a ridiculously low amount compared to industry standards. Upon seeing this, Duplass was thrilled because this income was more than enough for him and his partner at the time, Katie. So, they worked hard on the first season, earning double salaries together.

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2025-04-15 02:47