Contract dispute?

[Edmund Schweppe]

Vivian Cartright hasn't had any screen time in an episode since the end of The Unicorn Evils. Yes, there's been a few DVD extras, but they're the sort of thing that never gets aired (and, if I understand things correctly, doesn't generate residuals). Even Matthew Yang King has had more screen time that Vivian since he joined the cast.

Given how both A. J. Cook and Paget Brewster were pushed out of Criminal Minds to save money this past season, I have to wonder whether something's up with Vivian's contract.

[el_jefe]

I understand she had some personal issues, and the producers were kind enough to move some storylines up to accommodate her taking some time off.

[Elizabeth Bear]

Well, she's still in the credits. Does that mean she still gets paid?

[txanne]

SAG rules about that are pretty complicated. IIRC you're a "regular" and get listed in the credits if you're in at least 4 episodes.

[BeatriceEagle]

SAG rules about that are pretty complicated. IIRC you're a "regular" and get listed in the credits if you're in at least 4 episodes.

That can't be a hard-and-fast rule, though.  What about Garcia in the first season of CM?

[DavidG]

I understand she had some personal issues, and the producers were kind enough to move some storylines up to accommodate her taking some time off.

Or given what we know of the PTB, the storylines needed her to take some time off so the producers arranged for her to have personal issues.

It isn't paranoia when they brag about playing with your head

[txanne]

SAG rules about that are pretty complicated. IIRC you're a "regular" and get listed in the credits if you're in at least 4 episodes.

That can't be a hard-and-fast rule, though.  What about Garcia in the first season of CM?

I think the rules are just for negotiated contracts--characters that are unexpectedly popular are different. She's been in the credits every other season. (I wonder what's going to happen to the CM credits now that Paget Brewster is gone.)