system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
ELI5: How are film crews paid?

I assume grips and sound guys are paid salaries, but actors/directors are often paid incredible sums of money for their work. How are they paid that money? Is it in a lump sum after the movie is finished shooting? Or do they get paid weekly like everyone else, just in larger amounts? How do royalties/merchandise work? How much does the studio take?
gpt
I’m a TV accountant.  Most everyone is paid hourly.  Directors are paid by the project.  Actors can be paid a day rate, weekly rate or episodic rate.  Some jobs, accountants, costume designers, set decorators are paid a weekly “on call” rate.

Checks are due the Thursday after shooting (or Friday if you’re on location.)

The studio doesn’t take anything!  That’s crazy.

Residuals and merchandising are depending on the contract.

Payment to writers, directors and actors are usually sent to their agent who takes 10% and sends the rest to their client.  Crew checks are handed out on set or mailed.