According to an article I read last month in the Chicago Tribune, the three of them waived all of their fees in exchange for the back end of "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull".
Most movie franchises (like Harry Potter, Spiderman, etc.) are owned by studios. They pay the top film-makers and actors large upfront fees and a cut of the ticket sales before recouping their costs. Since they own the properties, they can make more money through other back end channels.
George Lucas, however, is one of the few filmmakers to control his properties. He has full ownership of Star Wars and Indiana Jones.
Paramount wanted to protect themselves from the possibility of heavy losses on one picture. So, when the Indiana Jones movie went over-budget, the three superstars agreed to waive their upfront fees.
Paramount would get the gross up to $400 million (this would make all its money back plus its distribution fee). After that, the studio will get 12.5 cents from each additional dollar, while Lucas, etc. will earn 87.5 cents.
Since the movie succeeded, Lucas, Spielberg, and Ford should make out well.
Indiana Jones: The Alternative Investment
Had Indiana Jones wanted to protect his investment risk when spread betting all he would have to do is place a stop-loss order. Profits made from spread betting are tax-free, so there is more money for more adventures.
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