And once they do, they earn well below typical star salaries.

"All of this contributes to the escalation of star salaries," he said.

New Line keeps costs down by limiting star salaries and making most of its pictures with nonunion crews.

Variety reported recently that studios are also seeking to reduce production costs and staff salaries because of star salaries.

Typically, a network pays for the star salaries on a hit show.

The star salaries are getting so high, there are just so many of those you can afford.

With no star salaries to pay and no need for new sets, costs are low.

But amateur filmmakers don't pay star salaries.

These stalwarts, who are essential to the arts but do not earn star salaries, can live somewhere decent and walk to work.

Rising demand can just as easily, for instance, bid up star salaries for a fixed number of films.