Coronation Street stars are on edge after finding out bosses are trying to save some cash.
ITV bosses are said to be looking to make some cuts on how many people appear in each episode. It’s said they’re planning to go “minimal” by axing things like gossiping at the Rovers Return.
The reported strategy is said to have upset some of the crew who cash in per scene.
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A source told The Mirror: “The bosses have decided we will take a far more minimal approach to storylines going forward, and are cutting the number of actors who appear in them. As large numbers of the cast are paid by scene, that means paying fewer actors to be on set.”
(Image: Richard Saker/REX/Shutterstock)
They added that people are panicking about what the cuts could mean for their futures on the soap with a “massive” cast. It’s said people are openly sharing their concerns after some of the crew haven’t filmed for weeks.
A source revealed that by minimising the number of actors per scene, significant savings can be made in areas such as travel – getting stars to set, hair and make-up, and lighting costs. They added: “The more these costs are reduced, the more likely it is that we can meet them with our in-house team, whereas previously the show has leaned heavily on freelance help, which is much more expensive.”
(Image: ITV)
Insiders have revealed that ITV soap bosses, under significant strain as the beloved soap garners just over three million viewers, have chosen a more efficient strategy instead of reducing the number of weekly episodes. In discussions with top executives, they have emphasised the vital nature of causing minimal disturbance for the fans.
Veteran stars like Bill Roache and Barbara Knox, famed for their roles as Ken Barlow and Rita Tanner respectively, are on a full salary package and receive payment regardless of their hours. However, most of the cast are remunerated based on their filming time, although a minimum amount of work is guaranteed.
(Image: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Newly appointed producer Kate Brooks, who previously worked on Emmerdale, will take the reins this month after former head honcho Iain McLeod was bumped up to executive producer of continuing drama. Last month, Kate gushed: “Corrie has lit up my living room since I was a kid, so to be asked to produce a show I’ve revered for such a long time is the ultimate ‘pinch me’ moment. It truly is a special show and I endeavour to take great care to ensure that it continues to thrive as we head into the next chapter.”
A spokesperson for Corrie stated: “We do not comment on production schedules or costs.”
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