Who were the Best Paid Artists?

(Year 234, Fall) Now that we finally got a national Top 10 list for music albums, in addition to similar lists for film & TV and books, we might wonder what celebrity made the better bonus last year? The lists have multiple purposes. Yes, they list the most suiccessful releases of Year 233, but they are also used to pay out bonuses to those involved with the productions.

Pay checques are not always sparkling in the entertainment industry, but being involved with a successful production might assure a little exra. And it turns out that some celebrities actually got a lot of that little extra!

Mazaloom now has three different Top 10 lists. One for Film- and TV productions, one for published books, and the recent one for the Music industry. Each of those lists will pay out extra bonus to all top 10 rankings, with §10,000 to the 1st place, and §1,000 to 10th place. This is easy for the books and music, because all productions will be up for a bonus, and most productions will have just one  author or main Musician involved. If several names are involved, say a music duo, they will just share the bonus accordingly.

For the film- and TV list it gets a bit more complex as there will normally be several actors involved. Both lead roles and supporting roles will get a bonus pay, while exras will not. If a film had two leads, each of them will get the full bonus according to their placing. Supporting roles will get 50% of the lead.

Because the film & TV-production top 10 will normally include TV-shows and commercials, not all the 10 productions will get a bonus. If you were guesting a talk show you won't expect any bonus, either. But if a company like Simmerville Studio produce something for the movie theatres, the production will be up for bonuses - if it comes top 10.

For the recent list, Plumbob Pictures produced all the movies that came top 10, but this might change. For the latest top 10, which actually covers Year 233 releases, Plumbob Pictures got 4 productions listed.

Who was paid the bigger bonus?

Well, we will reveal only the 5 who received the most. There were plenty more who got a smaller bonus. Let's tease you with the juicy fact that the "winner" got paid bonuses of §25,000!

Number 5: Thorne Bailey

Thorne Bailey (54) released a concert album last year, «The Global Star Tour», reaching 3rd place on the Top 10 Music list. The tour included 8 concerts in one year, one in each region, The project was intended to celebrate the artist's recently achieved Global Star status.

Bonuses: §8,000

Number 4: Suzi Sushi

This might have come as a nice surprise, but with only 2 fresh recordings last year, the Top 10 list for music had to include some older productions. Suzi Sushi (44) has 3 former recordings out, and her Year 230 concert album, «Best of Sushi» reached the very top! The album being 3 years old received excellent reviews and is still very popular. The great result probably means that it was streamed a lot.

Bonus: §10,000

Number 3: Judith Ward

The global actress received bonuses from two films, including last year's «Lemonade» that made it to the very top of the film list. Judith's 3 years old «Killing My Shadow» ended 9th. Now that Judith Ward (70) turned elderly she might slow down a bit, or at least she should expect a different kind of roles to play. It might be good to know that «Lemonade» might still bring in some bonuses for a few years to come.

Bonus: §12,000

Number 2: Olivia Clump

The jazz legend released numerous records in the past, but this is the first time we get a chance to see how well they sell, compared wih other releases out there. As a matter of fact, Olivia Clump (81) is still very popular, despite retiring couple years back due to age and voice trouble. All three of her bestselling records are found on the top 10 list, meaning many fans are still buying or streaming them. Her 2 years old «The Farewell Concert» actually reached spot #2! No wonder, perhaps, as that record received fantastic reviews and quickly became a global success. Also «Supernova» and «Jazzame» did well, ending split 4th. Unfortunately, Olivia sold the rights to her old productions some years ago, due to financial trouble, so the regular sales no longer reach her bank account, probably making the bonuses even more welcome.

Bonus: 20,000

Number 1: Octavia Moon

The bonus winner for the Year 233 releases is Author Octavia Moon (53). The new Olivia Clump biography is topping the list, despite "only" receiving great reviews. Great is nothing more than okay+, as there are two better levels to reach for. Octavia also got titles on 2nd («Heroes of Tredony») and 5th («Celestial Pillow Fight») places. Establishing her publisher company at Starlight Boulevard last year is of course stirring up the interest for Octavia Moon's older novels, too.

Bonus: §25,000

So, while Authors and Musicians get their royalties over years, and Actors can earn good money aside of their gigs, reaching one of the three Top 10 lists seems to be well worth some extra fighting for a spot in the limelight!

All top 10 lists are listed under the production companies; Plumbob Pictures, Simmerville Studio, Moon Books, and High Note.