Typical fees by type of work
Crowd and background scenes are the volume end of the market: typically £150 to £800 per licence. A gaming character likeness runs £800 to £4,000. Voice performance pays £500 to £3,500. Regional brand advertising typically lands between £1,500 and £6,000. At the top end, AI presenter and brand spokesperson deals range from £3,000 to £15,000 and above, and AI training data sets can pay £1,000 to £10,000 or more.
These are per-licence fees, not annual salaries. One person can hold several licences at once because each covers only its own defined use: your face can be in a game, a regional ad campaign and a crowd scene simultaneously, each under its own contract.
What actually drives earnings
Three things move the number more than anything else. First, the categories you enable: someone open to advertising, gaming and voice is licensable in three markets instead of one. Second, demand for your look: AI productions cast for specific ages, looks and regions, and everyday faces are wanted as much as classically castable ones, especially for crowd and background work. Third, your rates: on Actorsy you set your own, with union minimums anchoring the suggested floors.
What does not drive earnings: effort after setup. There are no auditions or shoots, so there is no way to hustle your way to more licences. The realistic mindset is an asset that may pay out, not a job that pays wages.
How payment works
Payment is captured when a buyer confirms a licence and released to your account once the contract is countersigned, typically within 24 hours. Every payment is tied to a specific licence you can inspect, and the platform generates the paperwork automatically. You always keep the majority share of every licence.
Common questions
Is there a realistic average income?
Not yet a meaningful one, and be wary of anyone who quotes you an average for a market this new. The honest framing is per-licence fees (from £150 for background work to £15,000+ for presenter deals) multiplied by however much demand your look attracts.
Do professional actors earn more than everyday people?
For featured roles, usually yes: recognisable, castable looks command higher rates. But crowd scenes, NPC populations and regional campaigns need volume and variety, which is where everyday faces earn.
Can I raise my rates later?
Yes. You control your rates per category and can change them at any time. Existing licences run on the terms they were agreed at; new licences use your new rates.
Your likeness is an asset
Joining Actorsy is free. Set your terms, keep control, and get paid every time AI uses your likeness.