Hi Its been a while since I've been on this site. I agree with you but the reason the pay is so often low is that old supply/demand scenario. Many will work for nothing/low pay - particularly those new to the profession. many of my friends are, in my opinion, really good actors and most are earning below 20k per year...... Now compare that with any other "profession" and it just doesn't add up. The justification often comes from "doing it for the love of it" or "maybe I will get the big break" etc etc. It is frustrating for them but they will never give up. Plus if i was booking talent i would try and get it for as cheap as possible - budgets need to be finessed! I've been lucky in that I have had a solid couple of years but i wouldn't say i am any better at this than my firends colleagues - its sometimes the luck of the draw. I will still attend castings, readings etc for no compensation or expenses only but ultimately I have to live - and for that I need to choose carefully. having said that, i am not adverse to helping low/no budget film makers if the proposition is worthy (thats when I have my "art for arts sake" hat on. For me, if the day comes when I cannot make a living from acting I will stop and do something else. I have financial considerations like everyone and ultimately the choice is mine (hard as it may be). In closing, I can understand your frustration but the market sets the price...... Cheers Max p.s. apologies for spelling/grammatical errors - its early here!