People's Artist Nina Naboka Reveals Actors' Salaries in the USSR

People's Artist of Ukraine Nina Naboka shared how actors' work was paid during the times of the USSR. According to her, salaries depended on the rate and number of shooting days, and for 10 days of work, one could earn about 140 kopecks. Without roles, only half of the rate was paid. She disclosed this in an interview with the channel “WAVE RBC-Ukraine.”

How Much Actors Earned in the USSR for One Shooting Day

According to Naboka, there was practically no modern practice of individually negotiating fees. Fixed rates for shooting days were established for actors, which could increase depending on experience and the significance of the role.

«There was a rate. It started at 11.50, then 14.50; 17.50 for one day. You had to work for 10 days a month to earn 140 kopecks,» the actress recalls.

The highest rates, according to her, reached approximately 33-35 kopecks for a shooting day. After receiving a more significant role, Naboka began to earn 14.50 kopecks instead of the minimum rate.

How Much Actors of Dovzhenko Film Studio Were Paid Without Roles

The absence of filming did not mean a complete loss of income. Actors from the National Film Studio for Feature Films named after Alexander Dovzhenko, who were not involved in projects for a certain period, could receive half of the established rate.

«You are not guilty for not shooting, you are not taken,» Naboka explained. At the same time, the number of projects and the scale of roles directly affected the actual income of an artist.

According to Naboka, Ukrainian actors often got secondary roles, while directors more frequently invited artists from Moscow for the lead roles. She asserts that their fees could be significantly higher.

What Daily Allowances Actors Received in the USSR

In addition to the main payment, actors received daily allowances. While working in Ukraine, Naboka recalls a payment of 2.50 kopecks, and during trips - 3.50 kopecks.

«I bought some cream, lipstick with my young money. 3.50 - that was good money,» the actress shared.

Thus, an actor's earnings consisted not only of a fixed rate. The final income was influenced by the number of shooting days, the level of the rate, the significance of the received role, and trips for shooting.

Earlier, Olga Sumska spoke about the destroyed costumes and life near Lukyanivka.