Evil Lives Here is a true crime documentary series that airs on Investigation Discovery. The show explores the lives of people who lived with killers and examines the devastating effects of their crimes. Evil Lives Here provides an intimate look into the experiences of the family members and loved ones who were profoundly impacted by these horrific acts. But how much does the show actually pay its subjects to share their intensely personal stories?
Do subjects get paid to appear on Evil Lives Here?
Yes, subjects featured on Evil Lives Here do receive compensation for participating in the show. However, exact payment amounts are not publicly disclosed. Reality shows generally pay participants a per-episode appearance fee, which can range anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. High-profile subjects may be able to negotiate higher rates. Payment also varies based on the extent of someone’s participation – main subjects tend to receive higher fees than those in smaller supporting roles.
While financial compensation provides an incentive for people to come forward with their stories, it’s important to note that subjects have many motivations for appearing on Evil Lives Here. For many, it serves as an outlet to process trauma and shed light on often misunderstood family dynamics. Others hope their stories can provide lessons or warning signs that may help viewers in similar situations. Some see it as a way to honor murdered loved ones and preserve their legacies. Despite the sensitivity of the subject matter, the show helps humanize the family members who are all too often overlooked as secondary victims. The opportunity to share their perspectives and experiences is invaluable.
What are typical reality TV appearance fees?
Reality shows generally pay cast members per episode appearance fees in the range of low hundreds to a few thousand dollars. Some estimates based on reported rates:
- MTV’s The Real World – $1,000-$5,000 per episode
- Bravo’s The Real Housewives franchise – $3,000-$10,000 per episode
- TLC’s 90 Day Fiancé – $1,000-$1,500 per episode
- CBS’ Survivor – $10,000-$1 million per season
- Netflix’s Love is Blind – $1,000 per week
Higher profile reality stars can earn between $30,000-$50,000 or even upwards of $100,000 per episode. However, subjects on a gritty true crime docuseries like Evil Lives Here likely fall on the lower end of the pay scale.
What are some factors that influence reality TV pay?
There are several factors that can impact how much a reality TV participant makes:
- Popularity and ratings of the show – Higher viewed series have bigger budgets
- Prominence of the role – Lead stars earn more than supporting cast
- Fame of the participant – Well-known personalities can command higher fees
- Negotiating skills and experience – Savvy agents/lawyers can secure better deals
Level of participation required is also key. Shows that demand extensive time commitments, frequent travel, or engagement in risky activities tend to compensate better than those with only minimal involvement. Compensation may increase season to season if a show gains viewership and cast members gain notoriety.
Are there other non-monetary benefits of appearing?
While financial payment is one incentive, subjects choose to participate in Evil Lives Here for a range of other reasons. Some key benefits include:
- Having a platform to share their story and experiences
- Raising awareness about domestic abuse, mental illness, addiction – issues relevant to their stories
- Feeling supported by a community of fellow survivors
- Finding a sense of closure or resolution
- Preserving the memory of lost loved ones
- Potential connections for activism or advocacy work
Participating allows them to take back the narrative and shed light on overlooked perspectives. It can be an empowering, therapeutic experience for many. The chance to connect with others who can relate to their trauma can provide consolation and solidarity.
How do Evil Lives Here payments likely compare to other true crime docs?
Here’s how likely Evil Lives Here compensation stacks up against other top true crime docuseries:
| Show | Payment Estimate |
|---|---|
| Evil Lives Here | $1,000 – $5,000 per episode |
| The First 48 | $500 – $3,000 per episode |
| I Survived… | $1,000 – $5,000 per episode |
| Mindhunter | $15,000 – $50,000 per episode |
| Making a Murderer | $10,000 – $30,000 per episode |
Evil Lives Here likely offers lower compensation compared to reenactment-style series with higher production values like Mindhunter. However, it likely pays comparable rates to similar documentary-style, victim-focused programs like I Survived… As a lower-budget cable production, subjects probably earn less than the amounts seen on wildly popular Netflix hits like Making a Murderer.
How much do other true crime documentary participants make?
Here are estimated rates for subjects of other popular true crime documentaries:
- The Staircase (Netflix) – $5,000 – $10,000 per episode
- Abducted in Plain Sight (Netflix) – $5,000 – $10,000 one-time fee
- The Jinx (HBO) – $5,000 – $15,000 per episode
- Amanda Knox (Netflix) – $10,000 – $20,000 one-time fee
- Wild Wild Country (Netflix) – $3,000 – $10,000 one-time fee
Participants likely earn comparable rates to subjects on similar documentary projects like Abducted in Plain Sight. Higher profile personalities can command bigger payouts, evidenced by figures like Amanda Knox. But Evil Lives Here does not feature household names and has smaller reach than major Netflix productions, keeping fees on the lower side.
Do participants on Evil Lives Here get royalties?
It is highly unlikely that Evil Lives Here participants receive any kind of residuals or royalties based on viewership or advertising revenue. Reality cast members generally are not given a stake in the financial upside of a series. Their compensation is limited to flat appearance fees negotiated per episode or season.
However, in rare instances when a reality show achieves wild success and cast members become breakout stars, they sometimes can renegotiate improved deals. This allows stars on continuing hit franchises like Real Housewives to eventually earn six-figure paydays. But Evil Lives Here has not reached this level of popularity, making back-end royalties very improbable.
Can appearing negatively impact a subject’s life?
While many find the experience rewarding, participating does carry risks and downsides:
- Unwanted media attention and loss of privacy
- Harassment or backlash from online trolls or critics
- Strained family relationships due to airing dirty laundry
- Reliving traumatic memories can be emotionally taxing
- Possibility of exploitation by show producers
These potential consequences demonstrate money is not the sole motivator. Subjects carefully weigh benefits vs. drawbacks when deciding to share their story. Most feel compelled to come forward in spite of downsides to shed light on important societal issues.
Conclusion
Exact figures are not disclosed, but subjects on Evil Lives Here likely earn appearance fees ranging from $1,000-$5,000 per episode. This reflects typical reality TV rates for lower-profile cast members on cable docuseries. While supplemental income provides incentive, participants are driven by many other factors. For most, the chance to share their stories and connect with others who have endured similar traumas makes the experience invaluable – regardless of financial compensation.