Mo’Nique: HBO Paid Me More Money For ‘Bessie’ Than I've Made in My Career

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http://www.essence.com/2015/03/16/mo...daniels-empire

And it made sense to do Blackbird, another indie.
Yes, because we have real ownership in that movie. We're proud to say that the film is under our production company, Hicks Media Production. We have real ownership in this film. It also made sense for me to do Bessie [Mo’Nique plays blues singer Ma Rainey in the upcoming biopic] with the icon and legend of our time Queen Latifah. HBO said we're going to pay this woman fairly. For the eight days that I was with HBO, they paid me more money than I've made in my career with a studio. So when people ask 'Mo, where have you been?' I say I've been grateful with my prayers being answered. And when I do leave my family it has to be worthwhile.

You recently said that you were paid $50,000 for Precious, which was shocking. And now you're talking about Bessie paying you more than any other project. How did that happen? Was that HBO's doing or was that you and your husband/manager Sidney’s negotiating?
When I did Precious, I signed up with that movie because Lee Daniels was my friend. I didn't have on my business hat. And that's my fault. So when my friend called and said it's an independent, it's a small film and I’ve got $50,000 for you, there were no questions asked. That's my friend. And it was two fold. When he called me with Shadowboxer, there was no money, but he was a director who was saying I want to give you a chance. And it was me saying I appreciate that brother because I don't know how many directors would have given me that chance. When he called for Precious, again it's the friendship hat. So it was $50,000. I'm not complaining—despite all the money that movie went on to make, millions and millions and millions of dollars. I can't complain because I signed up for the 50.

So you had on your business hat for Bessie?
When they called for Bessie, Sidney and the businessperson over at HBO ... It was such a pleasant conversation. And they called with a fair number. See, when you call and you're fair from the beginning; we can have a great time. They just called and said this is what we're offering. We looked at each other and said that's fair. I'm not the person that says give me so much more. But I'm not the person that says I'll accept so much less either.