[rufus_foreman]

They needed a major star, so John Landis got him to do it as a favor. He did all his scenes in one day. They offered him either $35,000 or two points (two percent of the film's gross). He took the $35K. The film made over $140 million.

[dylan604]

At the time that movie was made, looking at everyone involved and lack of track records, I can totally understand why he made the decision he did.

[rufus_foreman]

Well yeah, on one hand, exactly. On the other hand, that's what the movie is about.

[robertlagrant]

Either way - for a day's work, it's pretty good.