takenoko wrote:Are actors paid by the line? I'm honestly quite ignorant about it, but that doesn't feel right.
I don't think it's a matter of lines so much as focus. For example, in Hollywood, the cast order is almost always in order of either character or actor importance. Thus, a major actor can negotiate a higher spot in the credits, even though they may not be the top protagonist. In a Japanese standpoint, giving her more focus may require writers to showcase her main career during a plotline or otherwise make the show serve as an advertising platform. Since toku (an especially Super Sentai) is often used as a stepping stone for new actors/models/performers by their agencies, agents or the rest of the cast may have negotiated downplaying Sela (whose actress already has a career) so the others would get better oppourtunities to be scouted.
In terms of the money thing, I'm pretty sure high profile actors in Japan get aid more, just like in Hollywood. Therefore, the more focus placed on Sela, the more her agents can try to claim the ratings are because of her (and thus try to mess with the staning contract). I'm not saying they would, mind you; but if the writers or producer felt this was a possibility, they might decide to keep her presence minimal to avoid any such risk.
Of course, I could be overthinking all of this and they plan on using her later (or she's meant to be killed off at some point), but I've seen more than once how backstage politics can affect a production (especially back when I performed).