I am really hoping that ...

Question: I am really hoping that Disney will do the right thing and pay the High School Musical cast what they are worth so they will all sign on for HSM3. My 7-year-old son and 4-year-old daughter absolutely love both movies, and we would all be sad if Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens sit out over money disputes. They seem like very level-headed kids, considering the whirlwind surrounding them right now. Didn't Disney make these movies for very little money? If so, who is profiting from the merchandising? We have both soundtracks, my daughter has some HSM clothes, and the stores are filling up with toys, party products, cards, etc. It seems only fair to give these young actors a cut of that money, since they are the reason the kids love the movies! I am praying that none of the HSM kids will turn into a Britney or LiLo. They all seem like good people who are aware of the tweens watching their every move. I hope they can enjoy this time in their lives and that they continue to make quality family entertainment. It is so rare to find a movie or TV show that isn't vulgar. I know some people criticize the HSM movies for being too saccharine, but as a mom, I love them! They are harmless fun, which has become almost impossible to find these days!
Answer: To put it mildly, Disney is not exactly known for always being the most generous of companies when it comes to negotiations like this. But the fact is: The High School Musical franchise is a cash cow, and those adorable stars are going to need to be compensated as more than barnyard animals. Since the time this question arrived in my e-mailbag, the inevitable has happened: a mini-scandal involving Vanessa and a nude photo — this never happened to Annette Funicello, did it? To which I roll my eyes and go: Sigh. This celebrity-scandal culture is so ridiculous and pervasive it was only a matter of time before one of these kids got trapped in it. Still, it's a far cry (so far) from the bad behavior of the sirens who command most of the tabloids' attention. I don't imagine this will have any effect on Disney's, or the fans', desire to see the whole gang sing and dance in whatever sequel comes next. But seriously, Musical stars: Be more careful!