Only 5 directors are worth over $1 billion. Here they all are.

"For most, filmmaking isn't a lucrative profession. But for a select few, it can really pay off. In an industry where few want to be a part of failures and seemingly everyone wants a piece of the successes, these five directors have risen above the fray to not just be master storytellers, but get paid like them. James Cameron, who has made the highest-grossing movies of all time on numerous occasions, is the latest to join the three-comma club."

"Only 5 directors are worth over $1 billion. James Cameron is the latest filmmaker to earn the distinction. He joined the elite club thanks to "Titanic" and franchises like "The Terminator" and "Avatar". For most, filmmaking isn't a lucrative profession. But for a select few, it can really pay off. In an industry where few want to be a part of failures and seemingly everyone wants a piece of the successes,"

Only five film directors have personal net worths exceeding $1 billion. James Cameron recently joined this group through earnings from Titanic and major franchises such as The Terminator and Avatar. The handful of billionaires benefited from consistently high box-office returns and profitable franchise ownership or participation. Most filmmakers do not earn comparable fortunes, as the industry disperses profits among many stakeholders. Those who reach billion-dollar personal wealth combine blockbuster hits, recurring franchise income, and business arrangements that capture backend profits. Forbes identifies the five directors whose cumulative careers and deals have produced personal net worths above $1 billion.

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