American Pie was Scott’s first serious movie role, and he couldn’t ask for a big fee. He acted in the movie about teenagers for just $8,000 and got so in character that most of his lines were pure improvisation. Thanks to his ideas, the movie became what we know and love, even today.
... Not that I'm bitter or anything
$150,000 for camera budget
$25,000 for Donald Pleasance's salary
$10,000 for John Carpenter's salary (writing, direction, score)
$8,000 for Jamie Lee Curtis' salary
around $1 for a modified James T. Kirk mask
$0 for wardrobe (actors wore their own clothing, Curtis went shopping for around $100)
$0 for Fleetwood car rental (belonged to Carpenter)
$0 for truck rental (belonged to the catering company)