Initially, Julia Roberts wasn’t chosen for the main role because Disney management didn’t like her. But other candidates couldn’t take part in the film for one reason or another, so the young actress got the job with a fee of just $300,000. Thanks to Roberts, the film became iconic, and she is now one of the highest-paid actresses in the world.
... 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)