Charlie Chaplin started his film career at Keystone. His first contract was drawn up in July 1913. After some adjustments, Chaplin signed with Keystone on 25 September. The contract stipulated a year's work at $150 a week. In 1915, the Essanay Film Manufacturing Company sent Chaplin an offer of $1,250 a week with a signing bonus of $10,000. In 1916, a contract was negotiated with Mutual that amounted to $670,000 a year, making Chaplin—at 26 years old—one of the highest paid people in the world. In June 1917, Chaplin signed to complete eight films for First National Exhibitors' Circuit in return for $1 million.
