There is no justifiable system where a guy can be paid out a couple of million or hundreds of thousands or tens of thousands or even honestly a single cent for not showing up to make what is essentially an animated movie while the guys doing the animation can't afford to eat. It doesn't matter if the payment comes before or after. I'm sure other people get screwed too, but I just saw a thing about VFX guys so that's where my ire is right now.
Also every time I see a behind the scenes thing they present executive producer as essentially an Ideas Guy who knows the people with money. Which is just not a fucking job.