Walter Benjamin “The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction” Discussion Questions

Question 1:
Benjamin brings up interesting points on the different perspectives of art.  In section VIII of the reading, he compares the differences between an actor on stage and an actor being filmed.  He continues stating that the screen actor lacks the opportunity of an audience a stage actor experiences, however, in both scenarios aren’t both actors presenting themselves to an audience?  Just because both actors aren’t performing in the same type of setting, the audience still experiences the story and the characters the actors are playing.  When watching someone acts a character, are the intimacy levels different whether a person is on camera or on a stage?
Question 2:
“But the instant the criterion of authenticity ceases to be applicable to artistic production, the total function of art is reversed. Instead of being based on ritual, it begins to be based on another practice – politics.” 
Even though my question isn’t fully based on what Benjamin is talking about, it still relates to the context of this quote.  Art is a broad and free form.  Ideas have been borrowed among artist and sometimes it’s hard to trace back an idea to the original source.  But because people would like to make money from their art, does money play a big role of who was the first to come up with an idea and the rights to claim them said ideas?