Production Budget Analysis

What was the production budget for Cemetery of Splendor?

Directed by Apichatpong Weerasethakul, with Jenjira Pongpas, Banlop Lomnoi, Jarinpattra Rueangram leading the cast, Cemetery of Splendor was produced by The Match Factory with a confirmed budget of $980,000, placing it in the ultra-low-budget category for drama films.

At $980,000, Cemetery of Splendor was produced on a lean budget. Lower-budget films benefit from reduced break-even thresholds, with profitability achievable at approximately $2,450,000.

Budget Comparison — Similar Productions

• What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962): Budget $980,000 | Gross N/A • Gone in 60 Seconds (1974): Budget $1,000,000 | Gross $40,000,000 → ROI: 3900% • A Woman Under the Influence (1974): Budget $1,000,000 | Gross $12,200,000 → ROI: 1120% • Rear Window (1954): Budget $1,000,000 | Gross $37,042,336 → ROI: 3604% • How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies (2024): Budget $1,000,000 | Gross $73,800,000 → ROI: 7280%

Key Budget Allocation Categories

▸ Above-the-Line Talent Drama films live or die on the strength of their performances. Securing award-caliber actors and experienced directors represents the single largest budget line item, often consuming 30–40% of the total production budget.

▸ Location Filming & Period Production Design Authentic locations — whether contemporary or historical — require scouting, permits, travel, lodging, and often significant dressing to match the story's time period. Period dramas add the cost of era-accurate props, vehicles, and set decoration.

▸ Post-Production, Color Grading & Score The editorial process for dramas is typically longer than genre films, with careful attention to pacing and tone. Color grading, a nuanced musical score, and detailed sound mixing are critical to achieving the emotional resonance that defines the genre.

Key Production Personnel

CAST: Jenjira Pongpas, Banlop Lomnoi, Jarinpattra Rueangram, Petcharat Chaiburi, Tawatchai Buawat Key roles: Jenjira Pongpas as Jen; Banlop Lomnoi as Itt; Jarinpattra Rueangram as Keng; Petcharat Chaiburi as Nurse Tet

DIRECTOR: Apichatpong Weerasethakul CINEMATOGRAPHY: Diego García EDITING: Lee Chatametikool PRODUCTION: The Match Factory, Louverture Films, Tordenfilm, ZDF/Arte, Geißendörfer Film-und Fernsehproduktion, Detalle Films, Astro Shaw, Kick the Machine, Anna Sanders Films, Asia Culture Centre-Asian Arts Theatre, CNC, Illuminations Films FILMED IN: United Kingdom, United States of America, France, Thailand, Germany, Malaysia, South Korea, Mexico, Norway

Box Office Performance

Cemetery of Splendor earned $89,487 in worldwide box office revenue.

Break-Even Analysis

Using the industry-standard 2.5x multiplier (P&A + exhibitor shares of 40–50% + distribution fees), Cemetery of Splendor needed approximately $2,450,000 to break even. The film fell $2,360,513 short in theatrical revenue. Ancillary streams (home media, streaming, TV) may have bridged the gap.

Return on Investment (ROI)

Revenue: $89,487 Budget: $980,000 Net: $-890,513 ROI: -90.9%

Profitability Assessment

VERDICT: Unprofitable (Theatrical)

Cemetery of Splendor earned $89,487 against a $980,000 budget (-91% ROI), falling short of theatrical profitability. Ancillary revenue may have reduced the deficit.