
Gettysburg
Synopsis
The four and 1/4 hour depiction of the historical and personal events surrounding and including the decisive American civil war battle features thousands of civil war re-enactors marching over the exact ground that the federal army and the army of North Virginia fought on. The defense of the Little Round Top and Pickett's Charge are highlighted in the actual three day battle which is surrounded by the speeches of the commanding officers and the personal reflections of the fighting men. Based upon the novel 'The Killer Angels'.
Production Budget Analysis
What was the production budget for Gettysburg?
Directed by Ronald F. Maxwell, with Jeff Daniels, Tom Berenger, Martin Sheen leading the cast, Gettysburg was produced by Esparza / Katz Productions with a confirmed budget of $20,000,000, placing it in the low-budget category for drama films as part of the American Civil War Collection.
At $20,000,000, Gettysburg was produced on a modest budget. Lower-budget films benefit from reduced break-even thresholds, with profitability achievable at approximately $50,000,000.
Budget Comparison — Similar Productions
• 12 Years a Slave (2013): Budget $20,000,000 | Gross $187,000,000 → ROI: 835% • 21 Grams (2003): Budget $20,000,000 | Gross $60,427,839 → ROI: 202% • 3 Ninjas Kick Back (1994): Budget $20,000,000 | Gross $11,798,854 → ROI: -41% • A Guy Thing (2003): Budget $20,000,000 | Gross $17,400,000 → ROI: -13% • A Most Violent Year (2014): Budget $20,000,000 | Gross $12,007,070 → ROI: -40%
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: Jeff Daniels, Tom Berenger, Martin Sheen, Sam Elliott, Stephen Lang Key roles: Jeff Daniels as Col. Joshua Chamberlain; Tom Berenger as Lieut. Gen. James Longstreet; Martin Sheen as Gen. Robert E. Lee; Sam Elliott as Brig. Gen. John Buford
DIRECTOR: Ronald F. Maxwell CINEMATOGRAPHY: Kees Van Oostrum MUSIC: Randy Edelman EDITING: Corky Ehlers PRODUCTION: Esparza / Katz Productions, Turner Pictures, Mace Neufeld Productions, Robert Rehme Productions, TriStar Television FILMED IN: United States of America
Box Office Performance
Gettysburg earned $10,769,960 domestically, for a worldwide total of $10,769,960. The film skewed heavily domestic (100%), suggesting strong North American appeal.
Break-Even Analysis
Using the industry-standard 2.5x multiplier (P&A + exhibitor shares of 40–50% + distribution fees), Gettysburg needed approximately $50,000,000 to break even. The film fell $39,230,040 short in theatrical revenue. Ancillary streams (home media, streaming, TV) may have bridged the gap.
Return on Investment (ROI)
Revenue: $10,769,960 Budget: $20,000,000 Net: $-9,230,040 ROI: -46.2%
Profitability Assessment
VERDICT: Unprofitable (Theatrical)
Gettysburg earned $10,769,960 against a $20,000,000 budget (-46% ROI), falling short of theatrical profitability. Ancillary revenue may have reduced the deficit.
INDUSTRY IMPACT
Franchise: Gettysburg is part of the American Civil War Collection.
The underperformance may have increased risk aversion around low-budget drama productions.
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
Summary: 1 win & 1 nomination total









































































































































































































































































































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