Production Budget Analysis

What was the production budget for Hacksaw Ridge?

Directed by Mel Gibson, with Andrew Garfield, Sam Worthington, Vince Vaughn leading the cast, Hacksaw Ridge was produced by Summit Entertainment with a confirmed budget of $40,000,000, placing it in the mid-budget category for drama films.

With a $40,000,000 budget, Hacksaw Ridge sits in the mid-range of studio releases. Marketing costs for a wide release at this level typically add $30–60 million, putting the break-even point near $100,000,000.

Budget Comparison — Similar Productions

• 42 (2013): Budget $40,000,000 | Gross $95,020,213 → ROI: 138% • A Few Good Men (1992): Budget $40,000,000 | Gross $243,240,178 → ROI: 508% • Big Trouble (2002): Budget $40,000,000 | Gross $8,493,890 → ROI: -79% • Boomerang (1992): Budget $40,000,000 | Gross $131,052,444 → ROI: 228% • Fifty Shades of Grey (2015): Budget $40,000,000 | Gross $569,651,467 → ROI: 1324%

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: Andrew Garfield, Sam Worthington, Vince Vaughn, Teresa Palmer, Luke Bracey Key roles: Andrew Garfield as Desmond T. Doss; Sam Worthington as Captain Glover; Vince Vaughn as Sgt Howell; Teresa Palmer as Dorothy Schuttle

DIRECTOR: Mel Gibson CINEMATOGRAPHY: Simon Duggan MUSIC: Rupert Gregson-Williams EDITING: John Gilbert PRODUCTION: Summit Entertainment, Pandemonium, Cross Creek Pictures, Permut Presentations, Vendian Entertainment, Argent Pictures, IM Global, AI Film, Bliss Media, Kylin Pictures, Cosmos Filmed Entertainment, Icon Productions, Lionsgate FILMED IN: Australia, United Kingdom, United States of America

Box Office Performance

Hacksaw Ridge earned $67,209,615 domestically and $108,092,739 internationally, for a worldwide total of $175,302,354. Revenue was split 38% domestic / 62% international.

Break-Even Analysis

Using the industry-standard 2.5x multiplier (P&A + exhibitor shares of 40–50% + distribution fees), Hacksaw Ridge needed approximately $100,000,000 to break even. The film surpassed this threshold by $75,302,354.

Return on Investment (ROI)

Revenue: $175,302,354 Budget: $40,000,000 Net: $135,302,354 ROI: 338.3%

Profitability Assessment

VERDICT: Highly Profitable

Hacksaw Ridge was a clear financial success, generating $175,302,354 worldwide against a $40,000,000 production budget — a 338% ROI. After estimated marketing costs, the film still delivered substantial profit to Summit Entertainment.

INDUSTRY IMPACT

The outsized success of Hacksaw Ridge likely influenced studio greenlight decisions for similar drama projects.

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

Summary: Won 2 Oscars. 57 wins & 115 nominations total

Awards Won: ★ AACTA Award for Best Direction — Mel Gibson ★ Academy Award for Best Sound — Kevin O'Connell (89th Academy Awards) ★ Academy Award for Best Sound — Andy Wright (89th Academy Awards) ★ Academy Award for Best Sound — Robert Mackenzie (89th Academy Awards) ★ Academy Award for Best Sound — Peter Grace (89th Academy Awards) ★ AACTA Award for Best Original Screenplay — Robert Schenkkan ★ AACTA Award for Best Original Screenplay — Andrew Knight ★ AACTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role — Hugo Weaving ★ AACTA Award for Best Production Design ★ AACTA Award for Best Sound — Kevin O'Connell ★ AACTA Award for Best Sound — Robert Mackenzie ★ AACTA Award for Best Cinematography ★ AACTA Award for Best Editing — John Gilbert ★ AACTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role — Andrew Garfield ★ Academy Award for Best Film Editing — John Gilbert (89th Academy Awards) ★ AACTA Award for Best Film — Bill Mechanic ★ AACTA Award for Best Film — David Permut ★ National Board of Review: Top Ten Films

Nominations: ○ Academy Award for Best Picture (89th Academy Awards) ○ AACTA Award for Best Sound ○ AACTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role ○ Academy Award for Best Sound Editing (89th Academy Awards) ○ AACTA Award for Best Costume Design ○ AACTA Award for Best Original Screenplay ○ Academy Award for Best Sound (89th Academy Awards) ○ Academy Award for Best Director (89th Academy Awards) ○ AACTA Award for Best Film ○ Academy Award for Best Film Editing (89th Academy Awards) ○ AACTA Award for Best Cinematography ○ AACTA Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role ○ AACTA Award for Best Editing ○ AACTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role ○ AACTA Award for Best Direction ○ AACTA Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role ○ Academy Award for Best Actor (89th Academy Awards) ○ AACTA Award for Best Production Design