What is the budget of Kansas City?

Kansas City (1996) stands out as a unique entry in the filmography of legendary director Robert Altman. Known for his distinctive storytelling style, Altman brought together a talented cast, including Jennifer Jason Leigh and Harry Belafonte, to create a film that pays homage to the music and culture of the 1930s. Released on April 26, 1996, this Depression-era gangster flick had a budget that raises questions about its financial success and overall impact.

The budget of Kansas City is particularly significant when considering its box office performance and the challenges faced during production.

What was the production budget?

The production budget for Kansas City was set at $19,000,000. This figure places it within a moderate range for films of its genre during the mid-1990s. For comparison, similar films from that era, such as "The Godfather Part III" (1990) with a budget of $54 million and "Miller's Crossing" (1990) at $14 million, highlight the varying financial commitments studios made for gangster-themed narratives.

Key Budget Allocation Categories

While specific breakdowns of budget allocation for Kansas City are not publicly available, typical costs in such productions often include:

- Talent Salaries: A significant portion of the budget typically goes to the cast and crew.

- Location Costs: Filming in authentic settings can drive up expenses.

- Production Design: Creating the right atmosphere for a period piece often requires substantial investment.

What were the major production costs?

Several factors contributed to the overall production costs of Kansas City.

- Talent: The film featured notable actors, which likely increased salary expenses.

- Locations: Filming in various locations to authentically capture the 1930s setting added to the budget.

- Set Design and Costumes: Creating a believable period environment often requires meticulous attention to detail, leading to higher costs.

Noteworthy scenes that may have contributed to the budget include elaborate musical performances and intricate set pieces that reflect the vibrant jazz culture of the time.

How did Kansas City perform at the box office?

Kansas City grossed a total of $1,353,824 domestically. This figure starkly contrasts with its production budget, indicating a significant shortfall in box office earnings.

Domestic vs. International Breakdown

The film's earnings were primarily domestic, with no substantial international box office figures reported. This limited performance raises questions about its break-even point, which would have required significantly higher earnings to cover production and marketing costs.

ROI Percentage

Given the production budget of $19 million and the domestic box office earnings of $1.35 million, the return on investment (ROI) for Kansas City is notably negative. The film did not recoup its production costs, leading to a financial loss for the studio.

Was Kansas City profitable?

Kansas City was not profitable, as evidenced by its box office performance. The film's inability to generate sufficient revenue to cover its production costs resulted in a financial setback for the involved studios, including Fine Line Features and Sandcastle 5 Productions.

Impact on the Studio and Future Budgets

The lack of financial success for Kansas City likely influenced the studio's approach to future projects, particularly in the gangster genre. Studios may have become more cautious in their budget allocations for similar films, focusing on projects with a higher likelihood of commercial success.

Commonly Asked Questions

How much did Kansas City (1996) cost to make?

Kansas City had a production budget of $19,000,000.

Was Kansas City (1996) profitable?

No, Kansas City was not profitable, as it grossed only $1,353,824 at the box office.

What was the most expensive element of Kansas City (1996)?

While specific details are not available, major costs likely stemmed from talent salaries and production design.

How much did Kansas City (1996) make at the box office?

The film earned $1,353,824 domestically.

Did Kansas City (1996) go over budget?

There is no public information indicating that Kansas City went over its initial budget of $19 million.

In summary, Kansas City (1996) serves as a case study in the complexities of film financing and box office performance. Despite its artistic ambitions and the involvement of a renowned director, the film struggled to find financial success, raising important questions about the viability of similar projects in the future.