Production Budget Analysis

What was the production budget for Mia madre?

Directed by Nanni Moretti, with Margherita Buy, Nanni Moretti, John Turturro leading the cast, Mia madre was produced by Sacher Film with a confirmed budget of $7,000,000, placing it in the micro-budget category for drama films.

At $7,000,000, Mia madre was produced on a modest budget. Lower-budget films benefit from reduced break-even thresholds, with profitability achievable at approximately $17,500,000.

Budget Comparison — Similar Productions

• Capote (2005): Budget $7,000,000 | Gross $49,327,405 → ROI: 605% • Norm of the North (2016): Budget $7,000,000 | Gross $17,062,499 → ROI: 144% • American Psycho (2000): Budget $7,000,000 | Gross $34,269,748 → ROI: 390% • Jaws (1975): Budget $7,000,000 | Gross $470,653,000 → ROI: 6624% • High School Musical 2 (2007): Budget $7,000,000 | Gross N/A

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: Margherita Buy, Nanni Moretti, John Turturro, Pietro Ragusa, Antonio Zavatteri Key roles: Margherita Buy as Margherita; Nanni Moretti as Giovanni; John Turturro as Barry Huggins; Pietro Ragusa as Bruno

DIRECTOR: Nanni Moretti CINEMATOGRAPHY: Arnaldo Catinari EDITING: Clelio Benevento PRODUCTION: Sacher Film, Fandango, RAI Cinema, Le Pacte, ARTE France Cinéma, Ifitalia, Eurimages, MiC, Backup Media, Canal+, Ciné+, Cinémage 8, Cofinova 10, Films Boutique, L'Aide aux Cinémas du Monde, Palatine Étoile 11, Regione Lazio, WDR/Arte FILMED IN: Italy, France, Germany

Box Office Performance

Mia madre earned $7,723,656 in worldwide box office revenue.

Break-Even Analysis

Using the industry-standard 2.5x multiplier (P&A + exhibitor shares of 40–50% + distribution fees), Mia madre needed approximately $17,500,000 to break even. The film fell $9,776,344 short in theatrical revenue. Ancillary streams (home media, streaming, TV) may have bridged the gap.

Return on Investment (ROI)

Revenue: $7,723,656 Budget: $7,000,000 Net: $723,656 ROI: 10.3%

Profitability Assessment

VERDICT: Modestly Profitable

Mia madre earned $7,723,656 against a $7,000,000 budget (10% ROI). Full profitability was likely achieved through ancillary revenue streams.

INDUSTRY IMPACT

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

Nominations: ○ David di Donatello for Best Director (60th David di Donatello Awards) ○ European Film Award for Best Actress (28th European Film Awards) ○ European Film Award for Best Director (28th European Film Awards)

No awards data currently available for this title.