What is the budget of On the Basis of Sex?

On the Basis of Sex (2018) tells the inspiring true story of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a young lawyer who, alongside her husband Marty, challenges gender discrimination in a landmark case. Directed by Mimi Leder, the film features a talented cast, including Felicity Jones as Ruth and Armie Hammer as Marty. Released on December 25, 2018, this biographical drama not only highlights a pivotal moment in legal history but also raises questions about its financial performance, particularly its budget.

What was the production budget?

The production budget for On the Basis of Sex was set at $20 million. This figure places it within a moderate range compared to other biographical dramas released around the same time. For instance, films like The Post (2017) had a budget of approximately $50 million, while Hidden Figures (2016) was produced for about $25 million. This budget allocation reflects the film's focus on character-driven storytelling rather than high-cost special effects or elaborate set pieces.

Key Budget Allocation Categories

While specific breakdowns of budget categories are not publicly available, typical expenses for films in this genre often include:

- Talent Costs: Salaries for the lead actors and supporting cast.

- Location Expenses: Costs associated with filming in various locations, including permits and logistics.

- Production Design: Expenses related to set design, costumes, and props that reflect the film's historical context.

What were the major production costs?

Several factors contributed to the overall production costs of On the Basis of Sex. Key elements included:

- Talent: The film featured well-known actors, which likely accounted for a significant portion of the budget.

- Locations: Filming in authentic settings to capture the essence of the 1970s legal landscape added to the expenses.

- Production Design: Creating a period-accurate environment required careful attention to detail, impacting costs.

Noteworthy scenes, such as courtroom sequences, often demand higher production values, which can lead to increased costs. While the film was produced within its budget, any unforeseen challenges could have led to potential overruns.

How did On the Basis of Sex perform at the box office?

On the Basis of Sex grossed approximately $38,780,888 worldwide, with domestic earnings reaching $24,704,837. This performance indicates a solid reception, especially considering its $20 million budget.

Break-even Point Analysis

To determine the break-even point, a film typically needs to earn about twice its production budget to cover marketing and distribution costs. In this case, On the Basis of Sex would need to reach around $40 million to break even. With worldwide earnings of approximately $38.8 million, it fell just short of this target.

ROI Percentage

Calculating the return on investment (ROI) provides insight into the film's financial success. With a production budget of $20 million and total earnings of $38.8 million, the ROI can be estimated as follows:

- ROI = (Total Earnings - Production Budget) / Production Budget

- ROI = ($38,780,888 - $20,000,000) / $20,000,000 = 0.939 or approximately 94%

Was On the Basis of Sex profitable?

Despite not reaching the break-even point, On the Basis of Sex can be considered a modest financial success. The film's earnings indicate that it recouped a significant portion of its budget, contributing positively to the studio's overall portfolio.

Impact on the Studio and Future Budgets

The film's performance may influence future projects by Participant Media and Robert Cort Productions, potentially leading to more films that tackle socially relevant themes. While it may not have set any records, its moderate success demonstrates the viability of character-driven narratives in the current market.

Commonly Asked Questions

How much did On the Basis of Sex (2018) cost to make?

The production cost of On the Basis of Sex was $20 million.

Was On the Basis of Sex (2018) profitable?

Yes, while it did not reach the break-even point, it was a modest financial success, earning approximately $38.8 million worldwide.

What was the most expensive element of On the Basis of Sex (2018)?

The most expensive elements likely included talent costs and production design, particularly for period-accurate settings.

How much did On the Basis of Sex (2018) make at the box office?

The film grossed approximately $38,780,888 worldwide, with $24,704,837 from domestic markets.

Did On the Basis of Sex (2018) go over budget?

The film was produced within its $20 million budget, with no significant overruns reported.

In summary, On the Basis of Sex serves as a compelling narrative that not only highlights a significant legal battle but also reflects the financial dynamics of filmmaking. Its budget and box office performance provide valuable insights into the economic landscape of biographical dramas.