Production Budget Analysis

What was the production budget for Satantango?

Directed by Béla Tarr, with Mihály Víg, Putyi Horváth, Székely B. Miklós leading the cast, Satantango was produced by Von Vietinghoff Filmproduktion with a confirmed budget of $1,500,000, placing it in the micro-budget category for drama films.

At $1,500,000, Satantango was produced on a lean budget. Lower-budget films benefit from reduced break-even thresholds, with profitability achievable at approximately $3,750,000.

Budget Comparison — Similar Productions

• City Lights (1931): Budget $1,500,000 | Gross $4,250,000 → ROI: 183% • Tampopo (1985): Budget $1,500,000 | Gross N/A • Modern Times (1936): Budget $1,500,000 | Gross $1,800,000 → ROI: 20% • Roman Holiday (1953): Budget $1,500,000 | Gross $12,000,000 → ROI: 700% • Rope (1948): Budget $1,500,000 | Gross $2,200,000 → ROI: 47%

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: Mihály Víg, Putyi Horváth, Székely B. Miklós, Erika Bók, László feLugossy Key roles: Mihály Víg as Irimiás; Putyi Horváth as Petrina; Székely B. Miklós as Futaki; Erika Bók as Estike

DIRECTOR: Béla Tarr CINEMATOGRAPHY: Gábor Medvigy MUSIC: Mihály Víg EDITING: Ágnes Hranitzky PRODUCTION: Von Vietinghoff Filmproduktion, Vega Film, Mozgókép Innovációs Társulás és Alapítvány, Magyar Televízió, TSR FILMED IN: Germany, Hungary, Switzerland

Box Office Performance

Theatrical box office data is not publicly available for Satantango (1994). This may indicate a limited release, direct-to-streaming, or a release predating modern box office tracking.