Production Budget Analysis

What was the production budget for The Little Things?

Directed by John Lee Hancock, with Denzel Washington, Rami Malek, Jared Leto leading the cast, The Little Things was produced by Warner Bros. Pictures with a confirmed budget of $30,000,000, placing it in the low-budget category for drama films.

With a $30,000,000 budget, The Little Things 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 $75,000,000.

Budget Comparison — Similar Productions

• A Hologram for the King (2016): Budget $30,000,000 | Gross $9,169,507 → ROI: -69% • A Lot Like Love (2005): Budget $30,000,000 | Gross $42,886,719 → ROI: 43% • Big Momma's House (2000): Budget $30,000,000 | Gross $173,959,438 → ROI: 480% • Crazy Rich Asians (2018): Budget $30,000,000 | Gross $238,539,198 → ROI: 695% • Doomsday (2008): Budget $30,000,000 | Gross $22,472,631 → ROI: -25%

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: Denzel Washington, Rami Malek, Jared Leto, Chris Bauer, Michael Hyatt Key roles: Denzel Washington as Joe 'Deke' Deacon; Rami Malek as Jim Baxter; Jared Leto as Albert Sparma; Chris Bauer as Detective Sal Rizoli

DIRECTOR: John Lee Hancock CINEMATOGRAPHY: John Schwartzman MUSIC: Thomas Newman EDITING: Robert Frazen PRODUCTION: Warner Bros. Pictures, Gran Via Productions FILMED IN: United States of America

Box Office Performance

The Little Things earned $15,342,746 domestically and $14,600,000 internationally, for a worldwide total of $29,942,746. Revenue was split 51% domestic / 49% international.

Break-Even Analysis

Using the industry-standard 2.5x multiplier (P&A + exhibitor shares of 40–50% + distribution fees), The Little Things needed approximately $75,000,000 to break even. The film fell $45,057,254 short in theatrical revenue. Ancillary streams (home media, streaming, TV) may have bridged the gap.

Return on Investment (ROI)

Revenue: $29,942,746 Budget: $30,000,000 Net: $-57,254 ROI: -0.2%

Profitability Assessment

VERDICT: Unprofitable (Theatrical)

The Little Things earned $29,942,746 against a $30,000,000 budget (-0% ROI), falling short of theatrical profitability. Ancillary revenue may have reduced the deficit.