Production Budget Analysis

What was the production budget for The Plague?

Directed by Charlie Polinger, with Everett Blunck, Kayo Martin, Joel Edgerton leading the cast, The Plague was produced by Spooky Pictures with a confirmed budget of $1,000,000, placing it in the micro-budget category for drama films.

At $1,000,000, The Plague was produced on a lean budget. Lower-budget films benefit from reduced break-even thresholds, with profitability achievable at approximately $2,500,000.

Budget Comparison — Similar Productions

• Gone in 60 Seconds (1974): Budget $1,000,000 | Gross $40,000,000 → ROI: 3900% • A Woman Under the Influence (1974): Budget $1,000,000 | Gross $12,200,000 → ROI: 1120% • Rear Window (1954): Budget $1,000,000 | Gross $37,042,336 → ROI: 3604% • How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies (2024): Budget $1,000,000 | Gross $73,800,000 → ROI: 7280% • Raise the Red Lantern (1991): Budget $1,000,000 | Gross $16,600,000 → ROI: 1560%

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: Everett Blunck, Kayo Martin, Joel Edgerton, Kenny Rasmussen, Lucas Adler Key roles: Everett Blunck as Ben; Kayo Martin as Jake; Joel Edgerton as Daddy Wags; Kenny Rasmussen as Eli

DIRECTOR: Charlie Polinger CINEMATOGRAPHY: Steven Breckon MUSIC: Johan Lenox EDITING: Simon Njoo, Henry Hayes PRODUCTION: Spooky Pictures, The Space Program, Image Nation Abu Dhabi, Five Henrys, Doublethink FILMED IN: United States of America, United Arab Emirates

Box Office Performance

The Plague earned $685,153 domestically, for a worldwide total of $685,153. The film skewed heavily domestic (100%), suggesting strong North American appeal.

Break-Even Analysis

Using the industry-standard 2.5x multiplier (P&A + exhibitor shares of 40–50% + distribution fees), The Plague needed approximately $2,500,000 to break even. The film fell $1,814,847 short in theatrical revenue. Ancillary streams (home media, streaming, TV) may have bridged the gap.

Return on Investment (ROI)

Revenue: $685,153 Budget: $1,000,000 Net: $-314,847 ROI: -31.5%

Profitability Assessment

VERDICT: Unprofitable (Theatrical)

The Plague earned $685,153 against a $1,000,000 budget (-31% ROI), falling short of theatrical profitability. Ancillary revenue may have reduced the deficit.