Production Budget Analysis

What was the production budget for Under the Silver Lake?

Directed by David Robert Mitchell, with Andrew Garfield, Riley Keough, Topher Grace leading the cast, Under the Silver Lake was produced by Michael De Luca Productions with a confirmed budget of $8,500,000, placing it in the micro-budget category for crime films.

At $8,500,000, Under the Silver Lake was produced on a modest budget. Lower-budget films benefit from reduced break-even thresholds, with profitability achievable at approximately $21,250,000.

Budget Comparison — Similar Productions

• All the President's Men (1976): Budget $8,500,000 | Gross $70,600,000 → ROI: 731% • Train to Busan (2016): Budget $8,500,000 | Gross $87,547,518 → ROI: 930% • Nightcrawler (2014): Budget $8,500,000 | Gross $47,425,835 → ROI: 458% • The Strangers: Chapter 3 (2026): Budget $8,500,000 | Gross $9,191,988 → ROI: 8% • The Strangers: Chapter 1 (2024): Budget $8,500,000 | Gross $48,166,448 → ROI: 467%

Key Budget Allocation Categories

▸ Talent & Director Compensation Thrillers depend on compelling lead performances to sustain tension, making cast compensation a primary budget concern. Directors with proven thriller credentials command premium fees.

▸ Cinematography & Location Photography Thriller aesthetics demand specific visual languages — surveillance-style photography, claustrophobic framing, or expansive location work across multiple cities or countries.

▸ Editorial & Sound Post-Production Precision editing — controlling information flow, building suspense through pacing, and orchestrating reveals — requires extended post-production schedules.

Key Production Personnel

CAST: Andrew Garfield, Riley Keough, Topher Grace, Callie Hernandez, Don McManus Key roles: Andrew Garfield as Sam; Riley Keough as Sarah; Topher Grace as Bar Buddy; Callie Hernandez as Millicent Sevence

DIRECTOR: David Robert Mitchell CINEMATOGRAPHY: Mike Gioulakis MUSIC: Rich Vreeland EDITING: Julio Perez IV PRODUCTION: Michael De Luca Productions, Good Fear, PASTEL, UnLTD Productions, Salem Street Entertainment, Boo Pictures FILMED IN: United States of America

Box Office Performance

Under the Silver Lake earned $46,083 domestically and $2,007,386 internationally, for a worldwide total of $2,053,469. International markets drove the majority of revenue (98%), indicating strong global appeal.

Break-Even Analysis

Using the industry-standard 2.5x multiplier (P&A + exhibitor shares of 40–50% + distribution fees), Under the Silver Lake needed approximately $21,250,000 to break even. The film fell $19,196,531 short in theatrical revenue. Ancillary streams (home media, streaming, TV) may have bridged the gap.

Return on Investment (ROI)

Revenue: $2,053,469 Budget: $8,500,000 Net: $-6,446,531 ROI: -75.8%

Profitability Assessment

VERDICT: Unprofitable (Theatrical)

Under the Silver Lake earned $2,053,469 against a $8,500,000 budget (-76% ROI), falling short of theatrical profitability. Ancillary revenue may have reduced the deficit.