Hidden Figures Budget
DramaHistory2h 7mUpdated
Synopsis
As the United States raced against Russia to put a man in space, NASA found untapped talent in a group of African-American female mathematicians that served as the brains behind one of the greatest operations in U.S. history. Based on the unbelievably true life stories of three of these women, known as "human computers", we follow these women as they quickly rose the ranks of NASA alongside many of history's greatest minds specifically tasked with calculating the momentous launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit, and guaranteeing his safe return. Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, and Katherine Gobels Johnson crossed all gender, race, and professional lines while their brilliance and desire to dream big, beyond anything ever accomplished before by the human race, firmly cemented them in U.S. history as true American heroes.
What is the budget of Hidden Figures?
"Hidden Figures," a drama released in 2016, was directed by Theodore Melfi and stars Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer. The production budget was $25,000,000, placing it in the mid-budget range for drama productions of its era.
Key Budget Allocation Categories
While specific budget breakdowns are not publicly available, typical cost drivers for a drama production like this include:
- Above-the-Line Talent: Drama films live or die on the strength of their performances.
- 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.
- Post-Production, Color Grading & Score: The editorial process for dramas is typically longer than genre films, with careful attention to pacing and tone.
What were the major cost factors in Hidden Figures?
Several factors contributed to the overall production costs of "Hidden Figures."
- Above-the-Line Talent: Above-the-Line Talent is one of the primary cost drivers in drama productions of this scale.
- Location Filming: Location Filming & Period Production Design is one of the primary cost drivers in drama productions of this scale.
- Post-Production: Post-Production, Color Grading & Score is one of the primary cost drivers in drama productions of this scale.
How Does Hidden Figures's Budget Compare to Similar Films?
At $25,000,000, Hidden Figures sits in the mid-budget range. Here is how it compares to productions with a similar budget:
- 1408 (2007): Budget $25,000,000, Worldwide Gross $133,000,000
- A Journal for Jordan (2021): Budget $25,000,000, Worldwide Gross $6,700,000
- Abandon (2002): Budget $25,000,000, Worldwide Gross $10,719,357
- All My Life (2020): Budget $25,000,000, Worldwide Gross $2,000,000
- August Rush (2007): Budget $25,000,000, Worldwide Gross $66,122,026
The median budget for wide-release drama films in the 2010s ranges from $30 to 80M for mid-budget to $150M+ for tentpoles.
Hidden Figures Box Office Performance
"Hidden Figures" earned $169,607,287 domestically and $235,957,472 worldwide at the box office. Against a production budget of $25,000,000, the film performed strongly at the box office.
A film typically needs to earn approximately twice its production budget to cover marketing and distribution costs. For "Hidden Figures," that break-even threshold was roughly $50,000,000. With worldwide earnings of $235,957,472, the film cleared that threshold comfortably.
- Production Budget: $25,000,000
- Worldwide Gross: $235,957,472
- Net Return: $210,957,472
- ROI: approximately 843.8%
At 843.8%, "Hidden Figures" earned roughly $9.44 for every $1 invested in production.
Awards and Recognition
Nominated for 3 Oscars. 37 wins & 94 nominations total
- National Board of Review: Top Ten Films
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did it cost to make Hidden Figures (2016)?
The production budget was $25,000,000, covering principal photography, cast and crew salaries, locations, sets, post-production, and music. Marketing and distribution (P&A) costs are estimated at an additional $12,500,000 - $20,000,000, bringing the total studio investment to approximately $37,500,000 - $45,000,000.
How much did Hidden Figures (2016) earn at the box office?
Hidden Figures grossed $169,607,287 domestic, $66,350,185 international, totaling $235,957,472 worldwide.
Was Hidden Figures (2016) profitable?
Yes. Against a production budget of $25,000,000 and estimated total costs of ~$62,500,000, the film earned $235,957,472 theatrically - a 844% ROI on production costs alone.
What were the biggest costs in producing Hidden Figures?
The primary cost drivers were above-the-line talent (Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monáe); talent compensation, authentic period production design, and meticulous post-production.
How does Hidden Figures's budget compare to similar drama films?
At $25,000,000, Hidden Figures is classified as a low-budget production. The median budget for wide-release drama films in the 2010s ranges from $30 - 80M for mid-budget to $150M+ for tentpoles. Comparable budgets: 1408 (2007, $25,000,000); A Journal for Jordan (2021, $25,000,000); Abandon (2002, $25,000,000).
Did Hidden Figures (2016) go over budget?
There are no widely reported accounts of significant budget overruns for this production. However, studios rarely disclose precise budget overrun figures publicly. The reported production budget reflects the final estimated cost.
What was the return on investment (ROI) for Hidden Figures?
The theatrical ROI was 843.8%, calculated as ($235,957,472 − $25,000,000) ÷ $25,000,000 × 100. This measures gross revenue against production budget only - it does not account for P&A or exhibitor shares.
What awards did Hidden Figures (2016) win?
Nominated for 3 Oscars. 37 wins & 94 nominations total.
Who directed Hidden Figures and who were the key crew members?
Directed by Theodore Melfi, written by Allison Schroeder, Theodore Melfi, shot by Mandy Walker, with music by Hans Zimmer, Pharrell Williams, edited by Peter Teschner.
Where was Hidden Figures filmed?
Hidden Figures was filmed in United States of America.
Filmmakers
Hidden Figures
Official Trailer
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