
The Shape of Water (2017)
Synopsis
In the hidden high-security government laboratory where she works, lonely Elisa is trapped in a life of silence and isolation. Elisa’s life is changed forever when she and co-worker Zelda discover a secret classified experiment.
What is the budget of The Shape of Water?
The Shape of Water, released in 2017, captivated audiences with its unique blend of fantasy and romance. Directed by Guillermo del Toro, the film features standout performances from Sally Hawkins, Octavia Spencer, and Michael Shannon. This enchanting tale not only garnered critical acclaim but also achieved significant financial success, making its budget a point of interest for many film enthusiasts.
What was the production budget?
The production budget for The Shape of Water was set at $19,500,000. This figure is relatively modest compared to other films in the fantasy genre, especially those with extensive special effects or high-profile casts. For instance, films like Pan's Labyrinth, also directed by del Toro, had a budget of around $19 million, showcasing how The Shape of Water was produced within a similar financial framework.
Key Budget Allocation Categories
While specific breakdowns of budget allocation are not publicly available, typical costs in films like this often include:
- Talent: Salaries for the cast and crew.
- Special Effects: Costs associated with creating the film's unique visual elements.
- Locations: Expenses for shooting in various settings, including studio and on-location filming.
What were the major production costs?
Several factors contributed to the overall production costs of The Shape of Water. Notable expenses included:
- Special Effects: The film's creature design and visual effects were crucial to its storytelling, requiring a significant investment.
- Set Design: Creating the atmospheric settings of the government laboratory and other locations demanded meticulous attention to detail.
- Talent: The cast, including award-winning actors, commanded competitive salaries.
Some scenes, particularly those involving the water creature, required extensive special effects work, which can often lead to budget challenges. Fortunately, the film managed to stay within its initial budget without major overruns.
How did The Shape of Water perform at the box office?
The Shape of Water achieved remarkable box office success, grossing $195,790,794 worldwide. In the domestic market, it earned $63,859,435. This impressive performance far exceeded its production budget, making it a financial triumph.
Break-even Point Analysis
To determine the break-even point, one must consider the production budget and marketing costs. Typically, a film needs to earn about double its production budget to cover all expenses. Given its earnings, The Shape of Water not only broke even but also generated substantial profit.
ROI Percentage
The return on investment (ROI) for The Shape of Water can be calculated as follows:
- Total Earnings: $195,790,794
- Production Budget: $19,500,000
- Profit: $195,790,794 - $19,500,000 = $176,290,794
The ROI percentage is approximately 903%, indicating a highly successful financial outcome.
Was The Shape of Water profitable?
Absolutely, The Shape of Water was profitable. Its earnings significantly surpassed its production costs, leading to a substantial profit margin. This success not only benefited the studio, Fox Searchlight Pictures, but also reinforced the viability of investing in unique and artistic films.
Impact on the Studio and Future Budgets
The financial success of The Shape of Water likely influenced future projects at Fox Searchlight Pictures, encouraging them to invest in more original and creative storytelling. The film's achievements may also set a precedent for budgets in the fantasy genre, demonstrating that compelling narratives can thrive without blockbuster-level spending.
Records Set
The Shape of Water received numerous accolades, including four Academy Awards, which further solidified its status as a landmark film. Its success has inspired filmmakers to explore innovative concepts within similar budget constraints.
Commonly Asked Questions
How much did The Shape of Water (2017) cost to make?
The Shape of Water had a production budget of $19,500,000.
Was The Shape of Water (2017) profitable?
Yes, the film was highly profitable, earning over $195 million worldwide.
What was the most expensive element of The Shape of Water (2017)?
The most significant costs likely stemmed from special effects and set design, crucial for bringing the story to life.
How much did The Shape of Water (2017) make at the box office?
The film grossed $195,790,794 globally, with $63,859,435 from the domestic market.
Did The Shape of Water (2017) go over budget?
No, The Shape of Water remained within its initial budget of $19,500,000.
In summary, The Shape of Water stands as a testament to the potential for artistic films to achieve financial success. With a budget of $19,500,000 and worldwide earnings exceeding $195 million, it showcases how creativity and storytelling can resonate with audiences and yield impressive profits.









































































































































































































































































































Budget Templates
Build your own production budget
Create professional budgets with AICP and feature film templates. Real-time collaboration, no spreadsheets.
Start Budgeting Free