Break-Even
The revenue point at which a film's income equals its total production and marketing costs.
Definition
Break-even represents the revenue threshold at which a film recoups all costs—negative cost plus P&A expenses plus distribution fees. Calculating true break-even is complex due to varying revenue shares from different windows and Hollywood accounting practices.
Theatrical break-even differs from ultimate break-even when accounting for home entertainment, television, and streaming revenues.
Why It Matters
Break-even calculations drive studio greenlight decisions and influence sequel and franchise development. Understanding these dynamics helps explain why some profitable-seeming films don't generate sequels while others spawn franchises.
Break-even also determines when backend participants begin receiving profit shares, making accurate calculation crucial for talent compensation.
Examples in Practice
A film with $100 million negative cost and $75 million P&A might need $350+ million theatrical gross to reach break-even, given theatrical revenue splits with exhibitors. Home entertainment revenue can push films into profitability even after disappointing theatrical runs.
The rule of thumb that films need 2-2.5x their production budget in worldwide gross oversimplifies complex break-even calculations.