Production Company and Budget Overview
The Great Debaters was produced by Harpo Films and distributed by The Weinstein Company. The project was led by Oprah Winfrey as producer and starred Denzel Washington as James Farmer Sr., a professor at Wiley College in Marshall, Texas. The film was directed by Denzel Washington and written by Robert Eisele. The production budget was reported at approximately 25 million USD by The Weinstein Company and industry trade sources.
The principal photography took place in Louisiana, with filming locations including campuses and historic sites that doubled for 1930s Texas settings. The production design aimed to reflect the segregated South during the Great Depression. The film was released theatrically in the United States in late 2007. The official soundtrack included original music scored by James Newton Howard, who is known for multiple major studio releases.
Box Office Revenue and Domestic Performance
The Great Debaters earned approximately 30 million USD in domestic box office receipts, according to The Numbers and Box Office Mojo. The film opened across a wide release in the United States and competed in the same seasonal window as several other awards-season contenders. Its per-theater average remained modest compared to blockbuster titles released during the same period.
International box office data showed additional revenue, bringing the worldwide total above the domestic figure. The film performed strongest in markets with historical interest in American period dramas and educational narratives. Marketing efforts emphasized the true story behind the Wiley College debate team and the role of debate in social change during the 1930s.
Critical Reception and Awards Context
The film received mixed reviews from critics, with praise directed at Denzel Washington's direction and the performances of the lead cast. It was recognized at several award ceremonies, including NAACP Image Award nominations and wins. The narrative focus on debate as a tool for empowerment resonated with educational institutions and civil rights history audiences.
Financial Outcome Summary
When comparing the production budget to worldwide gross revenue, The Great Debaters achieved a modest return that covered its reported costs. The film did not reach blockbuster profitability thresholds but generated returns through theatrical exhibition, home video, and television licensing. The Weinstein Company handled distribution and marketing, while Harpo Films retained production credits and associated rights.
Key Financial Figures at a Glance
Production budget was estimated at 25 million USD. Domestic box office gross was approximately 30 million USD. Worldwide gross exceeded domestic totals, though exact international splits vary by source. The film's financial performance is documented in trade databases and studio disclosures linked to box office tracking platforms.
Sources and Data References
Box office and budget figures are sourced from public trade databases and official studio disclosures. For detailed domestic and international box office data, see The Numbers at the-numbers.com/movie/The-Great-Debaters. Additional production and financial context can be found on Box Office Mojo at boxofficemojo.com/title/the-great-debaters.