Production and Financial Overview
Out of Africa was produced by Universal Pictures and Mirage Enterprises, with Universal handling the theatrical distribution. The film was directed by Sydney Pollack and based on the memoir by Karen Blixen. The production budget was reported at approximately 31 million dollars, with filming taking place primarily in Kenya and at Shepperton Studios in the United Kingdom. The project was greenlit during a period of high demand for epic romantic dramas, and it became one of the more expensive studio productions of its time.
The film's financial structure involved standard studio distribution deals, with Universal managing global theatrical release and ancillary revenue streams. The production company, Mirage Enterprises, was founded by Sydney Pollack and operated as an independent production arm that frequently partnered with major studios for financing and distribution. The film's budget allocation covered location fees in Kenya, set construction, and a large ensemble cast, which included significant talent costs for the two lead actors.
Box Office Performance and Revenue
Out of Africa grossed approximately 87 million dollars at the worldwide box office, making it a commercial success relative to its production budget. The domestic box office accounted for the majority of this total, with strong performance in major urban markets where the film's epic scope and romantic narrative resonated with audiences. The film's box office run extended over multiple months, benefiting from positive word-of-mouth and critical acclaim that sustained theater attendance.
The home video market, including VHS and later DVD releases, generated substantial additional revenue for the studio. Television broadcast rights were also sold, contributing to the film's lifetime revenue profile. The film's enduring popularity in syndication and streaming platforms has continued to generate licensing income for the rights holders, demonstrating the long-tail financial value of successful catalog titles.
Cast Compensation and Industry Impact
Robert Redford and Meryl Streep were among the highest-paid actors of the era, and their involvement in Out of Africa reflected their market positioning at the time. Redford, already established as a bankable star from films like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, commanded a significant salary. Streep, who had already won an Academy Award for Kramer vs. Kramer, brought substantial prestige and drawing power to the production.
The film's success reinforced the commercial viability of star-driven period dramas and influenced subsequent production decisions at Universal and other studios. The project is frequently cited in industry analyses of 1980s Hollywood economics, particularly regarding the relationship between production budgets, star salaries, and global box office returns. The film's financial performance is also documented in trade publications and studio financial reports available through public records and industry databases Forbes.