The buzz surrounding the $250 million budget for Netflix’s Arcane continues, and executive music producer Alex Seaver has addressed the hefty price tag. Speaking with Screen Rant, Seaver shed light on why the budget was justified and how Riot Games’ unique approach contributed to the show’s success.
“The show is made by Riot Games, which is, I think, one of the reasons it took a long time to make,” said Seaver. “We’re not a film and television studio; we’re a game company.”
A Unique Approach That Broke Barriers
Seaver emphasized that Arcane broke the “video game adaptation curse” by keeping production in-house rather than outsourcing to traditional film and television studios. The animation was handled by Fortiche in Paris, which Seaver referred to as part of the show’s “special sauce.”
This meticulous approach contributed to the show’s cinematic quality, setting a new standard for video game adaptations.
Breaking Down the Budget
The $250 million figure was first reported by Variety, but several insiders have clarified its components:
- Christian Linke, the showrunner, explained to GamesRadar+ that the figure includes marketing costs, which are often excluded from typical production budgets.
- Linke added, “Arcane is a really expensive animated series – which was the point. Our dream was to create an animated series with the fidelity of what you see in animated movies.”
Riot Games co-founder Marc Merrill also weighed in on Reddit, comparing Arcane’s cost per minute to films from Pixar and Illumination. He noted that Arcane’s budget was significantly lower on a per-minute basis and attributed the expenses to securing top-tier talent.
Industry Support for Arcane’s Budget
The industry has largely supported Arcane’s ambitious budget. Production designer Jason Scheier, who worked on Blue Eye Samurai, praised it on Twitter, stating, “Let this be the example for the standard if you want artistry and quality.”
Seaver concluded that the dedication of Riot Games as both a developer and producer played a crucial role in ensuring Arcane’s success, proving that their investment was worthwhile.
What’s Next for Arcane?
Despite the eye-watering budget, Arcane‘s production values are evident in every frame, showcasing lavish animation and an engaging narrative. While discussions about its cost continue, the show’s success is undeniable.
