Documentary Production
Budget Ranges

Proportion of Australian documentaries (not including broadcaster-produced titles) by budget range (2019 dollars), 2007/08–2018/19

Titles | Series hours

Titles: Proportion of documentary titles in various budget ranges

Since 2007/08, over 60 per cent of single documentaries made by independent production companies were produced for less than $500,000 per hour (in 2019 dollars). Over the same period, 30 per cent were made for between $500,000 and $1 million per hour and 9 per cent for more than $1 million per hour.

Documentary series production follows a similar pattern with over 70 per cent being made for less than $500,000 per hour, 24 per cent for between $500,000 and $1 million per hour and 4 per cent for more than $1 million per hour.