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Whiplash (2014)

Low-Budget Success

Whiplash

Drama

|

2014

|

United States

A $3.3M short film turned feature that drummed its way to $49M and Oscar glory.

Production Facts

Director:

Damien Chazelle

Starring:

Miles Teller, J.K. Simmons, Paul Reiser, Melissa Benoist

Distribution:

Sony Pictures Classics

Platform:

Netflix, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video

Budget:

$3,300,000

Gross:

$49,000,000

ROI:

15×

Key Lesson:

You don’t need big stars or gear — you need tension, timing, and a story people talk about. Peli shot this entirely in his home with a consumer camcorder and built terror from atmosphere. The film’s viral word-of-mouth campaign redefined how indie horror could reach audiences.

Legacy:

Spawned a billion-dollar franchise, revived found-footage horror, and proved that creative storytelling can outperform CGI-heavy blockbusters. A landmark example for filmmakers on how to leverage simplicity and authenticity into massive profit.

IMDB:

/ 10

📊

+

Audience Ratings

Frequently Asked Questions

How much did Whiplash cost to make?

The feature version of Whiplash was produced for about $3.3 million after a successful proof-of-concept short attracted investors.

How much did Whiplash make at the box office?

It grossed around $49 million worldwide and earned five Oscar nominations.

How did Whiplash get made?

Damien Chazelle first filmed an 18-minute short, which premiered at Sundance and won an award—helping him secure funding for the full-length film.

Where can I watch Whiplash?

It’s currently available on Netflix, Apple TV, and Amazon Prime Video.