A Marvel executive has explained how Agatha All Along was made more affordable through its use of practical effects rather than CGI.
Earlier this week we covered a report which estimated that Agatha All Along was Marvel Studios’ cheapest TV show yet, with its price tag coming in at even less than Echo. That’s the Hawkeye spin-off that is believed to have cost around $8m an episode. That might sound like a lot to you and me, some estimates have shows such as The Falcon And The Winter Soldier coming in at twice that amount. She-Hulk: Attorney At Law, meanwhile, reportedly cost as much as $25m per episode – partly because bringing the big green lawyer to the screen required so many effects shots.
Speaking with Variety, Marvel Studios’ head of streaming, television and animation, Brad Winderbaum has been chatting a little about this new direction, telling the outlet, “it’s our least expensive show, and I think that was by design”.
While Winderbaum didn’t confirm the $70m figure that some have estimated the nine episode series cost, he did talk a little about the benefits of making the show more cost-effective, stating: “we are looking to make these shows for a responsible cost. Frankly, it gives us a little bit more freedom creatively when we can bring them in at a reasonable budget.”
Film Stories Podcast Network | Agatha All Along, The Room, From Dusk Till Dawn and more
Given how well-received the show’s predeccesor – WandaVision – was, you’d hope that any future Marvel shows would be given the same creative leeway. Matt Shakman’s show pushed the expectations of what Marvel’s small screen output could look like and arguably, hasn’t been bettered since as each successive story became formulaic in story or structure.
How did Marvel bring Agatha All Along in at such a reduced cost though?
According to Winderbaum, “the show has minimal CG, way less than we’ve ever done before. It’s mostly practical effects, and I think you can feel it in the show.”
He goes on to add that the upcoming Daredevil will be following the same route too, which comes as welcome news. Winderbaum adds that the decision seems to have paid off, with Agatha garnering the ‘best continuation rate of any Marvel series to date.’ If you want to hear more about the show whilst you wait for the next episode, check out our podcast right here.
