Apple(US:AAPL) Mei Ri Jing Ji Xin Wen·2025-07-09 15:14Core Viewpoint - The film "F1: Drive to Survive" has received a high rating of 8.6 on Douban, indicating its appeal despite the high production costs incurred by Apple Original Films, which reportedly spent between $200 million and $250 million on the project [1][3][6]. Production Costs and Financial Performance - The estimated production budget for "F1: Drive to Survive" is $200 million, with some reports suggesting actual costs could reach $250 million, translating to approximately $1.28 million spent per minute of film [3][6]. - The film has grossed over $300 million globally, marking Apple's best box office performance to date; however, analysts indicate that after accounting for distribution costs and box office splits, it is still far from breaking even [6][13]. Market Performance in China - The film has struggled in the Chinese market, with ticket sales around 200 million yuan (approximately $28 million) after two weeks of release, which is significantly lower than expected [6][13]. - The film's promotional efforts in China have been criticized as insufficient, with a lack of engagement on social media platforms and minimal marketing activities [13][14]. Strategic Implications for Apple and F1 - The film represents Apple's continued investment in high-quality productions, following a trend of significant spending on films like "Killers of the Flower Moon" and "Napoleon," which also faced challenges in achieving profitability [11][12]. - The lack of success in the Chinese market highlights a missed opportunity for both the film and the F1 brand to capitalize on the growing consumer market in China, suggesting a need for more effective promotional strategies [14].