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Zero Effect poster
6.3 / 10(204 votes)IMDbR19981h 56m$2M Worldwide GrossUnited States of America

Zero Effect

“The world's most private detective.”

Synopsis

Daryl Zero is a private investigator and—along with his assistant, Steve Arlo—he solves impossible crimes and puzzles. Although Daryl's a master investigator, he doesn't know what to do with himself when he's not working; he has no social skills, writes bad music and drives Steve crazy.

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Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes

Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.

"Zero Effect (1998)" Theatrical Trailer

Type: Trailer • Published 2009-03-29

Release History & Theatrical Window

Theatrical Premiere

January 30, 1998

Wide Cinema Exhibition

Financials & Box Office Performance

ReleasedUnderperformed (0.4x ROI)

Production Budget

$5M

Filming & production cost

Worldwide Gross

$2M

Total global ticket sales

Box Office Return

0.4x

-$3M deficit

Theatrical Status

Budget Return

Box office tier

Budget: $5MWorldwide: $2M

Key Information & Fast Facts

Director
Jake Kasdan
Screenplay & Story
Jake Kasdan, Arthur Conan Doyle
Original Score
The Greyboy Allstars
Original Title
Zero Effect
Country of Origin
United States of America
Spoken Languages
English
Runtime
1h 56m
Production Budget
$5M
Worldwide Gross
$2M
Production Studios
Castle Rock Entertainment, Manifest Film Company

Creative Leadership & Key Crew

Director

Jake Kasdan

Screenplay & Story

Jake Kasdan, Arthur Conan Doyle

Original Score & Music

The Greyboy Allstars

Director of Photography

Bill Pope

Film Editing

Tara Timpone

Producers

Naomi Despres, Lisa Henson, Janet Yang, Jake Kasdan, Jim Behnke

Department Leadership Roster

Jake Kasdan

Jake Kasdan

Director

Naomi Despres

Producer

Lisa Henson

Lisa Henson

Producer

Janet Yang

Janet Yang

Producer

Jake Kasdan

Jake Kasdan

Producer

Bill Pope

Bill Pope

Director of Photography

Gary Frutkoff

Production Design

Tara Timpone

Editor

Kym Barrett

Kym Barrett

Costume Design

Jake Kasdan

Jake Kasdan

Writer

The Greyboy Allstars

Original Music Composer

Age Classification & Content Advisories

Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.

Primary: R

R: Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

International Certification Matrix

Australia (ACB)M

Mature — Recommended for viewers 15 and older.

Germany (FSK)12

FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.

United States (MPAA)R

Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

Official cinematic photography and background stills for Zero Effect.

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Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring Zero Effect.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Zero Effect

Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.

What is Zero Effect about?

Daryl Zero is a private investigator and—along with his assistant, Steve Arlo—he solves impossible crimes and puzzles. Although Daryl's a master investigator, he doesn't know what to do with himself when he's not working; he has no social skills, writes bad music and drives Steve crazy.

Who directed Zero Effect?

Zero Effect was directed by Jake Kasdan.

Who stars in Zero Effect?

The principal cast of Zero Effect includes Bill Pullman, Ben Stiller, Ryan O'Neal, Kim Dickens, Angela Featherstone.

When was Zero Effect released and how long is it?

Zero Effect was released in 1998 with a total runtime of 1h 56m.

What was the box office and production budget of Zero Effect?

Zero Effect had a reported production budget of $5M and grossed $2M at the worldwide box office (0.4 return on budget, classified as a underperformed).

Who composed the musical score for Zero Effect?

The original motion picture soundtrack for Zero Effect was composed by The Greyboy Allstars.

What is the age rating and content advisory for Zero Effect?

Zero Effect holds official age classifications: AU: M (Mature — Recommended for viewers 15 and older.); DE: 12 (FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.); US: R (Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.).