Producing for Profit

Chapter 9Film Production Basics

Budget

As we have discussed in previous chapters, every picture has a market value. Assuming you have done your due diligence in the marketplace and have been able to raise money for your picture, the next step is to create a realistic budget. Using the spec house analogy from previous chapters, a budget for a film is not unlike a budget for the construction of a house. In a spec house budget, there are line items for labor, fringes, and payroll tax where applicable, permits, goods and services, various vendors, materials, equipment, subcontractors, appliances, finish materials, landscaping and lighting, builders’ fees, and more. In a movie budget, there are similar categories and line items for labor (both cast ...