Creating a budget for short doc videos

1. Developing a Budget

2. Why Create a Budget
● Helps you plan all aspects of
production
● When you are on a fixed budget, helps
you make decisions about what is
necessary and what can be cut
● Allows you to seek funding from
investors or secure financing from a
producer or production company

3. What If I Haven’t Secured Funding?
While some filmmakers are lucky and persistent enough to raise the necessary
funds before they begin, a vast number begin shooting or even editing while still
fundraising. You’ll probably need two budgets.
The first budget should include “full professional” rates and will be the budget that
you’ll submit to potential funders.
The second should be the “bare bones” budget that you keep hidden in your desk
drawer. This will be the absolute minimum amount of money needed to complete
the project in a way that is acceptable to you, and might include calling in many
favors and making certain compromises.

4. What to Include
● Pre-Production
● Production
● Post-Production
● Film Festivals/Publicity
Here’s a link to the budget template.

5. Starting Points
First establish broad parameters when creating a budget:
● Delivery date: How long will you be in development,
production and post-production?
● Location: What travel and accommodation needs are
there?
● Formats: Will the project require archive or re-enactment?
How much and what kind?

6. Above the Line vs. Below the Line
Above the line costs are usually reserved for the folks who
influence the creative aspects of the film (writers, producers,
directors, cinematographers).
Below the line costs include everyone and everything else.

7. Tips to Reduce Costs
● Eliminate night scenes
● Avoid location filming in famous or commercial areas.
● Film early on Sunday morning.
● Ask above-the-line talent to defer their salaries.
● Use a non-union crew.
● Film in another region.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Film_budgeting