The Estimated Budget
After my first article, which explained generally the steps of preparing a film this week we will go further in the explanation of what is a provisional budget.
We will see in the next section how to make a quote and how to seek funding.
Learn the cinema…at the very least learn to make movies is not an easy thing…Learn how to make a movie by putting all the chances on his side is luck. If I can help you see more clearly it is already that of won.
It is a party.
Plan for what to do ?
Before the turn, it is necessary to do accounts. In fact, without equipment, team or location you can’t do much of anything. Even if you autoproduisez all this at a cost. It is therefore necessary that you know exactly where you put your feet and how much you will have to turn.
To make a budget you should list all positions : production, staging, casting, governed, decoration, dress, makeup, hairstyle, image, sound, machinery, lighting, ventousage, cascade, post-production, canteen, and predict the unpredictable…
You need to allocate a budget for each position.
For each of these positions you are going to have constraints that will impact directly on your budget.
Let’s take an example : The image
That you were turning in film or in digital the cost will not be the same. In fact, the film is expensive, and requires a development. Then that turn in digital eliminates these problems. I do a shortcut, there are advantages to turn in a film and cons with the digital !
ATTENTION : I’m not making the apology of the digital ! Far from it.
Another example : If your film is a period film, you’ll need a bigger budget for costumes, makeup and hair styling as a contemporary film. This may seem obvious, but I prefer to specify.
The estimated Budget is done by the production manager. If you are filing alone or through an association, there is a strong chance that the production manager be you. You can find someone who has the urge to do its evidence and / or give you a helping hand then leave him the reins (finally in keeping an eye on what he is doing, does it spin not the checkbook !
So, once you have all the items, you need to ask for the list of equipment to the head of each post (knowing that the strength in turn you will see that the base material is always the same). Then ask for quotes to all the hosts…(again with experience you will know roughly what this will cost you) and of course negotiate the price, to stick on your envelope.
You will also need to provide a budget for the régie in order that the commissioner-general may dealer the sets, shooting permits, canteen, transport and accommodation, the table board. The amount you give him will be the determining factor on the “comfort” of the team as well as on the agreement or not of the owners of the premises in which you want to turn. Don’t underestimate these costs.
The Technical team :
You will need to find one. Surely there are intermittent or of young enthusiasts like you who can give you a helping hand. One of the secrets of success of a good film is a solid team, professional, and a assistant dir at the top (I preach for my parish…but I’m not wrong :o) ) . So don’t hesitate to call them, meet them ! You may what?…..a refusal… and then ? !
Small precision : I know that today, with Facebook, email and all the social networks that exist, it is easier to contact someone. But try to call the technicians, meet them !!! Do not send just an email or a text message or a carrier pigeon…by saying to you : “with a little luck, he will answer me and will be super excited by my project “. If you need to send an email because you don’t have the choice, explain just what you are working on a project and ask him if you can meet or if you can send your scenario.
Making a film is before all meetings and human relationships ! It is to unite a team around a project, it only unites people not by Mail. If you don’t take the time to meet with us or give us a call, why would we have time for your project ?
Let’s go back to the budget :
In the forecast you will need to include a line for the ” unforeseen “, corresponding to 10% of the budget of the film. These contingencies will allow you to compensate for a potential budget overrun or an accident (a technician may break a subject not covered by insurance, you must pay…the contingencies are there for that)
Once you know ” how many “, you need to find the missing money (if you have already started the search for funding), or even money at all.
I refer you to the articles : Finding money in the region.
Normally it is up to the producer to find the funds. If you self produce…guess what ???? It is up to you !
I hope you have informed in this step of the pre-production/ preparation, and on what was a projected budget. We will see the next time that has the research funding.
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Soon,
Tom Weil