Do you consider $2 million little or a lot?

When it comes to a budget for a movie, an independent movie at that, do you consider $2,000,000 to be a small budget or a lot?

I mean, sure, $2,000,000 is a lot of money in general and big budget studio films typically go for about $10,000,000 bottoms. But like I said, $2,000,000 is a lot of money, and I think I'm going to shoot for that amount to make my feature film.

I mean, there are certain companies I want to turn to as far as equipment goes and I don't want my indie film to... well... LOOK like an indie film. Plus, although I don't care about having HUGE name actors in my film, I do want to use actors who have been in other films and have prior acting experience, but I don't mind using first-timers.
 
Hi fellow Philly filmmaker!

& yea, 2 mill is more than enough granted the film making process is tailored to the budget (w/ conservative overhead factored in)

Incidentally, what kind of film are you making? Perhaps I can help... as I could guarantee image and sound will be of top quality

- by not looking like an indie film, do you mean not looking amateurish/low budget - or not having that indie arthouse drama aesthetic?
 
Hi, neighbor!

I actually didn't want to bother anybody about my film until my script was finished but let me get into details with what I meant and want:

What I meant by not looking indie, I'm not using any crazy, out-of-the-ordinary props, costumes, sets, etc. It's just a simple film. It is a sports, drama type of thing. You are right, I don't want the amateurish, low-budget feel to it.

The companies I want include:
Panavision (cameras and lenses)
Chapman/Leonard Studio Equipment (cranes and dollies)
The Picture Mill (credits)
ARRI/Camera Studio Center (other production equipment)
 
Hi, neighbor!

I actually didn't want to bother anybody about my film until my script was finished but let me get into details with what I meant and want:

What I meant by not looking indie, I'm not using any crazy, out-of-the-ordinary props, costumes, sets, etc. It's just a simple film. It is a sports, drama type of thing. You are right, I don't want the amateurish, low-budget feel to it.

The companies I want include:
Panavision (cameras and lenses)
Chapman/Leonard Studio Equipment (cranes and dollies)
The Picture Mill (credits)
ARRI/Camera Studio Center (other production equipment)

For such a real world drama, you are in a good place in terms of budget. You will be able to achieve the highest quality possible without needing to turn to the highest end ($$$) companies that Hollywood uses.

If you've the right technical know-how on your team, they can get results and really help you save there. Thus, the money will go to paying the actors, location costs, and incidentals. (it is only in the last five years that the opportunity to save on the technical has really opened up)

If you want the best best in image, you'll want to rent either an Arri Alexa or Amira, and pack shooting days into the rental time. If you want incredible quality that the casual audience will still perceive to be identical, the cost is much less - like, a few thousand to own the gear, and finish the film at your leisure. The right people who know how to get the most out of the equipment will go the farthest to avoiding any hint of amateurism
 
For such a real world drama, you are in a good place in terms of budget. You will be able to achieve the highest quality possible without needing to turn to the highest end ($$$) companies that Hollywood uses.

If you've the right technical know-how on your team, they can get results and really help you save there. Thus, the money will go to paying the actors, location costs, and incidentals. (it is only in the last five years that the opportunity to save on the technical has really opened up)

If you want the best best in image, you'll want to rent either an Arri Alexa or Amira, and pack shooting days into the rental time. If you want incredible quality that the casual audience will still perceive to be identical, the cost is much less - like, a few thousand to own the gear, and finish the film at your leisure. The right people who know how to get the most out of the equipment will go the farthest to avoiding any hint of amateurism

Yeah. I've recently heard that Arri Alexa has the best movie picture image. But I've always wanted to use Panavision cameras and lenses because they look and feel like... movie cameras to me and most of the movies I enjoyed were filmed with those same line of cameras. But if they are cheaper and easier to get i'll consider the Arri Alexa.

Thanks, Sage!
 
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Yeah. I've recently heard that Arri Alexa has the best movie picture image. But I've always wanted to use Panavision cameras and lenses because they look and feel like... movie cameras to me and most of the movies I enjoyed were filmed with those same line of cameras. But if they are cheaper and easier to get i'll consider the Arri Alexa.

Thanks, Sage!

++

If those movies were made today, it is most likely they would be shot on the Alexa (so many Hwood films today are)
 
I mean, sure, $2,000,000 is a lot of money in general and big budget studio films typically go for about $10,000,000 bottoms. But like I said, $2,000,000 is a lot of money, and I think I'm going to shoot for that amount to make my feature film.

I was reading a recent interview with David Spade where he talked about how he's working on making a sequel to Joe Dirt. Basically he said one of the biggest obstacles he's facing is how to make it a really low budget film, like $2-3 million. According to him the industry is changing and basically anything between $4 million and $150 million is a no-mans-land as far as financing goes.
 
Don't base any of your decisions on what you want or on a brand name. Your choice of camera - and everything else - should be based upon what your department heads/keys need to do their jobs. When you start preproduction in earnest you'll want to discuss the look of your film with your DP/Cinematographer; let him/her make the decision on cameras and lenses. The same applies to the other departments, like your set design & dressing, wardrobe and H/MU. It's their job to give you the look that you desire as far as they can within your budget; don't hamstring them by limiting their equipment choices.

The drama part of your film is "simple" enough, but if there is going to be any sports action you are going to need to pay more attention to your budget. Again, this should be discussed with your DP, but you may need multiple cameras to capture the sports action (like broadcasters do), and you definitely need to up the Foley (and probably mixing/rerecording) budget for any action segments of the film.

If you want solid actors one thing you can try is to watch very recent major films and TV shows that were shot on location in your area; there might be actors in the smaller supporting roles that catch your eye. Look at actors who have been in indie films shot in your area. Also, with your budget, you may be able to put up one or two actors from out of your area.


BTW, is your marketing included in the $2,000,000?
 
Oh boy... another one of those threads....

$2,000,000 is a lot of money

It is. Unless you're one of the fortunate lucky ones (who is already super-rich) you're going to need investors. Have the appropriate plans. Usually their first real questions will regard recoupment or risk mitigation. Be ready for those questions otherwise, you may find yourself dead in the water. At the $2mil mark, you're either looking for dumb money or playing with the big boys.

I think I'm going to shoot for that amount to make my feature film.

An ambitious goal. I presume this is your first feature film?

I don't want my indie film to... well... LOOK like an indie film. Plus, although I don't care about having HUGE name actors in my film, I do want to use actors who have been in other films and have prior acting experience, but I don't mind using first-timers.

I suggest getting a producer with experience in making profitable films in the genre and budget you're looking at. They may help you put it all together. You may not like what they do, but in the long run, you'll be better off for it.

For such a real world drama, you are in a good place in terms of budget.

I disagree. Without an A list star, with a sports drama, I think you're in for a world of hurt.... but I digress... what do I know. Find someone who has experience in successful sports dramas in that budget range and ask them. I'd love nothing more than for you to prove me wrong and have a run away success on your hands.

I've recently heard that Arri Alexa has the best movie picture image.

The best is always open to opinion and interpretation.

Good luck.
 
First things first: $2mil is a low budget film. Many independent films are made for around that mark. Some do well, some do not.

Of course, as Sweetie says, you'll likely need investors to do this. The first thing I would suggest is to complete your script, and attach an interested Producer (and Director, depending on how you feel about Directing) who can raise the capital for you.

Don't get too ahead of yourself. You're focusing a lot on the equipment you want when you don't even have a script locked down yet. Lock down your script. Then discuss with your Producer, raise the capital, and hire the professionals needed to get your film made. Hire a DP - your DP is going to discuss with you the look you want, and put together a grip and lighting package with his Gaffer and Key Grip that will suit the needs of the production. In terms of camera, they will probably do a few tests with you to find out what camera is going to perform the best, giving the lighting and shooting style you guys want to achieve. You should not want to use a brand name purely because it's a brand name. In terms of Panavision - most of the cameras they make are film cameras. You can have the discussino with your DP and your Producer as to the viability of film, but that may not be a path you're able to afford to go down. Panavision do make a digital camera, but I'd rather an Alexa. That said, as a DP myself, I'd want to read your script before I make any decisions. Perhaps I would want a more classic look, and therefore more vintage lenses. Perhaps a 'cleaner' Epic. Maybe we test out a C500 because we don't want to use much artificial lighting. Perhaps skin tones and latitude are the most important, with a streamlined workflow, and we look at the Alexa.Maybe we want to shoot with Panavision Primos, so we look into a Panavised Alexa. Perhaps the numbers get crunched and we can afford film after all. It's all discussions to be had. Don't be deciding this early in the game, especially if your experience is based purely off a name.

Anyway: finish that script and attach a Producer. From there, you can start attaching more HODs and other crew. It's not uncommon for $2mil features to have 80-100+ crew.
 
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Ok... 2 million. I hope that you have a plan for acquiring this money. Aside from the costly camera rentals (I hope you're thinking rentals), I assume you've already considered cast, crew who knows how to operate that equipment, catering, locations, transportation, insurance, marketing, distribution, costuming, a sound mix, an editor or enough space to edit a feature, Foley, sound effects, audio equipment, lighting equipment, permits, lodging, makeup, set design, a good soundtrack, a good colorist, additional camera gear and accessories, and all that other fun stuff? I also assume that you have experience making shorts and that you're not just trying to ambitious jump into making a $2mil film without any previous experience?

Anyway, not trying to discourage you. I wish you the best of luck, but I think there's a lot you need to think about. GL!
 
Ok... 2 million. I hope that you have a plan for acquiring this money.

Investors? Help from other producers, perhaps?

(I hope you're thinking rentals)

No... you know what? I was actually planning to buy them. Seriously, I was definitely going to rent! :lol:

An ambitious goal. I presume this is your first feature film?

It is.

I suggest getting a producer with experience in making profitable films in the genre and budget you're looking at. They may help you put it all together. You may not like what they do, but in the long run, you'll be better off for it.

I will consider that.

I disagree. Without an A list star, with a sports drama, I think you're in for a world of hurt.

Well then again, I'm don't really plan to use any A-list actors so I think I should be all right in that department.

BTW, is your marketing included in the $2,000,000?

Yes.

First things first: $2mil is a low budget film. Many independent films are made for around that mark. Some do well, some do not.

Of course, as Sweetie says, you'll likely need investors to do this. The first thing I would suggest is to complete your script, and attach an interested Producer (and Director, depending on how you feel about Directing) who can raise the capital for you.

Don't get too ahead of yourself. You're focusing a lot on the equipment you want when you don't even have a script locked down yet. Lock down your script. Then discuss with your Producer, raise the capital, and hire the professionals needed to get your film made. Hire a DP - your DP is going to discuss with you the look you want, and put together a grip and lighting package with his Gaffer and Key Grip that will suit the needs of the production. In terms of camera, they will probably do a few tests with you to find out what camera is going to perform the best, giving the lighting and shooting style you guys want to achieve. You should not want to use a brand name purely because it's a brand name. In terms of Panavision - most of the cameras they make are film cameras. You can have the discussino with your DP and your Producer as to the viability of film, but that may not be a path you're able to afford to go down. Panavision do make a digital camera, but I'd rather an Alexa. That said, as a DP myself, I'd want to read your script before I make any decisions. Perhaps I would want a more classic look, and therefore more vintage lenses. Perhaps a 'cleaner' Epic. Maybe we test out a C500 because we don't want to use much artificial lighting. Perhaps skin tones and latitude are the most important, with a streamlined workflow, and we look at the Alexa.Maybe we want to shoot with Panavision Primos, so we look into a Panavised Alexa. Perhaps the numbers get crunched and we can afford film after all. It's all discussions to be had. Don't be deciding this early in the game, especially if your experience is based purely off a name.

Anyway: finish that script and attach a Producer. From there, you can start attaching more HODs and other crew. It's not uncommon for $2mil features to have 80-100+ crew.

I am working on finishing my script. Then, when I finish that, I'm going to look for a director interested in producing and directing it. I'm actually going to write, produce, and star in this film. I'm not directing it.
 
I'm NOT saying that you can't/shouldn't do it, but I will say that I'm in pre-production on my 2nd feature, writing & producing, and it's an enormous amount of work. I can't imagine adding another function (acting). But again, doesn't mean you can't...
 
I am working on finishing my script. Then, when I finish that, I'm going to look for a director interested in producing and directing it. I'm actually going to write, produce, and star in this film. I'm not directing it.

I would attach a highly experienced Producer who can work to also attach a highly experienced UPM, especially if you're aiming for a $2mil budget. You (generally) are going to need someone with some sort of proven record to keep investor faith (assuming you're using investors).

I would suggest against having a Producer who is also performing another role (be it Directing or Starring) as it just really doesn't work 99% of the time, or at the very least makes it unnecessarily more difficult.
 
When it comes to a budget for a movie, an independent movie at that, do you consider $2,000,000 to be a small budget or a lot?

I mean, sure, $2,000,000 is a lot of money in general and big budget studio films typically go for about $10,000,000 bottoms. But like I said, $2,000,000 is a lot of money, and I think I'm going to shoot for that amount to make my feature film.

I mean, there are certain companies I want to turn to as far as equipment goes and I don't want my indie film to... well... LOOK like an indie film. Plus, although I don't care about having HUGE name actors in my film, I do want to use actors who have been in other films and have prior acting experience, but I don't mind using first-timers.
As others have said, the "look" of the movie will come more from the
skill, experience and talent of your department heads than from the
equipment you use. Two million is a good budget to shoot for. It may
be more than you need or not enough. I suggest you put together a
complete line-item budget. Start with your "dream" and see what
that number is. If it's less than two million; you're gold. If it's more
then you re-work your budget.
 
The banker thought the time had come for him to take the upper hand. So throwing himself back in his arm–chair, he said, with an arrogant and purse–proud air,—”Let me beg of you not to hesitate in naming your wishes; you will then be convinced that the resources of the house of Danglars, however limited, are still equal to meeting the largest demands; and were you even to require a million”—

“I beg your pardon,” interposed Monte Cristo.

“I said a million,” replied Danglars, with the confidence of ignorance.

“But could I do with a million?” retorted the count. “My dear sir, if a trifle like that could suffice me, I should never have given myself the trouble of opening an account. A million? Excuse my smiling when you speak of a sum I am in the habit of carrying in my pocket–book or dressing–case.” And with these words Monte Cristo took from his pocket a small case containing his visiting–cards, and drew forth two orders on the treasury for 500,000 francs each, payable at sight to the bearer.
 
Originally Posted by Sweetie View Post
I disagree. Without an A list star, with a sports drama, I think you're in for a world of hurt.
Well then again, I'm don't really plan to use any A-list actors so I think I should be all right in that department.

I hope your writing skills are better than your reading skills.

I'm actually going to write, produce, and star in this film.

So you don't need to trust us, I suggest you call up a sales agent and ask them what they think about this. You may be surprised by their response.
 
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