Budgeting -- anything I'm leaving out?

Cracker Funk

Cracker Funk

There was a similar thread on here, a while ago, but I can't find it. Plus, I think the answers to these questions would be dependent on the individual production. Anyway, as implied, I'm putting together a proposed budget. Needless to say, the size of the budget is not how much I want to work with, but how much I think I might actually be able to acquire.

I don't want to, but I feel I have to cut corners, here and there. For example, I don't want anybody on my crew doing double-duty, but I think I'll be forced to have people do multiple jobs. As a specific example, I have a friend who is a professional makeup artist, and I happen to think that she'd make a killer AD, or perhaps associate producer. Also, with my projected budget, I don't think I can justify hiring a script supervisor. Is that crazy?

And that's the main point of this thread. Should you care to look over what I plan to spend money on, if you see anything that you think I'm crazy to leave out, please comment. :)

If it's not listed below, it's not in the budget (either that, or my brain farted, while typing this list). One notable exclusion, some people might comment on -- marketing. The movie I want to make, I don't think would stand any chance in hell of turning a profit, if self-distributed. The goal/plan for this movie is to make that rare indie darling that makes a splash at a big festival and gets picked up for distribution.

Budgeted people and stuff:

STUFF
- liability insurance
- E&O insurance
- 10% of overall budget set aside for incidentals, random unexpected stuff that will come up
- locations
- props
- wardrobes
- craft services
- transportation
- housing, for location shooting
- gear rental

PEOPLE
- Cast
- DP (also camera & gaffer)
- Best Boy / PA
- Sound Designer (same person, pre and post)
- Production Audio / Boom-Op
- ADR Audio Recordist
- Makeup Artist / AD
- Associate Producer / PA
- Composer(s) & Musicians
- Colorist
- After Effects SFX Guru (to be involved from pre)
- Director / Producer / Editor (free of charge :))

If you were putting together a shoestring budget, what would you add to this list?
 
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Kholi said:
Ideally you'd have a Camera Op and 1st, and then a DIT + Cart when shooting anything.

I think a skilled Director, however, can skirt by this if your budget isn't the kind that affords you these luxuries.

That said, yeah, I would rather have ALL of that... working without it is very tough.
Click to expand...

I got the impression from CF's original list that the DoP was also operating and gaffing, figured two ACs wouldn't go amiss if that was the case.
 
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Yes! This thread turned into exactly what I had hoped for. Thanks, so much, for the contributions.

I'm not a technical guy. So, for example, to be frank, I had no idea how important an AC was, and every single one of you is emphasizing that. Hell, to be honest, I don't know what an AC does!

I don't think I can afford 15, that's just the reality of the situation, and the size of the budget that I realistically think I can get. I might be able to squeeze the number closer to 10, though, so I'm glad to hear everyone's feedback, and thanks for re-posting your bare-minimum skeleton-crew, directorik.
 
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Cracker Funk said:
I don't think I can afford 15, that's just the reality of the situation, and the size of the budget that I realistically think I can get. I might be able to squeeze the number closer to 10, though, so I'm glad to hear everyone's feedback, and thanks for re-posting your bare-minimum skeleton-crew, directorik.
Click to expand...

Okay, 11.
DP/operator
1st AC
1st AD
script supervisor
gaffer
key grip
grip/electric
makeup/costumer
set dresser/props
mixer/boom op
craft services/caterer

Each one is essential. I can offer example after example of why you need
each one of these people. You are asking someone else to pay for your
movie, you should not look like you are just skimping by. If you are asking
for anything over $80,000 you need to show that you can actually get it
done in the time alloted. An investor isn't likely to know what each person
does, or why they are needed, but when you present your line item budget
and your crew is five people it just looks and screams "amateur".

There are some roles you just shouldn't ever double. Your DP/operator needs
a gaffer. Your First should never have a second responsibility - neither should
your scripty. You haven't used either before - you didn't even know how essential
an AC is - but when you are making a "serious" project these people have a lot
to do and should be left to do only their job. It will save you a lot of time in the
long run.
 
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