Hey everyone,
I was wondering what a good price range is for a pilot with a run time around 45min to an hour. This calls for vfx, original costumes, 3 large locations, vehicles and the other stuff. Is $50K too high or too low or is that a good price range for a pilot to ask for? I am curious to know as I am doing research for a business plan for the series.
Thanks
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Make a detailed production budget and add 10% profit to it. $50k is to high if you don't deliver in production value. If you want to offer a bargain, re-do your budget and trim it to lowest possible outcome. This something you should do anyway. Good luck!
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Shooting a pilot for a series independently is not a good idea. Having a pilot script, a series bible and shooting a five minute or less proof of concept video is a better plan if you want to sell something. Real TV pilots for a typical hour long episodic range from $2 million to $11 million, depending on the network and "event" programming status of the show.
The development process for a new tv series is a very carefully thought out and planned part of a slate that impacts the entire lineup at a network (ABC, CBS, NBC) or is used for viewer recruitment and retention in target demographics (Netflix, Amazon, Hulu). The network development people will have a huge say in casting, content and execution and presenting a finished product runs counter to that process. This is not to say something can't grab their attention, but it's not going to be a pilot. A successful book, a hit podcast or a big social media presence connected to a story will generate the most interest.
You can make a film for $50k. I have. And you can sell a $50k film and make money (if it's well done and interesting). But you won't make money on a 45 minute pilot no matter how cheap you can make it because there's no market for it.
Now if you're selling a series idea, you're not generally selling just the pilot script, you're selling the concept and trying to get yourself attached in some capacity for the long game. If you don't have extensive writing or TV experience, you're unlikely to get the show runner slot. That will go to an experienced writer show runner who knows how to run the writer's room, coordinate the creative elements of the series and manage a staff of hundreds of technicians from prep to post.
But if you're committed to doing a budget and you want to do it independently, with your described parameters you're probably in the $1M range for a 10 day shoot, at least one name lead and SAG/AFTRA cast, location and FX budget and a decent crew and a post budget with VFX and music to finish it.
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I believe that David knows what he's talking about here. Creating a professional short or teaser that can show the work of a dedicated crew that can continue to work together, if needed, as well as a product that can go out in the media and generate interest for the concept/ series may be your best bet.
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Need more info. What kind of show are you doing? SIngle or multi-camera, etc. And listen to David, he's a DGA member.
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David and Dan have good points. But if you want to deal format rights in f.e Cannes its not that bad of an idea to make a pilot independently to showcase what your offering.
Thank you everyone, it's all research as of right now. I do have a transmedia story in development that will work as a promo for the pilot as this does already have a following and is quickly building a fan base
Like David said, you cannot sell your pilot. You can sell the series idea if you have the script and the series bible. A 2-3 minute teaser will help tremendously if well done.
But do not shoot a whole pilot by yourself. Your goal is to sell your project. Not produce. That will come at a later stage once it’s bought and a showrunner is attached. You’ll get a “created by” title and hopefully will be actively involved during the life of your series.