1. When is the best time to create a film budget?
Dan Clifton: Generally speaking, the best time to make a budget was several weeks ago and the second best time to create one is now. What I mean by that is, if you have a script and sense of location and scope, it’s never too early.
2. How does a budget help when pitching an independent film?
DC: It’s not just numbers on a page. Creating a budget from scratch really forces the producers to consider every aspect of how they’re making the film from script to schedule.
You need to properly break down a film that becomes your foundation.
3. What do you need first to make a budget?
DC: Do the schedule first. Then do the budget. I say this because a budget made without a rough outline of a schedule in mind is useless.
4. How does a realistic budget affect production?
DC: Going into production with a good budget allows the producer to plan ahead, take on challenges. Going into production without a good budget forces the producer to constantly play catch up.
5. Do you divide your film budget by phases of production?
DC: Post production is always separate, but I think of prep and production as the same section.
6. Which line items do you focus on?
DC: Don’t mess up logistics. You need to budget as though things will go wrong. Have a good contingency.
7. What should new filmmakers never forget in the budget process?
DC: No matter what, locations and transportation will always be some of the most expensive parts of your budget.
8. How do you avoid overspending on a project?
DC: A key area to anticipate is post.
9. Advice for new producers?
DC: Never say no (unless something is blatantly dangerous or illegal) to a director without options that you can afford. You always have to have answers. “This won’t work because x,y,z but we can do a,b,c because of d,e,f.”
- Dan is a seasoned independent film producer best known for Brightburn (2019) and the star-studded music biopic Dreamin’ Wild. Clifton is Head of Production for Welcome Villain Films.
#filmmaker #producer #indie
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These are great, thanks Tammy Hunt! You always have such great resources :)
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As a screenwriter, I've been taking producing webinars to learn more about that side of the tracks. These are all great things to know as I may end up morphing some of my work to being more grounded.
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Well, as I have an MBA making a budget is second nature to me. I've created one already. I'd like to talk about all the info I've received in the past about my script. I've taken your advice and feel it's great. Right now I'm including what I was told and am in rewrites!
I'll come back with my polished script in hand as soon as I get the money! I can't wait to hear what you say about my revised script!
Jennifer Mims
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Great advice! Thanks for sharing, Tammy Hunt. "No matter what, locations and transportation will always be some of the most expensive parts of your budget." What are some of the cheapest locations to film in?
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Thanks for sharing as always, Tammy Hunt!
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Excellent share, Tammy Hunt - clear and concise and user friendly. Thank you!
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Great information and interview Tammy Hunt ! I liked point 9, since new music producer / composer. I have a budget for what I'm responsible for on a small scale right now; def. helps, with solving problems and how to stretch ( or not to) certain months. What about post production and funds for Audio / composer(s)? Music is a key component within movie / TV projects. It's probably a topic better discussed in the Film music Lounge. Hope your week is awesome! K. Kennard
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Difference between the budget of a movie. Is the genre type and it depends whether the movie is extremely busy Exterior or Interior while shooting the play on films
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I am screenwriter and looking work
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Dan,
Appreciate your answer here. (#8)
I recently heard some films /companies over spend in this area and sometimes no funds in post production- sometimes no funds for music / audio production; have you heard this ?
-
How do you avoid overspending on a project?
DC: A key area to anticipate is post.
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how it get work as a screenwriter ?
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That's a good question for the Screenwriting Lounge, Zeeshan Shahzad: www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting
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Love this Tammy!
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Thanks for sharing this, Tammy Hunt! Sage advice here. I'll add one little tip from experience... always budget a little more for food and crafty. An army marches on it's stomach and on several independent productions I've been a part of I've seen poorly planned or executed lunches/dinners/craft service really destroy morale and I've seen well planned and thoughtful meals and snacks get crews through long - often underpaid - days. It's a simple thing that goes a LONG way with your crew.
How it get work as a Screenwriter?
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Sam Sokolow, I have worked on many crews of the same. The ones I like best are the films which have food trucks which stay all day!
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Tammy Hunt Thanks for sharing. When producing independent film projects what is the best way to figure out day rates for crew for non-union productions?