The key to a successful budget in which the producer can confidently present their project to a commissioner, or financier, relies on thorough detail with the numbers. Meaning, the higher the number of line items in the budget, the more realistic the budget will represent all the script elements, and therefore the time and money required to deliver a finished project.

To achieve this goal, I can offer you Line Producer support to help package your project, whether it be a feature film or TV drama series.

The Process

1. Introductory consultation either in person, by phone, or via Zoom, to discuss the specific project requirements in detail, and for me to understand your overall needs.
2. Read your script, draft initial budget notes, and flag any concerns if need be.
3. A comprehensive script breakdown plus outline the shooting schedule to serve the budget.
4. Once the shooting schedule is jointly agreed, I will then generate a draft budget for you to review and make comments
5. A real-time budget read-through via Skype or Zoom, to examine all inputted line items, and make appropriate adjustments.
6. Generate a final budget in which you are satisfied with the overall costings, and confident you have a thorough understanding of the time and money required to deliver the script to screen.

Timeline

After our initial phone/Skype consultation, the process from reading the script to delivering a signed-off budget takes between two to three weeks, depending on the budget scale of the project.

Budget Detail

Using the industry-standard professional software ‘Entertainment Partners – Movie Magic Budgeting’, a budget will contain, but not be limited to, the following elements:

• Above-The-Line Fees (Producer, Director, Writer, Cast)
• Cast Union Rates/Non-Union Rates
• Crew Rates
• Production Expenses
• Location Fees And Expenses
• Equipment Hire Costs
• Materials – Art / Costume / Hair & Makeup
• Music Composition / Rights Usage
• Travel/Transport/Living Costs
• Over-Time Calculations
• Post Production Costs For Picture and Sound
• Insurance and Deliverables
• Completion Bond, Financing and Contingency Fees

Deliverables

• Budget Top Sheet
• Detailed Budget Report
• Shooting Schedule
• Cast Day out of Days

Next Step…

Complete the contact form or give me a call to arrange an initial consultation and I’ll send you a quote for the services required.

In film producing, there is an inherent tension between the director, the money and the producer, and that’s what keeps it flowing and honest and accountable.

Christine Vachon