Hello Anon!
There is a budget template in the resource drive (link in bio) in the “Templates and Samples” folder. The first page breaks down a list of things you may need and has both an “estimate” column and an “actual cost” column. The subsequent pages allow you to list specific items you end up paying for in each section (food, travel, locations, etc.)
To properly estimate cost, you first need to break down your script. How many days will it take you to film and how many props, actors, locations, etc. do you need? For a well-funded indie film, you can film roughly 4-6 pages a day. Dialogue-heavy scenes will take less time while action/special effects-heavy scenes will take longer. The amount of locations also affects time. The more locations, the longer it will take to shoot your film.
When starting out, you main costs will probably be food and props.
For food costs, you need to feed everyone, every day, every 6 hours (a SAG requirement I stick to even when working with non-union cast and crew). So depending on your day, you could have 1-2 meals a day plus snacks and water.
For props, I make a list of what I need and what set dressings would be nice. Then, I search the internet to get estimates of what everything would cost (including the would-be-nice items.)
Once you have estimates of everything, add another number for petty cash. This is for miscellaneous stuff you might have forgotten or will need on set that you didn’t/couldn’t account for. (Usually for student short films, this is around $100.)
Add everything up and you have an estimate for your film! Higher than what you expected? Search for discounts and start slashing that would-be-nice list. Some food places offer discounts for large parties so don’t be afraid to ask. Also, as friends and family for props and locations you can use free of charge.
Budgeting is a pain, but it is great you are thinking about it! A well-planned, well-budgeted film runs much more smoothly and is a lot less stressful for everyone.
Best,
Jules
