Providing budget/equipment lists... this is unrealistic

D

DDirector

Veteran
I've been emailed to provide a detailed equipment and budget list for a shoot in a location very far away.

All I got was a short synopsis that doesn't tell me much. I haven't seen the location or anything.

I don't understand as a dop how I would tell them what is required and give them the budget without seeing the locations and knowing the films budget. I don't get it??
 
Maybe the producers are just trying to scam people into conducting their research for them for free? You send them a breakdown and they say "ah, sorry. We have to pass." and use the information you provided.

Or maybe they simply have no clue?
 
Ask for pictures and aim high. I feel like when I see gaffers who have no clue what they're shooting they'll just order two of everything and try and make it work. If they don't want to give you anymore info then what more can you do.

Really though you should be a bit careful as they are setting you up for failure....
 
Do you already have a relationship with this client? Have you worked for them before? What you have described sounds very suspect...
 
I was asked, just yesterday, to provide a list of equipment before anything else! No talk of budget, locations, schedule or anything else, let alone what they need!. I just put it all up on the website and let them have at it. I'm happy about what I can do with what I have but it's just the times. They want to know what camera... everything. All the other questions will get answered sooner or later, before we shoot.

You know, come to think of it, I should say that I know these people and have worked with one of them very recently.
 
hscully said:
I was asked, just yesterday, to provide a list of equipment before anything else! No talk of budget, locations, schedule or anything else, let alone what they need!
Click to expand...

It's to find the best camera/gear for the lowest rate. It's really all about the lowest rate, lowest rate, lowest rate. Doesn't matter if you know how to push "Record" and nothing else, as long as the rate is low.

I usually send a polite email back requesting more information and I never hear anything back. Oh well. Not just going to put out a list.
 
I've been in contact with this person for a while now.. Don't know who it is, or how they heard of me.

I have gotten more information from them.

-The film they discusses seems to be pretty similar to an existing movie which was made just less than 10 years ago.
-About 80-90% of the film takes place outdoors and during two time eras.
-I cannot get information on the overall budget of the film due to companies policies.
-They want me to quote the budget for everything id need as a cinematographer (lighting and camera)


When working on professional big budget Hollywood films, do they tell you the budget? (Overall & what your budget is)
How would I deal with working internationally with rented equipment?
How should I provide my quote?
 
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Interesting approach...I've never asked a DP or gaffer how much things cost. I always tell them upfront how much they have to work with, we do our tech scouts and move forward from there. 80-90% exteriors doesn't mean you suddenly know what equipment you'll need. That's crazy. If they refuse to tell you their budget, refuse to give you photos and expect you to know how much these things cost...it's probably best to walk away from the project.

- Give them your rate as a DP and tell them that's all you're qualified to "budget"
- Request photos or at least reference photos for locations
- Ask for the script???
- Create your lists (best to have both a "dream" list and a "barebones" list to show you're willing to work with varying budgets)
- Ask for the script???
 
This sounds fishy at best. How in the world can you put together a shot list without a script, budget, locations, ect... why would you do any of the above without a CONTRACT!!
 
You might want to ask them for company financial statements for the past 3 years, copies of the company principal's personal tax returns for the past 3 years, three company credit references, and project specifications and working schedule and staff information. This might separate the men from the boys.
Good luck,
Ken
 
Might I suggest... Provide 3 different daily budget levels.

1 Ton grip/light/electric/camera/crew

3 Ton grip/light/electric/camera/crew

10 Ton grip/light/electric/camera/crew

Tell them that these are daily budget examples which can be refined once you have more information from them concerning their budget, total estimated principal shooting days, so forth so on.
 
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