TV Sitcom Budget?

A

airforceguy

Active member
Okay, I know this is a tough question, but just try to put me in the ballpark. What kind of budget do you guys think a network would offer a new sitcom with recognizable faces, no BIG starts, but recognizable faces?
 
Depends on the faces. On the low end, could be $75k per episode. On the higher end, maybe $1 million per episode.
 
Okay, can you give me an idea of a sitcom at that budget range. Or even one in the $100K range and 1 in the $250K range. I know it will be just a guest, but humor me.
 
What kind of sitcom? Multi-camera or single? Sets? x 30' runtime? Number of eps.? How many characters? For network or cable?
 
Mainstream comedy, 3 camera shoot, Location (a mansion), 30 minutes, currently 3 episodes, 2 main characters/4 supporting...Hopefully network

I have spoken to a L.A. casting director who can get me recognizable faces. Going SAG I can shoot 1 episode for $35K-40K (deferring writers pay), with a small experience crew for a 2 day shoot. Really nice for about $50K.

I am just curious what kind of a low end budget a new sitcom gets. One with recognizable faces/names, not big names. And an example of what kind of sitcom are we talking about.
 
You need to talk with a Line Producer who has a track record on sitcoms. Amortizing costs like sets across more than three episodes would be critical to keeping costs down. Most multi-camera shows run four or five day weeks, and "single-camera" shows run closer to ten. I can ask my friend who is on one of the big network comedies and see what he says. His show is more akin to single-camera HD though.
 
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