What to put in Budget for Client?

Ferret Lady

Ferret Lady

Well-known member
I'm new at business so go easy on me.. heh..

I have a client that I'll be doing a music video for. They have a pretty low budget, so we've explained we will do our best for them but there's certain things we won't be able to afford, like a crane, etc... They asked to see a breakdown of the budget.

Ok, so no problem. Here's my issue.. should i put in there how much each crew member gets paid? and how much profit is going to the production company? I'm not sure how to do this.. maybe there is a template or site you could recommend for this? like, it's my production company, and i am also the editor. so do i list, for example:

Director - $500
Editor - $500
Production Company - $?????

like I don't know how to do this.. also the camera operator, assistants, dops, etc, should i really be disclosing their pay to this client? or lump them all together and just put "Crew - $500"..

i think the most confusing part for me is the profit...
 
Check out this book:
1
http://www.amazon.com/Film-Video-Budgets-Revised-Updated/dp/1932907106/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1225231943&sr=8-1

It'll show you a breakdown for Feature films, but you can probably use it for something like a music video.

Generally just put in everything you need, breaking it down into sections so you can see where all the money is going.

Don't forget food for the day, craft services if you can afford it, travel and lodging if you need it, etc.

Don't put in "Production Company" fee's, add them in as the Producer fee's... this should be enough money that you can live on (and maybe a little more) for the duration of the project (From Concept to Distribution). It's the Producer that works on everything, it might seem weird to pay a Director $500 but pay yourself $2000.. but if you have to work for two weeks on the project and need that $2000 to pay bills, then thats what you need to charge.

Generally, you'll be giving the client a "Top sheet", which is a breakdown of everything lumped together (http://www.indieproduction.com/images/sample-budget-top-sheet.gif) but if they ask for a full budget, you can give that to them as well. Although I would suggest you give them a top sheet and if they have a problem with that, send them the full budget.

Also, don't hire more people than you need. If you don't need a 2nd AC, don't hire one.
 
thanks tyler. ya, i gave them a top sheet and they were fine with that so it all worked out. thanks again.
 
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