Feature Film Budgeting - How Much Will Your Film Cost to Make?

Figuring out how much your feature film will cost to make can seem complicated, but in this video I break it down for you and explain set-by-step how to create a budget for your feature film. After giving you examples of what other films cost, I go through my budgeting checklist: SHOOTING DAYS, CAST & CREW DAY RATES, SCRIPT COSTS, STUNTS, SPECIAL LOCATIONS, and VFX/POST-PRODUCTION.
This channel, Jeremiah Birnbaum - Movie Mentor, is for filmmakers ready to make their FIRST FEATURE FILM. We'll cover EVERY aspect to making your first feature - from the script to your premiere!
** Want to LEARN MORE about FUNDRAISING? **
Download my FREE ebook: FEATURE FILM FUNDRAISER STARTER KIT: www.featurefil...
REACH OUT: [e-mail]
FIND OUT MORE about me and what I'm doing: www.featurefil...
** LINKS **
REBEL WITHOUT A CREW (Or How a 23-Year-Old Filmmaker With $7,000 Became a Hollywood Player) by Robert Rodriguez - amzn.to/3g3ZLSp
SAN FRANCISCO FILM SCHOOL - www.sanfranciscofilmschool.edu
MY COOL TRUCKER HATS - amzn.to/3jpqE48
FINAL DRAFT (this is the BEST screenwriting software...and the one that I use): shareasale.com...
**RECOMMENDED BOOKS**
DIRECTING ACTORS by Judith Weston ( a MUST have book for every film director) - amzn.to/3Agb01R

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I subscribed becausa I am an actress, visual artista, stage makeup artista and I am going to Los Angeles for the first time study cinema. Thank you.

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[@film.academy]

Thank you Elizabeth. Appreciate the kind words and support! LMK if there are any other topics you’d like me to cover:)

[@BrodiBarringer]

Thoughts on deferred pay?

[@film.academy]

Great question. Deferred pay can be a helpful way to hire good crew who are used to getting paid a higher rate than you can offer. It’s important to have a clear work agreement so everyone is on the same page on when and how much people will be paid in the future.
Deferred pay or salary can also be a good way for you, as the producer, director or writer, to reduce the budget, while still ensuring that if/when the film or show makes $, you can benefit.

[@Keep-Believing-Mark536]

I subscribed. Great video. I'm planning to make a low budget feature film and I found this very helpful.

[@film.academy]

Awesome, thank you! If you haven't already, be sure to download my free ebook on fundraising your first feature film. The link is in the description. Cheers:)

[@cracked29]

I subscribed ☺️
Producer Here!
Shooting a 3M dollar SAG/DGA Film in GA! This is great! Thank you. Your channel is so helpful!

[@film.academy]

That’s awesome to hear! What’s the name of your film? And I hear GA is a great place to shoot. I’ve never made a film there, but I know about their excellent tax credits😉

[@ritchierees]

Well that was very informative for 11 minutes fair play :)

[@film.academy]

Appreciate the kind words. Glad the video was helpful!

[@jkon2759]

I subscribed. I am acting as a first-time AD.

[@film.academy]

Very cool. 1st AD is one of the toughest and most important jobs on set. Best of luck. Let me know how it goes👍🏻

[@MGTVUSA]

Great Advice Thank You

[@film.academy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ImWORTHITINC]

J! Do you have a template for budgeting??

[@film.academy]

Not one that I can share. I was thinking it might be something to offer. There is not enough good information or film budget templates out there?

[@capsizediglooo]

Very helpful information to help me budget and package my first feature to shop to investors. Thank you.

[@film.academy]

Great to hear this! LMK if you have any questions and also download my free Ebook. It’s got really good info on fundraising. The link is below👇

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[@film.academy]

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[@neskyz4259]

Filming my first feature this summer. Really only 2 actors on screen, 5 voice over characters (I’m 2 of them). Only 3 locations and the primary character is in one spot for most of the film (think a low budget 127 Hours). I have all of my props and am using my own small cabin as one of the three locations. Really think I can get this in for less than $20k. Thoughts?!?

[@film.academy]

Love your question:) it sounds like you’ve set yourself up with a story that can be told very efficiently. It seems possible to shoot for $20K. That means complete production, NOT finish the film. Editing, audio and music will add to the cost.
My question to you is how many days are you shooting?? That’s one of the biggest determination of cost.

[@neskyz4259]

@@film.academyIt’s an aggressive schedule for sure. Since 80% of the action is just this guy trying to get out from under the Jeep, I’ve told my lead that he’s in charge…I’m going to let him act. I may give little ideas of what I want but for the most part I’m letting my actors do their job. It’s 79 pages and looking to get 8-9 pages per day.

[@film.academy]

Sounds like a good plan. Be sure to get lots of coverage. It will save you in the editing room.
Sounds like you’re thinking around 10 days. That’s doable for $20K for sure, especially with a small crew and actors. And if it’s the same location you save a little of time with not moving and having the same lighting set up.
If performance is the key to making your film work, then getting lots of options for both the shots and acting choices is good. Give yourself the most options to use in the editing room, and craft your actor’s performance in post.
Best of luck👍🏻

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[@deepikaatkinson4111]

I will be using my money to make a feature film production.. but still need an idea what my budget to shoot each film and where to Market..( $100,000 - $500,000 or more)
I am in Florida, this is my dream to start film production and I am planning to use money from my other businesses income..
I know one local film school that has students.. that I use skills.
I will be a producer/ own money, actor and some writing as well..this my passion as well.
More dance musical movies like Indian movies.
Thanks for your insights.

[@film.academy]

Thanks for commenting. Sounds like you have a clear plan and vision. Best of luck!

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Another fantastic video!

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Glad you enjoyed it!

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Thanks for your kind words and for supporting my channel! LMK if there are any topics you’d like me to cover in future videos:)

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[@RobertTRoe]

I enjoyed and benefited from your presentation. Great advice about the movie budget. I wrote and produced a movie for about $5000 some years ago. (Rebecca's Room) and a short (Lunch Box Romance) but I am now facing a larger and more important movie. It is looking like I will need to film it myself, but I did not know where to start on the budget. I think the per-day advice is where it is at. Thank you.

[@film.academy]

Thank you for your kind words:) Sounds like you're taking the next step in your filmmaking journey. That's wonderful! If you haven't already, it might be helpful to download my free ebook on fundraising your first feature film. The link is in the video description. You can also reach out to me if you'd like to invest in the 1-on-1 coaching I offer. Cheers and best of luck!

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How do we make money from a short movie

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Hey Jeremiah it’s Anthony from the class of 2016 at film school! Love your new channel!

[@film.academy]

Thank you so much! Let me know if there are any topics you'd like me to cover.

[@film.academy]

Thanks so much!

[@rockout13productions]

Would luv to know more about post production costs like, editing and color grading, sound design, final project formats and deliverables necessary. Thanks

[@film.academy]

Thanks for the feedback. I’ll add that info in a future video👍🏻

[@ideastoragedb]

​@@film.academy Same. I have delivered 2 films this year that got good distribution. I still don't know what to charge. I feel I'm undervalued but don't have the right info to go fire back with. I take on all post production on films including some score. It is a small film and non union but will most likely be sold to somebody reputable.
Some guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. Great channel. I appreciate channels like yours

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[@Matt_Mosley1983]

DESPERADO is *_NOT_* a remake of EL MARICHI. Please watch the films.

[@film.academy]

Hmmm. I’ve seen both films, and with the same director and basic storyline, it’s what I would consider a remake.
That said, I’d like to hear your thoughts and perspective 🙂

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Thanks for subbing! Much appreciate the support:)

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Thankz 4 the i t helped me alot

[@film.academy]

Great to hear it helped you! I plan to do more videos on budgeting - is there anything specific you’d like me to cover?

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[@film.academy]

Awesome! Thanks for supporting my channel. LMK if you have any questions about budgeting, I'll try to answer them:)

[@r.c.anderson5632]

I subscribed. Thanks for your videos. They are helping me with my first narrative feature. I've already made a feature documentary... but narratives are far more complex. Your videos have helped me greatly. Thank you!

[@film.academy]

Great to hear my videos are helping you with your first narrative feature 👍🏻
For narrative films, it’s all about pre-production! Best of luck!

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I subscribed because I'm in the throws of putting a project together and I'm trying to get direction. Thank you so much!

[@film.academy]

Your support is appreciated, and I’m glad my video is helping!

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I subscribed. Great video and information. I'm working with partners to raise a budget for a feature film.

[@film.academy]

Awesome. Glad it was helpful!

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You're welcome! Thanks for subbing:)

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[@film.academy]

Appreciate the positive feedback!

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I subscribed, and I appreciate you making this!

[@film.academy]

Thanks for the sub and kind words.

[@annastyles6217]

How can i make first movie?

[@film.academy]

That's a great question. At my school, the San Francisco Film School, the first movie a student makes is called a Visual Montage. This is a 1-2 minute movie without dialog that features 1 or 2 characters and 1 location. We suggest that students pick a strong emotion - Anger, Fear, Passion, Hunger, etc. - and make a film that visually shows that emotion. Not literally, but with images and music. Shoot the film on your phone and edit it using free software, like iMovie or Adobe Rush. The key with your first film is to have fun, explore the process, and do something visual! Then for the next film, you can add dialog and maybe another location and build from there. With 5 or 6 short films under your belt, you'll be ready to think about your first feature film:) Best of luck!

[@annastyles6217]

@@film.academy oh tnx for youe anwer....🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@annastyles6217]

@@film.academy I want to make 3d graphic movie....but i don t want to study but i want to need 3d artist and production...i don t know how i make high budgjet mivie like Disney...pls help me..🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@film.academy]

If you don’t want to do then animation, then I suggest you focus on screenwriting. Find a story you are passionate about telling, and then write a great movie script. With a great script you can find partners who will help you makes the film. Good luck!

[@annastyles6217]

@@film.academy Tnx for your answer....🙏Mabye i want to be the direstor in post production i don t know.. Or i don t know how to find the profesional partners who will making my idea into 3d realistic movie...how can i find this partners? 🙏

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Awesome! By the way, I subscribed:-)

[@film.academy]

Thanks for the feedback and support of my channel. LMK if there are any topics you’d like me to cover in the future:)

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[@film.academy]

Thanks for the feedback and for supporting my channel!

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Nice Jeremiah! Thanks 👍🏾

[@film.academy]

Thank you! Let me know if there are any topics you'd like me to cover in a video:)

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Love your videos!

[@film.academy]

Glad you like them!