Before you make your next short film, it is vital to budget all the essential elements that you will need to get your film screened at the festivals. It could cost you zero money, but you should keep in mind all the essential elements.
Director/Director of photography
The heart and brain of your movie. Sometimes one person could do both. Make sure to plan an adequate fee starting from $600 per role.
A good Director of Photography will make your film look Cinematic and the right Director will create a visual story that touches the hearts of the audience.
Production Designer
A personal stylist for your film. This creator is responsible for the look of every tangible objects that you see in the frame. He can dress your scene like a real desert or a spaceship interior in a galaxy far far away.
The good one would charge $200 to $300. Don’t forget to add all the material needs for your movie, which could easily become a $1000 dollars if you have a fancy taste.
Cast
The face of your movie. So you wouldn’t want to save on these. Pay at least $125 a day so you have a guarantee they show up on set.
The good actors would ask a daily fee starting from $500. Good casting is 50% of your success.
Producer/AD
A competent person who takes care of all the non-creative stuff is priceless. For smaller projects, producers should work for free, because they are getting a free reel for themselves.
If it is an experienced producer, who can get you what you want for cheap or free, then you can plan to pay him at least $300 a day.
Sound mixer/Boom operator
Without good sound, no reasonable festival will accept your film. Invest in your sound guy. $200 to $300 minimum.
AC/Gaffer/Grip
They will make sure that your lights and camera are doing their best job. An excellent crew is your secret time saver. Pay a minimum of $150 per day per person.
Equipment
You need something to shoot with. Using your own equipment will save you tons of money. If you want to rent a “Red” or an “Alexa package, then you can look at around $5000 a day in rental fees.
Food
A secret weapon for smooth production. $10 dollars a day per person is a reasonable number to aim for.
Transportation/parking
Make everyone’s life easier and take care of it in advance. Usually you would pay anywhere from $50 a day.
Location
A place where you’ll put your camera. Struggle to find a good location for free, otherwise studios start charging from $300 per day.
Insurances/permissions/fees
For a peace of mind. Starting from $150.
Music/SFX (Sound Effects)
A soul of your movie. A good composer will charge $500 to $1000 dollars anything higher is a robbery.
SFX and Sound mixing will be around $200 to $500.
Editor
This creator will get your film to the finish line and make sure it is ready for submission. Many Directors could edit a film. All-in-one editor will edit your film starting $300 dollars for the entire film.
Color/VFX
Advanced color correction and grading specialist fees would start at $300. A good VFX person starts at $300 and the sky is the limit. Interview people who charge more than $300 very carefully, especially for short films. They are not worth such a huge investment.
Contingency
Add 15 % of your budget for unpredictable.
You can look at a total of $ 2300-3000 on average. So make sure you have enough funds if you want your film to look Hollywood-worthy.
Remember that we earn money to make movies and not vice versa. Have fun on your shoot and budget your short film well.
