How to calculate your a budget

The cost of making a film can vary quite considerably. It depends on a number of different factors including how good you are at begging and borrowing the skills and resources you need.

Things to consider:

• Size of film project
• How much time can be dedicated to it
• The end product you are aiming for.

You may not need external funding as VOMO can help with support, training and equipment from the Filmbank. If you have a keen band of volunteers willing to join your production team, this will also save you money. However, if you think you might require some assistance from a professional filmmaker you will probably need to boost your budget.

Here is a list of some of the things you will need to think about:

• Equipment: camera, sound kit, computer and software for editing
• Consumables: tape stock, gaffa, batteries
• Materials: props, plasticine for model animation
• Costume, set, props, make up
• Location fees
• Transport for your group
• Travel costs
• Edit & post production costs
• Musician or royalty free music - remember copyright rules
• Duplication copies of the film at end of project
• Screening your event - invites, equipment, refreshments
• Insurance - especially if you are borrowing Filmbank equipment from VOMO
• Competition and festival entry fees
• Contingency fund for unexpected costs

To help you we have included an example of a film budget spreadsheet in the useful documents section on the right of this page.