Check Out This Short Film Budget Template

Short Film Budget Template

Short Film Title:

Total Budget Estimate:

Date Created:

ABOVE THE LINE (ATL)

• Story Rights (if applicable):
• Screenwriter Fees:
• Producer Fees:
• Director Fees:
• Principal Cast Fees:
• Casting Director Fees:
• Script Breakdown:

SUBTOTAL ATL:

BELOW THE LINE (BTL) – PRE-PRODUCTION

• Location Scouting:
• Permits and Insurance:
• Equipment Rental (Pre-Production):
• Production Design:
  • Props:
  • Set Dressing:
  • Costumes:
  • Makeup/Hair:
• Rehearsals:

SUBTOTAL BTL PRE-PRODUCTION:

BELOW THE LINE (BTL) – PRODUCTION

• Equipment Rental (Production):
  • Camera:
  • Sound:
  • Lighting:
  • Grip:
• Production Crew:
  • Director of Photography:
  • Sound Recordist:
  • Gaffer:
  • Grip:
  • Production Assistants:
• Transportation/Fuel:
• Catering:
• Production Office:

SUBTOTAL BTL PRODUCTION:

BELOW THE LINE (BTL) – POST-PRODUCTION

• Editing:
• Sound Design and Mixing:
• Color Correction:
• Music (Composition/Licensing):
• Visual Effects:
• Festival Submission Fees:

SUBTOTAL BTL POST-PRODUCTION:

OTHER COSTS

• Contingency (10% of Total Budget):
• Marketing/Promotion:
• Fringe Costs (payroll taxes, etc.):

SUBTOTAL OTHER:

TOTAL PROJECT COST:

NOTES:

• Line Item Detail: Break down larger categories (e.g., "Equipment Rental") into more specific items for better tracking.
• Contingency: Always budget for the unexpected.
• Research: Get quotes from vendors and compare prices to estimate costs accurately.
• Adjust: Be prepared to adjust your budget as the project progresses.

Additional Tips:

• Software: Consider using budgeting software designed for film production (e.g., StudioBinder, Movie Magic Budgeting).
• Templates: Many free templates are available online to help you get started.
• Consultants: If you have a larger budget, consider hiring a production accountant or line producer to help manage your finances.