FILM budgeting: turn your vision into a line item

 
 
calendar of art department labour

Sample of Art Labour Breakdown in calendar format

preliminary art department budget estimates

My job as a production designer is to translate the words on the page into the director’s vision and create a tangible world that heightens the story, with the financial reality of the budget constraints of making a film with its potential audience. It’s all in the planning, and the reliance of having been there before, and a network of HOD’s that offer their expertise as part of the package is the offer.

Provision of a top sheet which summarises all of the major art department lines and cross overs that is further broken down into the subsidiary lines. Construction, Prop making, Graphics, Set decoration, Greens, Action Vehicles, Armoury, Graphics, Animals, SFX, VFX, Miniatures, Transport, and more recently LED Volume Integration and Lidar Scanning. Materials to labour split is based on my 30 years of international film design experience and the split varies significantly country to country. Build vs Location is also a major part of the insight you’ll receive. Identifying VFX vs physical and SFX is another component part of the offer. The written word into a cinematic experience, and the associated costs.

 
prop making budget estimate

Sample of Prop Make Breakdown with costings

detailed script breakdowns by sets, FINANCIALLY, line by line

A generic “per script page” estimate doesn’t cut it for modern film making. A granular breakdown by sets allows you to identify “Budget-Eaters” early in the process. By categorising The script into specific environments, We provide a roadmap for:-

  • Location vs Build analysis: Deciding where your Pound goes further - Hiring a period correct Manor House or building a bespoke interior on a soundstage.

  • Action Specific Requirements: Identifying “stunt heavy” sets pr practical effects SFX that require specialised construction and higher contingencies.

  • Integration of Logistical Variables: Strike times, Swing gang labour, and sustainable materials sourcing into the early development stage, will help you avoid the “hidden costs” that often plague independent and studio features alike.

 

art department budget estimate

Please fill out the form below to enquire about the art department breakdown and budgeting service Chris Richmond offers:-