Introduction to Film Budgeting

In this Film Budgeting Masterclass, I will guide you through the process of creating a feature film budget from script to schedule to final budget. With over 25 years of experience and dozens of movies budgeted, I will share my methods and take you behind the curtain of budgeting feature films. You will learn how to tag elements in Final Draft, create a Shooting Schedule, set up the Budget, and create a full detailed feature film Budget. By the end of this course, you will have a comprehensive understanding of feature film budgeting and the tools to bring your movie to life.

The Film Budget Masterclass is a comprehensive and immersive 14-lesson course designed to empower writers, directors, production managers and producers with the essential skills of scheduling and budgeting feature films. This skill building course serves as a dynamic bridge, connecting the traditional teachings of film institutes with the practical skills demanded by the film industry. By learning these practical skills and insight into the creative budgeting thinking process, this course empowers participants with a powerful comprehensive toolkit to serve as a path to launch their professional careers with confidence and get their movies financed.

Traditional budgeting programs often fail to teach the crucial skill of visualizing a script from both creative and fiscal perspectives. Additionally, many other online budgeting courses neglect the industry-standard software programs such as Movie Magic Scheduling and Movie Magic Budgeting, which studios exclusively utilize. It is critical to learn budgeting workflows using the correct software to meet industry demands, not programs that are typically tailored for non-union shorts and commercials. By providing comprehensive real world training on effective budgeting methods, this course aims to teach students to avoid wasting time on ineffective practices and instead master the art of budgeting correctly from the very beginning. Through this approach, we nurture the next generation of filmmakers and elevate the professionalism of the entire film industry, and welcome a new wave of skilled professionals who uphold best practices and drive excellence in every aspect of our business. 

Crafting an executable film budget involves two crucial aspects: creating a comprehensive financial plan for the movie and utilizing it as a dress rehearsal for the production shoot itself. By mastering these concepts, participants will develop the ability to effectively visualize the production process, aligning their creative goals with budgetary parameters while proactively mitigating unforeseen issues that only experienced professionals can anticipate. Drawing from my extensive 25 years of experience in the film industry, this intensive program condenses my invaluable years of on-the-job training, hundreds of budget preparations and consultations, and thousands of hours of on-set experience. Participants will gain exclusive access to real-world insights and industry best practices, providing them with a distinct advantage as they embark on their professional journeys. 

This course caters to both aspiring independent filmmakers embarking on their first feature film and seasoned professionals seeking to refine their skills. While meticulously budgeting line by line from Story Rights to Final Delivery, we will focus on four major sections of the budget: Above The Line, Below The Line, Post Production, and General Expenses (Legal, Tax Credits, Bonds and Contingencies). As we delve into various essential topics we will discuss methods of budgeting considerations for elements not explicitly on the script page; effective collaboration with directors, writers, producers and heads of departments, and the art of shaping a budget aligned with specific goals (e.g., avoiding budgeting a $100M film with a $3M budget). Moreover, we will explore the nuances of communication within a team, along with strategies for mitigating production issues and problem-solving.

When you buy this course, you will get:

Movie Magic Budgeting Trial -- 2 Months Free, Exclusive Offer to my students Only

Movie Magic Scheduling Trial - 2 Months Free, Exclusive Offer to my students Only

Movie Magic Budgeting Template - Pre-Coded and Populated with Sample Rates

Sample Script in Final Draft