How to Make a Documentary Film Budget

Want to learn how to How to Make a Documentary Film Budget? Producing a documentary film budget takes careful planning and an approach that includes focusing closely on the steps involved in the production and the estimated time and resources needed for each activity.

Step 1: Outline the Scope in a Treatment

A film treatment will tell potential investors what your film is about and should provide an in-depth overview of the who, what, where, when, and how of the project. Take your time, gather the details, and don’t leave out anything important.

Step 2:  Define Timelines

As you map out the timeline for production you should be actively thinking about the budget template and what will go where. Again, focus on the number of shoot days, types of shoots, and the resources that will be necessary. This is also a good time to focus on post-production timelines and what will happen in editing. Making these decisions now will impact your budget so it’s important to think ahead and map out the processes.

Step 3:  Engage Staff, Crew & Contractors

You’ll want to engage staff, crew, and contractors early on to ensure that they are on board and willing to work for the rates that you negotiate. This is a big part of the documentary film budget process. You’ll want to make sure that you are focused on communicating with the crew effectively and that everyone understands the expectations and the rates that are being offered. This is also the time to put estimates and contracts in writing.

Step 4:  Keep the Numbers Straight

A funder will notice issues with the numbers and they’ll turn their backs quickly if they think there is something funky going on. Be honest and straight with the numbers. Include all of the potential expenses and costs for production, post-production, and each phase of the process. Make sure that you have researched and considered various scenarios to ensure the budget is appropriate. Don’t find yourself unprepared or unaware of the unexpected.

Step 5: List the “Wish” Items Too

Once you’ve budgeted the must-haves, budget out the wish you had too. Wish list items should be included so that there is an expectation or understanding of how things could go with more cash infusion. Make sure that you are 100% honest about what is a must and what is a wish.

Step 6:  Include All of the Costs in a Budget Template

A professional template that outlines the expectations and costs for each line item is valuable and vital at this phase. You don’t need to try to create your own template from scratch and risk missing something important that you didn’t think of. Use a template and get to work filling in the various needs, costs, and items involved. As you can see, making a documentary film budget takes some time but it’s not that difficult to do.