How to budget your next video project
- daniel eta
- May 4, 2016
- 2 min read
Even if you are taking the do-it-yourself approach and plan on doing everything yourself, be realistic with what goes into the production process. Count YOUR time and brainpower into the budget!
Let’s start by looking at a super simple budget together with the video it produced. I’m using one of my own training pieces and in the budgeting column I’m putting in my time at going corporate rates for the jobs I’m filling, and my DP-friend’s half day he helped me shoot this at a reasonable rate for an camera person. I had very little to shoot, but I would plan to shoot for a day if you are hiring someone as you are paying DAY rates for crew and you want to maximize your time and money.You will see in the red actual column that I left out my time, because obviously I didn’t pay myself, but I want you to understand the time commitment you are making if you’re going the DIY route. Compare the total with the actual column.
Before you start budgeting, have these questions answered:
What kind of video is it? Sample below: Talking head in natural environment – awareness campaign for Clock Wise website
How long is your video? Sample below: 45 seconds
What’s your due date? Sample below: Arghhhh: lets say two weeks
Who writes the script? Sample below: Me alone
Where do you shot? Sample below: In my office in the evening
With what and with whom do you shoot? Sample below: A camera man friend with one light and a semi-professional camera
Who will edit on what software? Sample below: Me as a training piece on Adobe Premiere CC
What are your graphic and/or music assets? Sample below: Text overlay from Premiere, music from Pond5
Each budget starts with a summary page or section for quick reference. This gives context into how the budget comes together in terms of prep, shoot and wrap days, edit time. The length of a video will determine how many shoot days or edit days there are, etc.
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