Film Production Budget Calculator
Create film production budgets with above-the-line, below-the-line, and post-production cost breakdowns.
Above the Line
Production (Daily Rates)
Post Production
Production Budget
How to Use This Calculator
Select production type and scale
Enter above-the-line costs
Add production and post costs
Get complete budget breakdown
Frequently Asked Questions
What's above vs below the line?
Above-the-line: creative principals (writer, director, producers, cast). Below-the-line: crew, equipment, locations, post. ATL is negotiated flat fees; BTL is often hourly or weekly.
What percentage is post-production?
Typically 15-25% of total budget for narrative films. Documentaries with heavy editing may be 30-40%. VFX-heavy projects can be 50%+ of budget.
How much contingency should I budget?
Standard is 10% contingency. Complex productions, first-time directors, or difficult locations warrant 15-20%. Studios often require contingency before greenlighting.
What drives production cost per day?
Crew size, equipment package, location fees, and union requirements. A minimal documentary crew runs $1,000-5,000/day. Full narrative production: $50,000-500,000+/day.
How do indie budgets differ from studio?
Indies defer payments, use smaller crews, minimize locations, and favor non-union crew. Studio productions have more overhead, insurance requirements, and union obligations.
Why Use This Calculator
- Structure professional film budgets
- Balance above and below the line
- Plan post-production costs
- Calculate cost per shooting day
- Build in appropriate contingency
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