< Back to all posts
How to Prevent Your Corporate Video Shoot from Going Over Budget
Film production is notoriously a business filled with problem solving, especially concerning budgets. But a lot of the problem solving happens before the cameras start rolling. Want to prevent your budget from antagonizing you and going over? Here’s a few tips.
1) Be Realistic With Your Shot List
Can your crew manage the shot list you’ve requested? From the number of shots to the complexity of the camera movements, there is a lot you’ll have to coordinate with the production’s budget and schedule.
How many grips are needed to complete the set up? Will those extra bodies on set increase your budget for transportation and craft? Will additional gear need to be rented, or do certain shots require multiple camera set-ups in order to get the appropriate coverage? Or is the coverage on the shot list made up of excessive camera movements that will suck up a lot of time?
And don’t forget location moves, if the shot list calls for multiple locations over the course of a few script pages. The consequences of the shot list can act as a domino effect on other aspects of the production, which all ultimately take a toll on your budget.
2) Over Estimate and Plan For Contingency
You never want to underestimate the costs of things like craft, gas, or equipment rentals. While you may get finite quotes for locations, various gear rentals and studio time, other costs dealing with production aspects like art department, the craft services budget, accommodation and transportation will require you to come up with an approximation.
This is why contingency is essential. If something goes wrong, it’s a safety blanket. For example, a set dresser accidentally purchases script-specific props in a contrasting color to the color palette, and can’t get a refund. You’re going to need to purchase a new prop to fix the solution.
What if a piece of equipment is damaged and you have to drive to the nearest equipment house to buy a new part? That will cost additional gas than driving to and from location would. And let’s not forget the cost of the gear purchase and inevitable repairs. Sets are unpredictable, so give your budget room to breathe to prepare for any scenario.
The worst possible thing that can happen is having a production manager or producer focusing on making ends meet rather than whether the project is running smoothly. Don’t let money become a distraction.
3) Outsource a Crew of Reliable Professionals With Reliable Gear
If you’re shooting in an unknown environment, other stresses beyond the principle photography can agitate the production. Different languages or lack of knowledge in location resources can take a toll on the entire crew.
Productions can be inherently stressful, so there’s a peace of mind to be gained by outsourcing a full location film crew. That’s where agencies like Crews Control come in; they evaluate your project and ensure you have the right people to execute it. Take control today and check out www.crewscontrol.com!
Leave a Reply