UPDATED AND REVISED for digital video productions (and video-to-film transfers), this definitive budget book contains detailed formats and sample budgets for many different kinds of productions, from no budget movies and documentaries to a $5 million feature — along with all the crucial practical information that's made it an industry bible.

For over 22 years, Film & Video Budgets has been the essential handbook for the serious independent filmmaker. Written by two pioneers of do-it-yourself filmmaking, this book outlines every element of production.

How much is this production cost? Learn how to answer this question and much more with this ultimate guide for various productions. This book tells you how to prepare all kinds of budgets and gives actual samples with detailed explanations.

Also includes new and highly useful materials such as a comprehensive master list of line items, which covers just about everything that could possibly be put into a production and chapters on pre-production and setting up a production company. An essential handbook for the serious independent filmmaker.

Included are sample budgets for: Indie features; Documentaries; Music videos; Student projects; and — new for this 4th Edition — updated and revised budgets for today's digital production and post and new sections on Tape-to-Film Transfer, High Definition and Development and Marketing.

What people say:

"This book is considered to be the industry standard and is the best guide to budgeting that there is." — Reelscene Magazine

"If you follow the guidelines here, you'll wield a finely-honed financial weapon rather than a blunt instrument when you meet with bankers, lawyers and completion bond companies. This book lowers your stress level by altering your perception of the budgeting process." — Director's Guild of America (DGA) Magazine

"The most effective and valuable book that I have used in teaching production… an invaluable resource for students to develop and manage their productions. I highly recommend this book." — Steve Montal, Director, Educational and Special Program Development, AFI Silver Theatre; Producing Director, AFI Discovery Documentary Festival

About the Author:

Deke Simon is a Hollywood-based writer/producer/director who teaches classes in Documentary Production and Production Management at Loyola Marymount University. His credits include television series and specials for Universal, Turner, Discovery, Fox, Fox-Health, Paramount, ESPN, and PBS. His work has been honored with numerous awards, including two Emmy Awards, and four Emmy Nominations.