tlwizard

I know this might be a stretch but I'm looking for some help.

I sortof had this weird lucky break with my script, so on and so forth. I don't want to name companies but the company that has it loves it and has asked me for a rough sketch of a budget. I've done some budget research but want to know if there's anybody on the boards with experience budgeting feature films and if they'd be willing to help me, or at least talk to me about it.

Thanks.

beckham

A good friend of mine is a PA for the show HALF & HALF...

but c'mon its THE WB!!!

tlwizard

Thanks though.

renaldow

Yeah, I'm a line producer.


Which lines you like best? I'll sell them to your movie cheap, not hurt budget.

devilshalo

Pick up a copy of the LA 411 and Movie Magic Budgeting and Scheduling.

PopcornTreeCt

You shouldn't have to do a budget for it unless you plan on producing or directing.

Alvis

Perhaps you could contact Boatdrinks?

tlwizard

I understand that. And I actually would be directing.

Part of the reason I need to do a budget is to help with the pitch of the film. It's cleared the New York office in terms of them liking the script and being interested. If I can show the LA office that it will come under their 2mil cap then I'm good. If I can show that it can be done for half a million, then I'm golden... because as the guy told me," For that small price, why not?"

Some of the books I have have model budgets, but I know I wouldn't feel confident showing one of those budget plans and saying, "eh, it's something like that." That's why I'm looking for someone who's done breakdowns and budgeting before.

I understand that there might not be anyone out there who can help me specifically with this, but I thought I'd take my chances reaching out to the creative community. I have an acquaintance from film school who does this stuff, but he hasn't gotten back to me yet.

devilshalo - does the LA 411 include financials or just phone numbers like the HCD?

renaldow - give me a third option just so i can have a choice. Whichever one I like I'll make an even trade with you: one line and one ounce of sarcasm for two bits of grammar.

tlwizard

i assume that's a fellow dvdtalker?

modfather

TLwizard,

I sincerely hope the best for you in your endeavor. Best of luck!

modfather

P. S. Can I come visit the set when you begin shooting? Need an A.D.? I have NO experience, unless you count watching Lost in La Mancha. But what I lack in experience, I make up for in "Ed Wood"-like enthusiasm! Oh, and I have good grammar.

devilshalo

Has phone numbers of line producers. You may want to also try talking to the guilds to see what their standard rates are. I'm sure they have a rate sheet.

Alvis

Yes. You could do a search for him on the board. His name is Paul Guyot and he's got quite a rap sheet at imdb.com.

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0349935/

Perhaps he might point you in the right direction.

The Nature Boy

I"m not a line producer, but I have production experience. One word of advice. Don't be afraid to underbudget. The key is to get the greeenlight. Once X is committed, if you do go over, you go over. Obviously you hope not to, but at that point, the big money is committed and small money isn't going to stop that big money from being rendered useless. It sounds stupid, but it works. Otherwise, break a leg and knock'em dead, I hope it all works out for you, and remember to set some free DVD's aside when the time comes for your buddies on the board!

tlwizard

I appreciate the advice and support. I'm certainly not adverse to throwing some dvds DVDTalk's way or inviting people to help on a set. The two things would be: I couldn't promise anything big, and, most likely, it would be shooting in Atlanta.

renaldow

You have this one free. Martin Scorsese, he no like it, so it's slightly used.

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