How to Budget Your Indie Feature
Charles and George are joined by filmmaker and writer Kath Tolentino today to chat about lots of topics like AAPI movies, seeking representation, and tech news. Today\u2019s big topic is one that\u2019s sure to benefit filmmakers starting out: budgeting for independent features. Give this episode a listen for guidance on your next Indie film\u2019s budget!\n\nIn this episode, we talk about\u2026\n\nHow many streaming services are currently offering carousels of films that supposedly celebrate AAPI Heritage Month (Asian American & Pacific Islander), but the nature of the content they\u2019ve chosen has been disappointing to say the least.\n\nQuestions about how they chose the content - should the films be about AAPI issues or have a prominent AAPI actor or director?\xa0\n\nHow the carousels of AAPI content could have been expanded if more Indie and short films were included.\n\nHow to know when to hunt for agents or managers once you\u2019ve created a great short film.\n\nWhy shorts can generate interest from representation but have a lower ceiling for next steps - representation will always want to immediately know what you can do that will make them money.\n\nThe roles of agents vs managers, how they differ, and what they do for you.\n\nHow people perceive that this industry will make them a ton of money, but it\u2019s hard to make a lot of income, especially with the amount of money agents and managers take as their cut.\n\nAtlas Orion Anamorphic lenses which are great for widescreen and a specific quality.\xa0\n\nAtlas\u2019s new Limited run of Silver Edition lenses which will allow the flare to match the color of the light. These are super niche lenses and they're going to make 100 sets.\n\nWhat to look for in buying your first set of lenses if you feel overwhelmed by all the review blogs and videos out there.\n\nWhy creating a budget where you pay people at proper industry scale can be difficult to determine.\n\nWhat ends up happening with most Indie films is that the budget is created backwards from what producers feel like they can realistically raise for the movie.\n\nHow the schedule is closely intertwined with the budget - the number of days you shoot will alter the costs drastically.\n\nWhy if you\u2019re hiring a line producer, you want to find someone who is used to working on films with a similar schedule to yours.\n\nHow usually you will have a few factors locked in and will build the rest of the budget around that.\n\nWhy you need to always build a contingency into your budget and allow more for cast than you think.\n\nUsing Kickstarter and WeFunder and why there\u2019s something to be said for finding a way to make your movie within the confines of a smaller budget.\n\n\nLinks to Resources:\nAtlas anamorphic lenses\n\nFor more information about lenses, check out our Gear Guides.\n\nOur last episode with Kath where she chatted about her indie feature: I'm Producing a Feature...What First Steps Do I Take?\n\nCharles Haine: http://www.charleshaine.com/\xa0\n\nKath Tolentino: https://www.borderwoman.pictures/\xa0\n\nYou can find everything we spoke about today and more here: https://nofilmschool.com/. Please like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and check us out on Instagram!\nLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices