Posted on by Joseph Bouvier

The 4 B’s of Indie Film Budgeting

A Day Late and a Dollar Short

I know, I know – I was supposed to publish on Monday. Good thing we’re talking about budget and not schedule,

“I’m a cut price person in a low budget land.”
– The Kinks

Budgeting For My Next Film

If you’re anything like me, budgeting can feel overwhelming but it’s a necessary part of getting your project off the ground – especially for indie filmmakers working with limited resources (I know, redundant)

This week, I’m deep in the process, figuring out how to make every dollar count for So Close, the short I’m planning to shoot in May.

What I’m Tackling This Week

    • Securing Free Locations: I’ve been following up leads to lock down locations – specifically the vehicle I intend to use as the location for most of the film.
    • Getting Permit Info: Even if I don’t need a permit, or plan to shoot Guerilla style, I want to know what the potential disruption could be.
    • Contacting Production Houses for Equipment Lists: I already have some gear but understanding potential rental costs help me plan for anything I might need.
    • Earmarking Cast & Crew Payment: I don’t have much, but Im making sure I allocate what I can.

The Four B’s of Budgeting

Before I can Beg, Borrow or Barter, I need a Breakdown – because asking for favors without a plan is chaos. Without knowing what I need, I won’t know what to ask for, what I can skip or where I can cut corners.

    • Breakdown – Figuring out exactly what I need, from locations to gear to props, so I don’t waste time or money. The more detailed my breakdown, the fewer surprises down the line.
    • Beg – Don’t be afraid to beg—politely, of course! Whether it’s asking for favors, discounts, or a little extra time, people can be surprisingly generous when you ask in the right way.
    • Borrow – I’m reaching out to frineds and local filmmakers to see what I can borrow before renting. You’d be surprised how many people are willing to help if you just ask.
    • Barter –  If you’re good at something – whether editing, graphic design or script consulting – see if you can trade services for things you need, like sound work of production support. Im good at developing content and sites for the web. #justsaying

Lessons I’m Learning in Real-Time

Even in these early budgeting stages, I’m already running into the common pitfalls:

    • Unexpected Costs are Inevitable: Something always comes up, so setting aside a small contingency fund is essential.
    • Small Expenses Add Up: Meals. Gas. These things will quietly drain your budget if you are not paying attention.
    • Time IS Money: Every hour spent spinning my wheels on logistics is time not spent of creative work. I just need to keep moving forward.

What’s Your Best Budgeting Hack?

I know I’m not the only one navigating this.  What’s the most effective or creative (or ridiculous) way you’ve saved money on a film? Lets share ideas!

Want to follow along as I keep figuring this all out?

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