I'd give yourself what you would make for your job. Who's funding you?

--QD Jones

quote:

---

Originally posted by JasonSokoloff

I'm currently in the process of figuring out a budget for a Stand-up Comedy concert film. I don't have any distribution deaIs in place, so I'm planning to include $50,000 to go the film festival route. This amount should include all my travel, marketing and entry fee expenses. Is this too much to set aside?

---

My company would never consider adding $50,000 for this expense. However, if you can convince the investors to pay for all your travel and and expenses to promote your movie then go for it!

I make and read a LOT of budgets. I've seen $1,500 - $2,500 for festivals.
How did you come up with that $50,000 figure?
How many festivals do you plan to enter?
How many do you think you'll get into?

quote:

---

I also have to take time off from my job to do this and as the Executive Producer should I budget a salary for myself and if so how do I come up with a number? And how do I come up with a number for my associate producers?
-Thanks

---

Again, I've never seen this expense in a budget. But if you can get it, it's a really good deal for you. How many associate producers do you want the investors to pay salary and living expenses for?
You come up with the number by looking at your current salary, figuring how many weeks you'll be on the road promoting your movie and then totaling that all up.

Let me know if this works.

=============================================
The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.
Joseph Joubert, essayist (1754-1824)

To certified instigator:
The $50,000 included me entering the film in at least 12 festivals and travel back and fourth, along with creating marketing materials and perhaps a few private screening's if needed. Maybe I'm being a little over zealous after seeing your reply... I Came up with this figure from reading a book. (Forgot which one now) I plan on getting into a lot of festivals, but of course we all do...

I'm also planning on having 3 associate producers. As for what to pay myself...That sounds like a good idea...Thanks

To Knotty Alder: I'm still working on the funding part.

Expecting the investors to pay not only expenses but missed salary for festival appearances for four people seems like a lot of money to add to a budget. As an executive producer I usually negotiate expenses for the director, producer, writer and lead actors to one, maybe two festivals. But I don?t pay them to go - if they can?t afford to take two or three days from their day job to attend a festival then they, unfortunately, can?t go.

As you know, a line item budget is essential while seeking funding. I?d be interested in your line items on the $50,000. Are you willing to share? Maybe I can help.

=============================================
The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.
Joseph Joubert, essayist (1754-1824)

My last message might have come across a bit wrong. I'm not expecting them to pay my missed salary from work, but I thought I should give myself a salary for producing this film without being outrageous? (Is that an acceptable thing to include in the budget and if so ho wdo I figure out the amount?) Within that $50,000 I wanted to include travel expense for who ever I felt could help me in marketing the film at certain festivals. Altogether I was planning on creating a budget for $500,000 so that everyone could get paid and from preproduction, production, soundtrack to the final edit. It will be one night filming the concert and then a week of pick up shots where we interview comics. I'll also need the stage to be designed in a unique way.

If your willing to help I'd be more than happy to share, but I'm still trying to figure out the line budget my self too. Are you just looking to help or get involved? I can email my budget when I'm done if you're interested...If so let me know. Should I post it here or send it via email...

Thanks-Jason

quote:

---

Originally posted by certified instigator

Expecting the investors to pay not only expenses but missed salary for festival appearances for four people seems like a lot of money to add to a budget. As an executive producer I usually negotiate expenses for the director, producer, writer and lead actors to one, maybe two festivals. But I don?t pay them to go - if they can?t afford to take two or three days from their day job to attend a festival then they, unfortunately, can?t go.

As you know, a line item budget is essential while seeking funding. I?d be interested in your line items on the $50,000. Are you willing to share? Maybe I can help.

=============================================
The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.
Joseph Joubert, essayist (1754-1824)

---

Jason Sokoloff

When the film is done who will own it? Who will profit by it?

Most likely your money will come out of whatever percentage of the profits you agreed to with your investors and not as some set number. You might get zero if the thing fails, you might get a ton if it succeeds, you share the risk.

If you are create the film for the company you work for you will likely get a salary and no cut. They take all the risks and get all the glory.

If you expect to get a salary AND a cut you should be asking your agent rather than this board because you're clearly a Hollywood player.

RJSchwarz
San Diego, CA

Sorry rj, but you?re wrong on this one.

The filmmakers (producer, director, writer) get paid for the time they put into a movie just like the crew and cast. Even on very low budget movies ($15,000 to $50,000) people can - and should - get paid. A producer putting together a budget to give to investors puts a salary in for himself from preproduction all the way through post.

And the producer will take a cut of the profits, too. That doesn?t make them a ?Hollywood player? - just a smart producer. It?s pretty unreasonable to expect a producer to work for several months on a project without getting paid.

Of course this is different if we?re talking about financing your own movie. But clearly Jason isn?t putting up the $500,000 himself.

Jason - no, I?m not looking to get involved in your movie. Not only do I create budgets for projects, but my company looks at a lot of budgets when we are asked to invest. So I was curious how you came up with that number. I know from experience that a poorly created line item budget can immediately derail a producer.

When you put together the complete budget I?d be glad to take a look at it and offer my advice.

I stand corrected. I've only dealt with self-financed stuff so far.

RJSchwarz
San Diego, CA

Thanks for all the input so far...

When I'm done with this budget, I will post it for your review...I would appreciate your input. What do you think a fair salary for my self would be on a budget of $500,000 and also for my Associate producers too (3 total).

The film will be set up as a LLC with investors having a share in the company.

PS. I'm not a Hollywood player yet, but maybe someday... until then I'm still just from Brooklyn.

-Jason