Anything Goes : False testimony by Rachel Cann

Peter Drucker famously wrote that only 20% get math. The severely mentally handicapped can learn to read. So if you find you are in the 80% like my wife, get a mentor in the 20% for the numbers. Numbers are a language. Calculators distort that as do spread sheets and budgets. Start with that thought. Get a math buddy that enjoys your business. You can try a Drucker audiobook or two from us at Simply Books APP from his Harvard Press articles or a collection at staples.com for $5.99. He is the Mozart of business.

Audiobooks. Easier to absorb. Less than 1 hour each. Nonfiction should be presented as a garden hose. Not a fire hose.

thank you so much for you astute advice. I flunked algebra in high school and have not overcome my mortification yet. And my wisest friends have told me all this budgeting should be done by the producer. Cheers!

Yes, the budgeting definitely is the producer's job. You can offer a 'no paid' job here on stage32 to find the right producer. He will go through your screenplay, develop a concept and then give you a first idea of his budget calculation.

The first thing you need is a script breakdown. You can't do a proper budget without a script breakdown. The script breakdown lists actors, props, wardrobe, locations, and such for EACH SCENE. That's the proper way to do a budget. Budgets can vary widely depending on what is needed for each film; horses, vintage cars, CGI, spacecraft, helicopters, permits... and TALENT. The bigger the name, the bigger the budget. But anyone should be able to do a budget. You don't have to know math, just know the prices, and list them. An itemized budget lists all costs, and the software does the math.

But Joe what does CGI stand for?

Elizabeth you have made my day. now can you explain this :concept" you speak of?

You need a trusted advisor to review the budgeting. Better, to do it. Clint Eastwood is a great director. But one of his best abilities is to make every scene payoff. Comments from Angela Lansbury to Gene Hackman.

Rachel, CGI is computer generated imagery, I think. The concept I mean is the result of what Joe explained as a script breakdown. The producer analyzes each scene about what equipment is needed, how many actors play the scene, how much time it will take to shoot it and with which scenes the shooting of a scene can be combined off - meaning they are playing at the same location or need a similar equipment - or the same actors etc. - hence, they should be filmed on the same day or so. This is a lot of work if you have never done it, but if you work yourself through a script breakdown you will get a very intense feeling for filmmaking and learn very much. I never did it, I only know the theory. So, with the script breakdown the producer can present a concept, meaning a first draft of a plan about what budget is needed, how many days for filming are in the calculated budget, which actors can be paid etc. I hope this explains it a little. Good luck for your project!

Elisabeth gives excellent advice to all of us. We did this in painstaking detail to shoot 7 hours of finished video over a weekend when top flight equipment was available from a major film studio. We saved a lot of money as well as finishing more because everyone was so prepared. The film still holds up well in our business series. This effort was very hard but far simpler than most filming. Kudos to those that can do it! Simply Books APP at the Apple Store

Thanks Deaver. But is there really an app for a script breakdown? I couldn't find it. - Oh, I see. This is spam, Deaver - and please don't use my name in your spamming comments. TY

Elisabeth. No spam. I just wrote on this post. Simply Books APP is what I do. No spamming. Not a script APP. A good idea though for an APP. I just liked what you wrote. No more no less. Apologies for my not being clearer! Best. D

Pre-production saves a lot of time, money, and headaches. besides having a shot list, equipment list, and shooting schedule made directly from your script breakdown, you should make story boards. This helps the DP (director of photography/cinematographer) catch the director's vision. He'll know what types of shots the director is looking for, and be able to set them up quickly. He'll also be able to make suggestions based on the director's style and taste, and the feel of the film. Professional screenwriting software, like Final Draft, will have an option to output a script breakdown. It's an amazing time saver Yes, CGI is Computer Generated Images, for those things that don't exist but end up in your movie anyway. They can be made by the prop department, but many times they are made on a computer screen and then placed in the movie digitally. Some movies and TV shows use them sparingly, other use them extensively. Boardwalk Empire, Spy Kids, and The Great Gatsby used them extensively. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPDTSYR853U