Guides
How to Build a Production Budget
Quick Answer / Summary
A production budget is made up of creative team and cast, production and technical crew, equipment, location and permit fees, logistics, insurance and post-production. It is driven by the number of shoot days and locations, and a contingency allowance for unexpected costs is recommended.
- Which authority?
- Production team / line producer
- How long?
- Quote budget usually 2–5 days
- Who is it for?
- Agencies, brands, producers
How does the process work?
- 01
Days and locations
Shoot days, locations and set build needs are defined — the main budget multiplier.
- 02
People
Director, cast, extras, production and technical crew fees are calculated per day.
- 03
Equipment and vehicles
Camera, lighting, sound, grip, generators, trailers and transport are listed.
- 04
Locations and permits
Location fees, municipal charges, public-space fees and authority charges are added.
- 05
Logistics, insurance, contingency
Accommodation, catering, insurance, post-production and contingency are allowed for.
Required documents (checklist)
Frequently asked questions
+What is usually the largest line in a production budget?
Crew and equipment day rates — so a plan that reduces shoot days has the biggest impact on the budget.
+How are permit fees added to the budget?
Municipal charges, public-space fees and authority charges are added as separate lines per location.
+What information do you need for a budget quote?
A script or brief, shoot dates, location ideas, delivery formats and, if available, a target budget range.
See which permits you need in 2 minutes.
Related guides
Related service: Municipal Filming Permits