The November Lab from the BFI Film Academy team explored how to calculate and stick to a realistic budget while filming your short.
1hr 15mins
From scripting to storyboarding to shot blocking, there are a lot of creative elements to consider in the pre-production stage of your film project. However, just as important are the practical elements of putting together a short film.
Building a carefully thought-out production budget can keep your shooting schedule on track and head off unforeseen costs. It will also be invaluable training as you start working on bigger projects and applying for funding.
This Lab looked at how you can effectively budget a script breakdown, consider all the essential expenditures you are likely to make to deliver your short film, and allocate your funds effectively to create a detailed and accurate production budget you can stick to.
This lab was part of the Business of Film strand from the 2022/23 Lab programme.
About Helen Simmons
Helen Simmons is a writer and BIFA long-listed producer who was named a Screen Star of Tomorrow in 2018. She has produced four features – CHUBBY FUNNY (2017), SAY YOUR PRAYERS (2020), KLOKKENLUIDER (2022) and HOARD (2023) – and is currently in production on two more for Sky and Netflix. She runs Erebus Pictures with Stephanie Aspin, which was awarded a BFI Vision Award in 2020. As a writer, she has projects in development with NBCUniversal, Netflix, World Productions, Kinetic Content, Caviar and The Development Partnership.
About Loran Dunn (host)
Loran Dunn is a 2017 Screen Daily Star of Tomorrow, BFI Vision Award winning and BIFA long-listed Breakthrough Producer. She runs Manchester-based Delaval Film, listed as one of the Top 50 Most Creative Companies in England. Loran’s first feature A DEAL WITH THE UNIVERSE was released in UK cinemas nationwide in 2019 to critical acclaim. In 2021, she produced SILKY HOTEL, a TV Film for BBC. Her second feature, HOARD, starring Joseph Quinn (Stranger Things) and Hayley Squires (I, Daniel Blake) and funded by BBC Film and BFI, is due for release in 2023. Loran is alumni of the Rotterdam Producers Lab and Cannes Producers Network, and a member of BAFTA. On top of all this, she is a Senior Lecturer in Filmmaking at The Manchester School of Art.
About BFI Film Academy Labs 2022/23
BFI Film Academy Labs are designed to support 16-25-year-old aspiring filmmakers and help you develop your skills and projects from home.
Each event will be part of one of three strands: Business of Film, Career Ladder and Storytelling:
- Business of Film: Helping you more fully understand the business of independent filmmaking.
- Career Ladder: Insights into the range of different career and training opportunities that exist within the screen industries.
- Storytelling: Find your unique voice and develop your stories for the screen.
Stay tuned on socials for updates!
