Vision & Budget

Video Production can be a tedious nerve-racking series of tasks. You start with a Vision and find nothing but troubles along the way. The pre-production process is the best defense you have for predicting problems that may go awry. While it is a general methodology for completing this process there are always aspects that are overlooked. When you go to plan your video keep these valuable tips in mind to avoid these most common errors when creating a Budget.

The costs of creating a well-done video can soar beyond the established budget more quickly than imagined. It’s easy to write a script with special effects but not as cheap to pay an editor to integrate them. Find out what things cost before beginning production. This may mean a simple rewrite or an entire re-visioning of your video. When on set, time is money so have these planned out thoroughly first to increase cost-effectiveness. A well-done video does not mean it costs more. A well-made video is one that sticks to its goal and maintains a vision aligned within the budget. Spend money on proper lighting and professional cameras instead of high-paid actors or special effects. Remember there will also be a need to promote the video so coordinate that into the budget as well.

Tips to Avoid Budget Nightmares

(1) Excluding items you hope to secure

Unless you have paid for an item it is no guarantee. Budget the costs of equipment and location rentals in your budget at full price. Until it is 100% sure it will happen.

(2) Schedule backup actors

People are flaky and things come up. People get sick or pull out for other reasons. This can be just as true with crew members. It is harder to find backup actors that are right for the part last minute.

(3) Expect to go over budget in at least one area

You can estimate most parts of your production accurately. However, there will always be some conditions that merit the opposite. Plan for something going wrong by leaving a reserve amount in the overall budget. Keep this amount untouched until you find it is necessary and vital to the production before spending.

(4) Don’t overlook little costs

Did you factor in gas reimbursements for your crew? How about a light bulb burning out at the worst time? There are hundreds of small problems that can arise. Prepare for this! It can be the difference between wrapping a shoot on time or adding extra days of shooting.

Plan FAR in Advance

Planning is the most important part of staying on budget. Know what you want and find ways to enable this at the best cost versus product balance. Your video will state who you are to the audience. Making it look professional yet within the expectations of what you are selling is the key.

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