Producer Tait Brady joins me in Episode 5 to begin an ongoing conversation about budgeting and financing an independent film in today’s climate. In particular, we chat about:
- No Budget vs Microbudget vs Low Budget. Terms are relative. What type of budget do those terms refer to? An independent film financed by Megan Ellison’s Annapurna Pictures, made outside the studio system such as EX MACHINA which cost $15M, will often be referred to as ‘low budget’. What’s our definition? What will be the budget of our film, CONTROL ROOM?
- Deferrals vs Reinvestment. What do those terms refer to? Deferrals usually refer to deferred profit. Whereas reinvestment refers to a share of revenue (as distinct from profit). In the words of Tait, it’s ‘a share of the pizza’. Which option are we going with?
- Private Financing vs Government Funding vs Philanthropy. What do those terms refer to? ‘Funding’ conveys an expectation that a profit may not be expected. Whereas ‘financing’ relates to investment where a profit is usually expected. And Australia doesn’t have a philanthropic culture like the United States. What’s our finance plan for CONTROL ROOM?
LINKS
- Low Budget Films – a definition
- Annapurna Pictures
- Men’s Group (2008)
- Mystery Road (2013)
- Toomelah (2011)
- The Story of the Kelly Gang (1906) – the world’s first feature film
- Screen Australia Funding
- Screen Australia Producer Offset
iTUNES REVIEWS
Leave me a Rating and Review in iTunes!
https://benphelps.com/iTunesReviews
It won’t cost you a cent and it makes a big difference. The more you love the show, the higher this podcast is ranked in iTunes which helps new listeners (like you and me) discover it. That’s how I found my favourite shows. Just click the link above. It means a lot to me and the guests on the show.
SUBSCRIBE
You can subscribe directly from your phone. If you’ve got an iPhone, click the purple app named Podcasts. If you’ve got a Samsung phone or another Android phone, try the apps Stitcher or Overcast. Both are free. Or find me in iTunes on both Mac or PC. Just search for ‘Ben Phelps’. Then tap SUBSCRIBE or LISTEN LATER. Every time I release a new episode, it’ll appear in your podcast feed. Easy peasy!
GOT SOMETHING TO ADD?
I love sharing stories and fostering discussion. So reach out to discuss this episode or anything else! Try Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or email. The links are in the right column (or the bottom of the screen if you’re reading this on a mobile device).
Podcast: Play in new window | Download