$$$s

[ScriptNurse]

You should be able to find Singleton's books available used. Do some Googling and instrad of film "budgeting" try "estimating" and see if that turns up anything useful.

[dohope]

Thanks, Don,

I am just trying to figure out a personal evaluation of what it might cost so that my queries are not out of line with the budget parameters of say, a low budget film, or a 1-5mil budget, etc., that the production companies advertise as to what they're looking for.
I will get a book. Simple enough.

Don W.

[ScriptNurse]

I don't understand why producers think a writer is even minutely qualified to do a shooting budget. My thinking is that the producer should ask his production manager what it'll cost to make. The truth is ... there's a range. The producer can do it ... or do it up right. That said, here are the things that really jack up the cost:

• Big cast
• More than 3-5 locations
• Special effects
• CGI work

There are books and courses on how to budget films and television. If you're really interested, get a book and read up on it ...
http://www.talkfilm.biz/onlinefilmcourses.htm ... eBooks and online courses
http://www.amazon.com/Film-Scheduling-Budgeting-Workbook-Yourself/dp/0943728142 ... by Ralph Singleton, course $145 new, $22 used
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Film-Budgeting/Ralph-S-Singleton/e/9780943728650 ... by Ralph Singleton, budgeting only

Google is your friend.

[dohope]

Hi Don,
One area that is quite confusing to me is how to get some sort of general cost estimate to do one of my screenplays.
Knowing this would be of great help when submitting, as there are usually monetary parameters listed when a general request for screenplays is posted. I don't want to submit if there is a discrepancy in this area.
Any help or suggestions is appreciated.
Thanks,
Don W.