Overview

F3 productions are expected to develop and maintain production budgets that track anticipated expenses, resource allocation, departmental needs, and overall financial planning throughout pre-production and production. This page provides information about the budget allocations for each show and accounting procedures that need to be followed.

Budgeting is a fundamental part of filmmaking because creative decisions must constantly be balanced against practical limitations such as time, labor, equipment, transportation, locations, and available funding. Developing realistic budgets helps productions plan more effectively, avoid preventable logistical problems, and better understand how financial decision-making shapes professional production workflows.

Lunch & craft

For each live action show, a dollar amount is provided for every assigned crew member, plus two actors and one volunteer:

• $10.00 per head lunch catering for 11 crew members and 3 actors or volunteers (14 people total): $140.00 per day.
• $5.00 per head craft service for 11 crew members and 3 actors or volunteers (14 people total): $70.00 per day.

Therefore, the total allocation for lunch and craft service is $420.00.

The amount of money allocated to each film is a set amount. It does not shrink if the crew gets smaller and it does not increase if you add volunteer crew or actors. This amount is allocated as part of the necessary budget the school provides, based on the scope of the production.

Food budgets are allocated to live action productions only and are considered part of the “Provided Production Costs” because meal time is regulated and crew members are not allowed to leave set.

You may use the total funds for food in any way you wish, as long as it goes only to catering and craft service. This is a “use-it-or-lose-it” budget.