Posted by Epac2k at pppa41-resalekenosha2-4r7335.dialinx.net on March 07, 2001 at 20:18:30:
In Reply to: Re: Clerks budget question posted by Michael Raben on March 07, 2001 at 19:33:09:
: : So, I know that clerks cost about 25,000 dollars.
: It was actually closer to $27,500 on the original finished film prior to the Miramax clean-up version (which would have the soundtrack, ADR, additional edits, etc.)
: : But how was that divided?
: While I can't give you an item-for-item breakdown, I can tell you that the bulk of the money was spent on film, film processing and post production (audio mix, negative cut, assembly, credits, print cost, etc.)
: : Did Kevin promise Brian, Jeff and the other cast members money if they got picked up, or did part of the 25k go to them before they started to film?
: I believe that none of the cast was paid up-front. I'd guess that Kevin took care of everyone after the film got picked up, but that is ultimately speculation.
: : How much did the camera cost to use?
: Can't answer this one, but as reference info, it's not really relevant. With the changes in the indie landscape, most notably DV, but also inflation, the rental cost on a film camera 8 years ago doesn't mean a thing to someone researching what a project will cost them today.
: : There was a bunch of people in the crew, when did they get paid?
: Since most of the people involved were friends or associates of Kevin and Scott, I'd guess they all volunteered. Like the cast, I'd further guess that they were taken care of after the film was picked up.
: : How do you decide what to use your budget money for?
: Whatever you can't steal, get for free, put on a credit card and return later, etc. It's really all in the planning. Some things you MUST HAVE for a film/video project. A camera, stock (film or video), lights, Nagra(audio), various post-production effects, facilities, technicians, etc. You do your research, price everything out and make the best decisions possible. I can't stress the pre-production process enough; it can save you mucho time and money when the actual production begins.
: : Did those people get paid?
: Just like the equipment and facility side of budgeting, you also have to do your research on your cast on crew. Who IS DEMANDING money? Who'll work for free. Is Person B a better DP over Person A because B will work for free and A insists on being paid upfront? Will your cast/extras/misc. crew work for free?
: It's all part of the process. Fundamentally, the various pieces of the filmmaking puzzle aren't all that difficult to break down. It's all just a very detailed process with many varied elements involved. Filmmaking (or videomaking, natch) isn't above anyone; you just have to work through learning each step (in advance) and put it all together.
: Always,
: Michael Raben