ASK & DISCUSS
INDEXWhat is the estimate budget for an episode of a 15-20min webseries?
12 years, 1 month ago - Eleanor Low
Hi all,
I would like to start drafting a proposal for the production of a web series. It is my first time budgeting for a series. However, I would like to make sure it is budgeted as close as possible to the market rate. What is the production budget range per episode of a web/tv series in the UK?
I understand that each series might cost very differently from the other depending on the script. The script I am developing doesn't have any special effects or stunts needed, mainly just straight shoot without big locations.
Any advice on where should I start would be much appreciated. Many thanks in advance.
Ele
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12 years, 1 month ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin
Using other peoples budgets won't help you - other people cut different deals than you did/will/can and work at different rates. Instead cost out your own budget.
How long does it take to shoot 20 mins of drama? Well, allowing a typical 3 mins/day, you're looking at a full week, less if you have fewer locations. What size cast and crew do you need? Not hard to get to 20 people, maybe you'll get away with a dozen, who knows? Now what are your location fees? Now hires? Now how much in catering, waste management, toilets, travel, parking? Now post-production costs - couple of weeks of edit maybe? Add in legal and insurance overheads and you have a rough budget.
I know what it would cost me, but what would it cost you? What deals will you do with crew? What location deals have you done? What format are you shooting on? Will your crew walk out if it's pizza twice a day every day?
Response from 12 years, 1 month ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin SHOW
12 years, 1 month ago - Vasco de Sousa
I'd say, 20k for a very minimal show (like something cheap on Channel Five at midnight), up to millions for a popular show. For webisodes, it'll be less. For an international television show, it'll be on the high end.
It depends on where you're shooting, which language, and so many other things. TV and internet are also two very different media.
Actually, shows with special effects and stunts are often cheaper to shoot. That's because they are less dependent upon star power. The most expensive shows that I know of are sitcoms and soap operas.
Response from 12 years, 1 month ago - Vasco de Sousa SHOW
12 years, 1 month ago - Yen Rickeard
Paddy is right, there is no standard budget, it all depends on your deals with cast ,crew, equipment hire, location, transport, food - even the legal and insurance are negotiable (but essential). And then how much you can do in a day depends on your own efficiency, but you can build some of that in by keeping cast small, and number of locations minimised, and preferably close together.
Unless it is a full collaboration, allow £350 a week MINIMUM for each person, plus food props and costume.
Coming from the opposite direction, what would a distributor/channel pay for a set of 20 minute drama? Again this is entirely negotiable, and usually confidential. Has anyone got a handle on this?
Good luck with it all.
Yen Rickeard
Response from 12 years, 1 month ago - Yen Rickeard SHOW