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Budgets Per Episode of a standard “docu-reality” style cable show
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Well, it isn’t a sensative topic (to me at least). It is just that for political reasons…not Republican/Democrat, but company to network and company vs company…we cannot divulge that information. If I say “Hey, we got $225,000 for this show on this network” and someone who works at another production company that does shows for the same network see that, and they only get $175,000…then they will throw a stink with the network and we’ll get in hot water and may never work for that network again. So we can’t say such things. We also can’t brag that we were allowed to do certain things like get away with 50% of the show shot with an HVX camera when the network standard is 15%. Other companies will complain. It just isn’t done.
And going after someone over what they charge for a demo reel is a bit low. When i did demo reels (and I still do on occasion) I charge an hourly fee. A LOW hourly fee, as actors who need demos can’t afford much (not after they forked out for headshots). I don’t charge a flat rate or I will get taken advantage of when the client wants constant changes. I admire someone who charges little for demo reels…they know the plight of the struggling actor.
Shane
Littlefrog Post
http://www.lfhd.net -
Shane,
If David wasn’t being so snippy with everyone I would never have said a word. His website also seemed rather condescending, so I pounced. I apologize.
DRW
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No, I did some work on a pilot a few years back for 2 now former editors at Playboy (they were full timers there then, producing their own stuff on the side – now one works for Discovery and the other freelances and cuts on Animal Planet) – and that got me in to cut a show there called Night Calls (I think, been a while) for an episode which was multi cam HD on a Mac with AJA system. Then I got asked to stay on to cut for the series (they have many editors there around the clock) but I had money come in to produce a series of corporate training videos that I bid on, and at the time, that was the right move, even though the $$ at Playboy for editors is very good and it is by far the happiest place in Glendale.
This is turning into a pissing contest I believe, and that was not my intention. My main question was based on getting accurate figures for producing a show that has 30 or 40 animated motion graphic elements involved – kind of beyond the scope of what I have produced previously. I am sure I can do it with whatever funds I get if I had to. That was not the point.
If nobody wants to give up the goods – that’s fine with me. I just find it a bit caddy that of all the things discussed here on this forum, hard cold cash and the price of making a show is always somehow skirted (except for Shane). Lawyers, doctors and accountants can all pretty easily find out what the negative operating costs in their respective fields are. Why do filmmakers need a secret handshake?
I’ll just email my friends tomorrow. Forget I even asked.
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Hey David, sorry you are getting so much flack here. There’s another forum on the cow that might better suit your needs. It might not be as competitive as it is here. Check it out:
https://forums.creativecow.net/cgi-bin/new_view_posts.cgi?forumid=17
or maybe even here:
https://forums.creativecow.net/cgi-bin/new_view_posts.cgi?forumid=21
Good luck in your exploits and i hope you do well with your project.
A word of advice, don’t bring your resulting frustration for the responses in this forum over to that one. Start over and ask nicely.
Jeremy
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I think Shane gave you the right ball park for a top cable network for a prime time show. I was trying to add a little of something else, after all Shane gave you the number. I just finished an hour show for a cable network, Shanes
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The answer I’m getting so far (from other sources) which confirms Shane’s figures (Discovery is the high end vendor) is that hard cost for the entire production would between $50,000 and $65,000 – and you could very easily do this for much less if it weren’t for the 30 or 40 animations required which make nailing down the price a bit sticky.
Thank you all very much. Next time I will re-post over in Business & Marketing as suggested.
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What the networks give and the actual cost of the productions is pretty different. While you might be given $150,000 for a show, it may actually only cost $85,000…the remaining $65,000 goes to the production company to pay for exec salaries and overhead. That is a healthy chunk that is removed.
And yes, it is very difficult to give out numbers…especially PUBLICLY like this. I could be held accountable more so than if you asked me in person. Budgets are very political…don’t blame us. We like to keep our jobs…thus the secrecy.
Shane
Littlefrog Post
http://www.lfhd.net -
was reading this post so based off of what your saying how much is the payout per episode of the biggies , their gross?
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Good day Mr. Ross, I realize this is an old post, and may not be active, but I have some questions about docu-reality television that I’m hoping you may be able to help me with, and that may spark your interest. In the least perhaps you could direct me in the way in which I should procede. As the materials I wish to discuss I also wish to protect I would greatly appreciate if you where able to contact me by email. I hope to hear from you sincerly Joe Diablo. teamaquadiablo@gmail.com
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Hi, every animal has a different price tag. I have seen them range from $25K to over $200K, it really depends on the production, resources and the variables. Example, my editor will edit for me based on what I can afford, in turn, this helps me to minimize and or create my budget. I once produced a feature film on 35MM, I literally pulled a budget off the top of my head before I even had a script to breakdown. I went and raised $280K and made this budget work within my means. It was a success and all my investors made money. You have to be realistic with yourself, pull together your resources and determine what your budget is going to be based off your concept and your variables. My two cents…….
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