ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines the process of creating a line-item production budget for film and television. The budget is explained in terms of sections such as Above-the-Line, Below-the-Line, Post-Production, and Total Other. The chapter goes over current budgeting software and how to handle budgetary issues such as padding, how to add taxes, and fringes. It also discusses the difference between budgeting for union and nonunion, local versus distant crew, and how budget disbursement works. It covers how to budget line items for each section of the budget and, finally, explains the complicated world of tax incentives, what they are, and how to seek them out.
