The Bottom Line

How to think about budget when writing your script

I got a producer’s note on a recent spec script. “Cool scene,” he said. “But could we set it in an already existing location?”

Budgeting is not my forte… just ask my husband!

But, if you want to be a professional screenwriter, budget is something you need to be cognizant about in your work.

That big studio movie? Sure, throw in that seven page urban car chase!

But, if a smaller studio is looking to make your spec for 5-10 mil, you’ve got to know how to cut costs.

Here are a few tricks to scale down your movie to make it more palatable for buyers.