Mastering Indie Film Budgets: Top-Down vs. Bottom-Up Approaches
May 14, 2026 · 31 min
Why listen
Learn the two budgeting methods that determine whether your indie film gets made or falls apart.
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In this episode
- How to break down a script into a realistic production budget
- The difference between above-the-line and below-the-line costs
- How to estimate shooting days and manage crew and cast expenses
- What to cut when your budget does not match your funding
About this episode
Jeff Deverett dives deep into the essential topic of budgeting for your indie feature film. Whether you're a seasoned filmmaker or just starting out, understanding how to create a comprehensive and accurate budget is crucial for the success of your project.
Jeff breaks down the two primary methods of budgeting: top-down budgeting and bottom-up budgeting. He explains the Hollywood way of budgeting, starting with a detailed script breakdown and moving through various expense categories, including above-the-line and below-the-line costs. You'll learn how to estimate shooting days, manage crew and cast expenses, and account for production and post-production costs.
But what happens when your budget doesn't align with your funding? Jeff discusses the practicalities of bottom-up budgeting, where you may need to make tough decisions about what to cut without compromising the integrity of your film.
Join us for this informative episode that equips you with the knowledge to navigate the financial aspects of indie filmmaking.
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About Indie Filmmaking: Truth & Reality
Film school taught you how to make a movie—this show teaches you how to get it financed and distributed. In bite-sized 20-minute episodes, filmmaker and distribution expert Jeff Deverett gives you the real-world advice film schools leave out.
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