budget

I just finished watching this film, Stranger than Paradise, and I knew
what to expect with black and white film-making. I didn't know it was
going to look like a stage play. Which is okay. This film looks like it could have been shot for around $10,000. or less. $150,000. seems a lot for a film like this.


San Diego, Ca Indie Filmmaker

Nearly impossible, but possible. Kodak black and white Plus X or Tri-X 400 ft roll with taxes and shipping from Kodak in LA costs only $78.00. That is 11 minutes screen time right there. Movielab in Rockville Maryland will process at .10 cent at foot. That is $40.00 for a 400 ft roll. Rankcintel transfer negative to a 60 minute MiniDV tape is 58.00 with tape included, at the same company.

Color Fuji film from Film Emporium is only $108.00 for a 400 ft roll. That is .27 cent a ft.

So if you ordered, let just say 8 400 ft rolls (3200 ft/88 minutes)at $78.00 with shipping and taxes, that would run you only $624.00. Plus processing at the lab mentioned will run another $320.00 and then transfer that over with Rankcintel to MiniDv tapes, (2 tapes) thats another $116.00. Grand total of only $1060.00

Now the ratio is up to the DP/ director and prices will vary. So film is not an issue. Talent can be cheap to no pay at all. The same with crew. Permits are a joke, I never even bother with them. So if you did not pay anyone, yes you could make a real 16mm picture for under $10,000.00


San Diego Ca, Indie Filmmaker