Filmmaking By The Numbers:
Budgeting for Independent Films
Saturday, April 19th. 9:00 am - 3:30 pm.
Lesley University, College of Art & Design
Lunch Included
This one-day workshop is designed to equip filmmakers and emerging media professionals with a strong foundation and practical insights for budgeting independently produced feature films.
We’ll explore approaches to budgeting both scripted and documentary projects. Topics include cost estimation and allocation, scheduling, crew planning, legal compliance, and financial management from development through post. Participants will also gain insight into essential components such as budgeting software, templates and tools, talent agreements, and tax incentives.
Whether you're planning your first feature or developing your next short film, this workshop offers actionable strategies and industry insights to help you build budgets that support your production goals and creative vision.
Register below!
Schedule & Presentations
9:00 - 9:30 AM
Check In + Coffee
9:30 - 11:15 AM
Budgeting the Truth: Non-fiction & Documentary Films
This session walks through the practical and strategic considerations behind budgeting for documentary and other unscripted projects. We’ll begin with big-picture questions—what you’re making, who it’s for, how it’ll get funded—and move into hands-on examples of building a working budget. Additional topics include budget management tools, reporting requirements, and strategies for staying flexible as a project evolves.
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Simplifying Tax Incentives
An introductory discussion on film production incentives — how they work, how to manage the process, and best practices for using them effectively.
12:00 - 1:00 PM
Lunch Break
1:00 - 1:30 PM
Big Talent, Small Budget
Shooting your project under a SAG-AFTRA agreement has never been easier; there is a contract for every budget level. Hear from Jessica Maher, Executive Director, SAG-AFTRA New England who will walk you through the signatory process of the Micro Budget, Short Film and Ultra-Low Budget Agreements and more and show you how easy it is to work with these contracts and hire professional performers for your projects.
1:30 - 3:15 PM
Budgeting Scripted Films: A Line Producer’s Approach
This session breaks down the core elements of scripted film budgets, from estimating production costs and building a realistic schedule to crew planning and compliance. Framed through the lens of a line producer, we’ll look at tools like Movie Magic, strategies for cost-saving, and how to adapt when the unexpected arises. This session is tailored for low-budget indie productions.
Register
Space is limited! We encourage early registration to secure your spot.
Please enter the information requested for each attendee ticket purchased. If you experience issues in your browser, visit the Eventbrite page here.
Directions & Parking
Venue: University Hall, Lesley University, 1815 Massachusetts Avenue
Follow signs to the lower level, Screening Room L-030.
Parking: Available in the lot behind 1815 Mass Ave enter via Roseland St.
MBTA: Red Line to Porter Square Station (1 block away), Bus routes 77, 83, and 96.
Sponsors & Support
MPC Programs are made possible by the generous support of our Annual Sponsors and the Boston Cultural Council.
This workshop is presented with additional support from
Lesley University, College of Art & Design and the LEF Foundation
