Documentary Budget Types

Documentary film budgets can vary significantly based on the scope, scale, and ambitions of the project. Understanding the different types of budgets is essential for filmmakers to plan their productions effectively. 

Micro-Budget

• Range: Typically under $10,000.
• Characteristics: Self-funded or crowdfunded, small-scale productions with minimal crew, relying on personal gear or low-cost solutions.

Low-Budget

• Range: From $10,000 to $100,000.
• Characteristics: Funded by a mix of crowdfunding, grants, and small investors, modest productions with limited locations and crew sizes, creativity overcoming financial constraints.

Medium-Budget

• Range: From $100,000 to $1 million.
• Characteristics: Greater flexibility in production, funded by larger grants, investments, and pre-sales, allowing for better equipment, more locations, larger crew, and higher production values.

High-Budget

• Range: Over $1 million.
• Characteristics: Funded by major production companies, broadcasters, or streaming services, featuring high-profile subjects, extensive travel, top-grade equipment, and significant post-production work.

Experimental/Artistic Budget

• Range: Varies widely.
• Characteristics: Focusing on artistic value over commercial appeal, funding can be erratic, relying on arts grants, patronage, or self-funding.

Series Budget

• Range: Varies, often higher due to episodic nature.
• Characteristics: For documentary series, accounting for longer production timelines, episodic structures, varied locations and subjects, funded through networks or streaming platforms.