Stars cannot shine without Darkness!

 SHOOTING RATIO Shooting ratio refers to the relationship between the total footage shot and the final footage used in a film. For example, a 10:1 ratio means ten minutes of raw footage are recorded for every one minute that appears in the finished movie. This concept is crucial in budgeting and scheduling. A higher shooting ratio often indicates more retakes, experimentation, or improvisation, while a lower ratio reflects precise planning and efficiency. Documentaries usually have higher ratios because of unpredictable content, whereas feature films aim for tighter control. Understanding shooting ratio helps filmmakers balance creativity with cost, ensuring that resources are used wisely while still capturing the best possible material.

 FILM BUDGET Film Budgeting: Balancing Creativity and Costs Film budgeting is the backbone of any production, ensuring that creative vision aligns with financial reality. A budget outlines how money will be spent across different stages of filmmaking, from pre‑production to post‑production. Key components include: Above the line costs - In a production budget, the amounts to be spent on "the principal creative elements," such as story and script, producer, director and lead performers. Below the line costs - In a production budget, all the amounts to be spent on the production of the film that are not included in above-the-line costs, including cast (other than leading performers), crew, travel/living expenses, laboratory legal and accounting fees, insurance, financing expenses and post-production expenses. Contigency - An extra allowance added to the production budget to cover unexpected expenses. The contingency normally is at least 10 percent of the above-the-lin and below...