Foundations of Short Film Budgeting, Finance and Production Planning

Foundations of Short Film Budgeting, Finance and Production Planning for new and emerging producers and filmmakers. 

National Talent Academy Film & TV Drama presents a selection of introductory one-day sessions for emerging producers and filmmakers, to give an overview of the skills necessary to create and manage a budget for producing a short film.  

During the one-day workshop, Dewi Griffiths will cover a range of topics designed to provide a solid foundation for the successful creation of a budget.  Each one-day session will cover the same content.  

Topics covered will include: 

• The roles of the Producer and Line Producer, and the key skills required 
• Understanding the industry and where your project sits within it 
• Key funding questions you need to ask 
• Essential content questions that need to be addressed 
• Planning the application – where the funding is coming from and what is required 
• Budget selection and effective budget management 
• Creating the production schedule 
• Shooting work rate, as reflected in the shooting schedule 
• Analysing and breaking down the script 
• How software such as Final Draft and Movie Magic Scheduling and Budgeting can support your process 
• Understanding the budget structure – above the line and below the line 
• Identifying essential but often overlooked costs 
• Researching rates and negotiating deals 
• Why deferments can be problematic 
• Managing and reporting on the budget 

This course is free of charge for selected participants. 

Dates/Duration:  

The one-day workshop will take place online on 9th and 10th June from 10.00am – 4:00pm each day.  Each one-day session will cover the same content.  

In the application form, you will be asked to indicate the date that best suits your availability.   

Spaces on the workshop are limited. While we will aim to accommodate preferences where possible, flexibility when applying is strongly recommended. 

(Please note: a third date, Monday 22nd, is mentioned in the form. This is a private session but is listed as a fallback option in case the other dates do not suit. Very limited spaces may be available on this date, but are not guaranteed)  

Who Can Apply: 

Applicants must be outside of education (full time or part time) and 18+. 

This workshop is aimed at new and emerging producers and filmmakers, offering an introduction to industry-standard budgeting practices.  

Please note: This course is not recommended for producers or filmmakers with no credits or experience, as it assumes a level of professional experience and familiarity with industry terminology and practices.  

How To Apply:  

Applicants must apply by completing the application form linked HERE 

The form will also ask you to supply a download link to a Media CV or professional biography or detailed summary of work to date and credits. (1- 2 pages) 

You will also be asked to outline your experience to date, why you would like to take part in the workshop, and which areas you are most interested in upskilling. If you have projects that this training could support, please include details. 

Please address any questions to filmandtv@nationaltalentacademies.ie 

Tutor Profile: 

Dewi Griffiths has trained film and TV professionals worldwide for over twenty years in Final Draft, Movie Magic Scheduling and Budgeting, and has over thirty years practical experience in production on film and TV shows worldwide. As a Producer running his own company, he was an early adopter of Movie Magic programs. Dewi also utilised Final Draft as a writer, script editor and with his production teams, making Final Draft, Movie Magic Scheduling and Budgeting workflows central on all his productions. He continues to help set up such workflows in major BBC and independent television projects, regularly trains for National Film and Television School (NFTS) and has taught at the American Film Institute, University of Southern California and Film Schools in the Middle East. 

Deadline to Apply:  

Deadline to apply is 19th May at 12 noon. 

Incomplete applications will not be taken into consideration.   

Further Information: 

The National Talent Academy for Film and TV is an initiative of Screen Ireland managed by Ardán. 

The NTA Film & TV Drama reserves the right to amend this initiative, subject to funding, the production landscape, and any relevant health and safety requirements at the time of delivery.