Lesson 7

[Daphne Hughes]

Daphne’s Show Budget Considerations

What I learned doing this assignment is a better understanding of the current budget ranges for reality shows and how that amount varies depending upon whether the show is for cable, streamers or networks.

Assignment #1

High-Cost Reality Show: “The Pack”
List of considerations affecting the budget:

1. Extensive transportation costs for crews to shoot
contestants in their hometowns.
2. Large number of production crew personnel needed
in the contestants’ hometowns and competition location.
3. Several days of shooting required.
<font face=”inherit”> 4. Catering and lodging for production crews who travel to
the competition site.</font>
<font face=”inherit”> 5. Several editors needed in post-production due to the
large amount of content from various </font>locations.
<font face=”inherit”> 6. Filming permits may be needed in the various hometown
locations of the contestants

7. Prep days are extensive in order to coordinate 12
contestants, shoot calendar, and travel logistics.

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Medium-Cost Reality Show: “Haute Dog”
List of considerations affecting the budget:

1. Studio/Sound stage rental.
2. Studio personnel: 3-4 camera persons, stage manager, lighting
director, production assistants.
3. Control room personnel: producers, director, associate
director, technical director, audio and video specialists.
4. Casting & Talent Fees for Judges.
5. Show is primarily shot in one studio location.

6. Post-production involves 2-3 editors and
minimal music licensing.

Low-Cost Reality Show: “House Hunters”
List of considerations affecting the budget:
1. Each episode is shot in just a few locations: homes
that are for sale, realtors’ offices, and restaurants — minimizing location
fees and film permits.

2. Minimal talent fees; just a voiceover announcer.

3. Small production crew costs: 1-2 camerapersons,
1 sound engineer and 1 field producer.
4. Episodes shot over just 3-5 days.
5. Small post-production costs: 1 editor, show
branded graphics, and minimal music licensing.

ASSIGNMENT #2
Budget considerations for “Hope on the Streets”

Prep Days: 1-2 months for locking in client stories, setting up shoot days & locations.

Shoot Days: Extensive shoot days due to the need to follow the clients over a period of 2-3 months.

Location Fees: Primarily shooting in locations owned by the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries with no associated fees.

Cameras: 2-3 camera operators, plus drone shots.

Air Transportation: Travel costs for any production crew members not based in Detroit.

Lodging: Lodging
costs for any production crew members not based in Detroit.

Talent: Minimal costs for a Voiceover Announcer. Most of the show will be firsthand accounts from the clients, staff and others.

Catering; Lunch/Dinner costs for production crews.

Producers; Executive producer, field producer, production assistants.

Graphics: Design branded graphics for the show open, bumps, name supers, and infographics.

Music: Select library music clips.

Casting (contestants,
participants, or animals); Clients suggested by Detroit Rescue Mission.

COVID Testing: Exercise precautions such as masks, social distancing, and individually packaged meals.

Ground transportation: Cars to transport production crews to various locations.

Shooting Permits:
Obtain any needed permits for shooting in certain city locations, if
applicable, through the Detroit Film Office.