Open House
A New Musical Film by Dan Mirvish
Because finding a home should be something to sing about.
Budget Options
The nice thing about Open House is that it can be made on a variety of budget levels dependent entirely on how much money Bugeater Films can raise. Following are three broad options for shooting the film. Naturally, there is a wide range of options not expressed here, but these should give you some ideas of the issues and implications of the various budget levels:
I. $200,000 Total Budget
- All crew will be paid something (though still below standard union wages)
- All vendors will be paid fully
- Will likely use SAG's "Limited Exhibition Agreement"
- Actors get $75-100 a day
- Applicable to all non-SAG actors
- Allows theatrical exhibition in art houses, film festivals, some TV and video
- No need to "bump" up SAG wages except if we get major distribution
- Will likely shoot on 35mm or Super16mm film
- Will be able to finish with a 35mm print
- Will allow for a longer schedule (3-week shoot)
- Getting name actors at this rate will still be challenging
II. $50,000 Total Budget
- Will rely largely on volunteer crew labor
- Will necessitate huge deals with vendors (including product placement)
- Will likely use SAG's "Experimental Film Agreement"
- Actors work for deferred pay
- Allows for film festivals and very limited theatrical release (includes Oscar eligibility run)
- Not applicable to non-SAG actors
- Will need to "bump" up SAG wages if even minor distribution happens
- Will likely shoot on Super16mm or High Definition video (24p)
- Will not be able to blow-up finished print to 35mm
- Will necessitate a shorter schedule (2-week shoot)
- Getting name actors will be exceptionally challenging
III. $20,000 Total Budget
- Will rely entirely on volunteer crew labor
- Will necessitate free deals with vendors (including product placement)
- Will likely use SAG's "Experimental Film Agreement"
- Actors work for deferred pay
- Allows for film festivals and very limited theatrical release (includes Oscar eligibility run)
- Not applicable to non-SAG actors
- Will need to "bump" up SAG wages if even minor distribution happens
- Alternately may use all non-SAG cast
- Will likely shoot on Digital Video (DV)
- Will not be able to blow-up finished print to 35mm
- Will necessitate a shorter schedule (2-week shoot)
- Getting name actors will be exceptionally challenging
Disclaimer:
Investment in a project of this nature involves substantial risks, and should not be undertaken by those individuals or organizations who can not afford those risks. Anyone seriously interested in contributing should consult their own tax professional for complete tax advice. This website should not be construed as a formal offering or complete business prospectus, but rather is designed to give a general overview of the project.
