One of the first things independent filmmakers look for when budgeting their projects is free film budgeting software. Getting the numbers right and in the proper format can make life easier for the filmmaker when putting a price on any film or video project. It’s especially important when you prepare a film business plan. But the tight fists and closed lips of the film industry is especially true when it comes to making budgets. It is nearly impossible to find programs that are comprehensive and free. So, let’s take a look at film budgeting software that is standard and at some alternative templates that are affordable or even free.

1. MOVIE MAGIC BUDGETING Make a little magic Movie Magic Budgeting is the first of its’ kind film budgeting software. It has been an industry standard for twenty years now. Movie Magic has the features that many film producers wanted in a budgeting software when first introduced. The fact that it became the industry standard meant that you could share it with other producers, production companies and studios alike. They have free training classes for the software open to anyone. Organization and clarity are what are most essential in your or preliminary budget and you will find it in a template that is much more user friendly than any software that we’ve come across. Organization and clarity are what are most essential in your or preliminary budget and you will find it in a template that is much more user friendly than any software that we’ve come across.

Movie Magic Budgeting tutorial is necessary before starting

Today, it is still used for the majority of film budgets in Hollywood. However there are few downsides to being the first out of the gate. The fact is, Movie Magic Budgeting is not particularly user-friendly. The staple showbiz budgeting suite also requires the Java to use, and no, we don’t mean coffee. Furthermore, Movie Magic Budgeting requires 1 GHz processor or Windows 8 or higher with 1 GB of RAM and 200MB of hard disk space. Movie Magic Budgeting has bugs in the program which are accepted as par for the course. In other words, it will crash. So if you use Movie Magic Budgeting, save your work every chance you get. Also, Movie Magic Budgeting is difficult to read on certain high-resolution monitors. But, the makers of the software listen to their clients and there have been six updates to Movie Magic Budgeting in its’ twenty-year history. Movie Magic Budgeting has really great features with functionality such as automatically adding fringes and allowing the user to apply for Tax Credits. And again, it is the industry standard. You never have to worry about compatibility issues when sending your budgets to producers or submitting for film grants. How much is Movie Magic Budgeting? Well, that’s one drawback. This popular film budget software is $479. Not exactly independent filmmaker-friendly.

Movie Magic Budget’s layout is more dated than other film budget options.

If you are looking for a no cost alternative, that is not based in the cloud, StudioBinder offers a free budget template that works as well as the top budget software. In the template, you already have many of the features you would find in film budgeting software, but at no cost. You can start organizing your development and pre-production in a flash with the easy to use template that will generate a top sheet you can use to raise funds for your film. Organization and clarity are what are most essential in your Organization and clarity are what are most essential in your business plan or preliminary budget and you will find it in a template that is much more user friendly than any software that we’ve come across.

2. SHOWBIZ BUDGETING Compare this old school work horse This workhorse from MediaServices is the Movie Magic Budgeting of the commercial world. In fact, Showbiz Budgeting offer updates that are more consistent with industry trends. Showbiz Budgeting is more user friendly than the two as it allows film budget actualization, which is a big plus. It also tracks your purchase orders, payroll and petty cash. All very useful things when budgeting any project.

Learn about Showbiz film budgeting software

The production reports created in Showbiz Budgeting 9 are especially useful if answering to a production entity. They are simple and concise and easy to share. Speaking of sharing, you can also share an install, which is huge if you’re collaborating on your film budget with other producers. Showbiz Budgeting also works in any of the entertainment fields but there is a premium cost.

Showbiz Budgeting offers easy to read film budget breakdowns