How much does a documentary cost to make?

Financial planning is a key aspect of documentary filmmaking. Ensuring you have the budget to complete your documentary to a sufficient standard to meet your project goals is essential. Costs can vary considerably depending on the scope of the project, its location, and required resources.

How much does it cost to film a documentary and what factors contribute to the overall price?

What is the average cost of making a documentary?

The average cost of making a documentary in the UK can vary significantly depending on a range of factors, such as production quality, the size of the crew, the equipment needed, and the post-production process.

As a rough rule of thumb, documentary budgets may fall into the following ranges:

- Low-budget documentaries: £8,000 to £40,000
- Mid-range documentaries: £40,000 to £160,000
- High-end documentaries: £160,000 to £800,000 or more.

Low-budget documentaries will often rely on smaller crews, cost-efficient equipment, and limited post-production enhancements. Mid-range budgets may have large crews and more sophisticated equipment. High-end documentaries are typically made for large broadcasters or streaming services such as Netflix and have considerably larger budgets. They will typically have large crews, highly sophisticated equipment and significant post-production work. They may also include extensive travel.

What is the usual budget for a documentary?

When you’re planning to bring your documentary idea to life, it’s not just about hitting “record”. Every project is built from dozens of moving parts and each of them adds up. The budget for a UK-based documentary generally breaks down like this:

Pre-production

This is your creative foundation: research, scriptwriting, securing locations, obtaining permits, assembling your crew. Think of it as setting the stage for everything to come.

Production

Here is where the cameras roll: filming, capturing the stories, the environments, the moments. Big cost drivers at this stage? Equipment (camera, lighting, sound), salaries for the crew, travel to locations, accommodation, catering, all of it adds up.

Post-production

Once the footage is in the can, we move into editing, sound design, colour correction, graphics/titles. The complexity of your story, the level of polish you go for, and how long the film runs will all influence cost here.

Distribution & marketing

A documentary made but not seen is a missed opportunity. This stage involves getting your film out there: promotional materials, platform fees, even festival entries, they are all part of the budget mix.

Every documentary is unique. The size of the crew, the quality of equipment, the length of filming, the number of locations, and the distribution plan all influence the total cost. The goal is always to match your ambition to a realistic budget, so you ensure your film can be made and make the impact you intend.

If you’ve got a story worth telling but aren’t sure how to budget for it, let’s talk. The Eight Engines documentary team are ready to help your idea find its platform. Get in touch today, and let’s make your story happen.

How much does it cost to make a documentary in the UK?

The cost of making a documentary in the UK will typically be made up of a number of expenses such as:

Permits and insurance

Permits may be required to film in particular areas, potentially ranging from £100 to £500. Comprehensive coverage can range from £1,000 to £5,000.

Crew

Salaries for crew members in the UK can be a significant part of the budget. A director might charge £300 to £500 per day, and other crew members such as sound technicians and production assistants £150 to £300 per day.

Equipment

Renting high-quality equipment will be a significant element of the overall cost of creating a documentary film in the UK. Camera packages might range from £500 to £1,500 per day, while lighting and sound equipment may be another £200 to £600 per day.

Travel and accommodation

Unless you’re filming your documentary in your immediate neighbourhood, it’s also likely you’ll have to budget for travel and accommodation. This can vary considerably depending on the locations you are using and the number of people in your party.

Making a documentary: Cost factors to consider

When considering how much does it cost to make a documentary, it’s important to remember that there are a number of factors that will determine the overall price.

It’s important to be realistic about your budget, and what can and cannot be done with the finances you have available. Careful budgeting and resource management are essential to ensure the successful completion of your project within your particular financial constraints. This understanding will help you plan and execute your documentary effectively.

Cost-effective documentary production Manchester

Whatever your budget, a good idea, creativity, and intelligent production can produce highly compelling and effective documentary films.

If you have a great concept for a documentary but need professional production help to turn your vision into reality, then Eight Engines can help.

Our award-winning documentary production team (insert link to Documentary service page) can give your ideas the best platform from which to shine.

If you’ve got a great idea for a documentary we’d love to hear all about it.

Contact us today to start turning your ideas into reality.

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