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Budget

Build the budget, track actuals against it line by line, and keep versions straight.

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What it does

Budget replaces the spreadsheet that gets emailed around. Build from a standard structure, track what you’ve actually spent against each line as the shoot runs, and keep clean versions so you always know which number you quoted and which one you’re living with.

A budget overview: total estimate of $167,643 across 14 categories, 36 accounts and 2 shoot days, a spent-versus-estimate meter, a needs-attention panel, and category cards each showing their estimate and actuals.
A two-day commercial built on the AICP structure. Fringes and markups are applied by the engine, so the top figure always reflects the lines beneath it.
Closeup of the budget header: total estimate $167,643 with a category colour bar, beside a spent-versus-estimate meter reading zero percent and the amount remaining.
Estimate versus actual, side by side. As you log costs the meter fills and the remaining figure drops — the number you quote in the production meeting.

Getting started

  1. Start from a template. Pick a structure (AICP or film-style) or start simple. Categories and accounts come pre-built.
  2. Fill your lines. Enter units, rates and quantities. Totals roll up through accounts to above- and below-the-line.
  3. Add fringes. Set fringe rates once and apply them to labour lines so payroll burden is in the number, not a surprise.
  4. Track actuals. As invoices and costs land, record them against the line so estimate-vs-actual stays live.
  5. Version and share. Save a version before big changes, and share a client-facing copy when you need sign-off.

Worth knowing

Versions

Working, submitted and approved copies, so the approved number never quietly changes.

Estimate vs actual

Variance by line and in total — see the overrun while you can still do something about it.

Fringes

Reusable fringe rates applied to the right lines automatically.

Ask the assistant

Ask questions of your budget in plain language, or draft one from a script.

Tip. Submitting a budget only changes its internal status for approvals — it doesn’t email anyone. Share the link when you actually want eyes on it.

Common questions

Which structure should I pick?

AICP for commercials, the film chart of accounts for narrative, or a simple bucket budget when you just need a number. You can switch later; your lines come with you.

How do fringes and markups work?

Set them once at the top — payroll tax, workers' comp, production markup, contingency — and every qualifying line picks them up. Flip a line's fringe off when it shouldn't apply.

Can I show the client a different version?

Yes. Keep an internal version and a client-facing one side by side, and choose which to export.

Where do actuals come from?

Log them against a line as you go, or let a crew invoice land on the line it belongs to. The estimate-versus-actual meter updates as they arrive.

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