Film Budgeting Services
Who we are
and what we do
We help indie filmmakers turn scripts into executable plans.
Whether you are packaging a proof-of-concept, prepping a feature film or courting investors, we translate creative ambition into numbers, schedules and your next step.
Sara Pedersen
Amanda Sears
We’re Sara Pedersen and Amanda Sears, producers who know what it takes to bring a script off the page and onto the screen.
Between us, we’ve worked across multiple countries and countless sets, from low budget indies where every dollar counts, to award-winning features with A-list talent.
Sara brings a background in assistant directing and producing both in United States and internationally, with credits including Collision (2019) and How To Blow Up a Pipeline (2022). She has a knack for balancing big creative ideas with the logistics that make them possible.
Amanda has spent the past five years line producing indie films, starting with Lifetime movies where she mastered the art of stretching budgets and keeping productions on track. She’s always a few steps ahead, making sure sets run smoothly and schedules hold steady.
Together, we combine creativity with practical know-how — building budgets, schedules, and production plans that help filmmakers turn their stories into reality.
What we offer
and why it matters
Why it matters
A credible budget & schedule is more than just a formality - it's your projects passport
For investors:
A clean budget top sheet and detailed breakdown show that you understand the scope, risk and ROI of your project
For casting & crew:
Realistic day counts and department notes reduce surprises and renegotiations, leading to a smoother production
For production:
A schedule that respects locations, union rules, daylight and company moves will save you money where it counts
What we provide
•
Top sheet & detailed budget matching your need
•
Script breakdown sheets and department notes
•
One-liner and prelimenary schedule
•
Day-out-of-days (DOOD) and rough stripboard
•
Risk flags + cost-saving recommendations
How we do it
1
Reading the script
To read your script, we charge a $50 reading fee.
This fee accounts for the time we spend reading your script through a producer’s lens, figuring out what budget level your film falls into, and setting a fair price based on that assessment.
2
Zoom call
Initial zoom call with you to make sure we understand your vision, wants and needs.
We'll discuss the budget range, filming locations, tax incentives, attached crew/talent, etc.
1/2 of the budget payment is required after this call
3
Breakdown, budget & schedule
Breaking down a script, creating a shooting schedule and a budget takes time.
We'll be contacting local film offices, getting local rates and researching possibilities and limitations.
We estimate 2-3 weeks, though that could change depending on the scope of your project
4
Zoom call
In this zoom call, we'll walk you through the schedule and budget we've created and address any questions you might have. This zoom call will be longer than the initial call, to ensure you have all the information you'll need to move forward.
After making potential changes that might occur from the call, you'll be walking away with a top sheet, detailed budget, schedule, Day Out Of Days and various element lists.
Remaining payment to be made
Pricing
Reading fee: $50
$2,000 - $2,500
Typically non-union shoots under $1,000,000.
$2,500 - $4,000
Budget's that typically land in the $1,000,000 - $4,000,000 range.
Involving unions and requiring Tax Incentive research.
$4,000 - $5,000
$4,000,000+ budgets
Will usually involve unions and Tax Incentive research.