During which phase of the breakdown process is budgeting handled?

Budgeting is a crucial aspect of the film production process primarily handled during the pre-production phase. This is when the financial framework for the production is established, including estimating costs for cast, crew, equipment, locations, sets, and post-production resources.

In this phase, a comprehensive budget is developed based on the script breakdown, which outlines all the elements required for the film. This allows producers to secure funding, allocate resources effectively, and plan for any contingencies before actual production begins. Having an accurate budget is essential to ensure the project can proceed smoothly and avoid financial pitfalls during shooting and editing.

The other phases either deal with earlier logistical considerations or post-production activities where budget control is less about initial estimates and more about managing expenses that have already been incurred. Therefore, while budgeting is a continuous process, its formal and detailed development primarily takes place in pre-production.