5 Ways to Optimize Your Budget

Budgeting for your indie film can feel like trying to solve a puzzle with missing pieces; between gear rentals, crew rates and endless line items, the process can quickly become overwhelming. But as filmmakers Maddy Chang and Nicolas Ayerbe-Barona remind us, budgeting isn’t just about numbers, but about clarity, resourcefulness and connection.

Throughout their work in documentary and narrative projects, both creators have learned what it really takes to stretch your dollars while still honouring your creative vision.

Here are five key takeaways from their First Frame podcast episode about budgeting smarter, not harder.

1. Start by talking to people who’ve done it before

Before you build a single spreadsheet, Nicolas and Maddy encourage aspiring creators to research and connect with experienced peers. Whether it’s a coffee chat with a producer, a quick message to a filmmaker friend or a conversation with someone who has shot something similar, those insights will shape your entire budget.

Rates vary by city, project type and experience level. Understanding what things actually cost makes the rest of the process far more grounded. If someone has made a project like yours, ask what they spent and what they wish they’d done differently. 

2. Build your dream budget, then scale it down

Nicolas’s approach is simple: begin with the version of the film you would make if money weren’t an issue. Lay out every cost, from crew, gear, locations and contingency, even if the numbers are rough. Only after that do you start trimming.

This top-down approach helps you see the full scope of your vision before deciding what’s flexible. Maybe you downsize a lighting package, or reduce shooting days, or swap a location. But you start from possibility, not limitation.

3. Know where to spend and where to save

Some things, Maddy emphasizes, should never be compromised. These include feeding your crew, transportation and insurance. These aren’t “nice to haves”; they’re the baseline that keeps people safe, motivated and respected.

Alternatively, things like gear rentals can often be negotiated. Many rental houses support emerging filmmakers with discounted rates. Other creators may lend or share equipment. Independent owners may offer flexible pricing.

In a nutshell, spend where it matters and save where it’s smart. A thoughtful budget reflects both!

4. Always include a contingency

Things go wrong on every project. A hard drive fails, a prop breaks, a location falls through, a shoot goes late. Those unplanned surprises cost money, and they can add up.

Both Nicolas and Maddy recommend building in a buffer from the start. Even 5–10% can make the difference between a controlled pivot and a stressful scramble.

5. Lean on your community

For Maddy and Nicolas, filmmaking is a team sport long before anyone steps on set. The creative community you build becomes part of your budgeting strategy, not by exploiting free labour, but by nurturing genuine relationships.

Showing up for others, volunteering when you can, sharing resources and staying connected all build trust. That trust often leads to gear pickups, discounted rentals, introductions and the kind of help money can’t buy.

“Most of the opportunities I’ve had came from people I connected with early on,” says Nicolas.

“Embrace the challenge,” adds Maddy, “You’ll make mistakes and forget things; that’s part of the process. But budgeting is exciting because it’s when your project becomes real.”

Check out the full episode below. 

How to watch and listen

TELUS STORYHIVE First Frame is now available for free on TELUS Optik TV Video on Demand channel 9, Stream+ and YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more at STORYHIVE.com/firstframe.