In which production phase is budgeting typically completed?

Budgeting is typically completed during the pre-production phase of filmmaking. This phase is crucial for planning and organizing the project before actual shooting begins. It involves creating a detailed budget that outlines all anticipated costs, including expenses for cast, crew, locations, equipment, and other production needs.

Finalizing the budget during pre-production ensures that filmmakers have a clear financial framework to work within, allowing them to make informed decisions about resource allocation and project feasibility. This structured approach helps in minimizing unexpected expenses later in the production process.

By the time a film reaches the production phase, the budget should already be established, allowing the team to focus on executing the shoot based on the planned financial resources. This is why budgeting is not typically part of post-production, production, or distribution phases, where different focuses and tasks take precedence.