Budgeting for High Def

Producing a programme in high definition is certainly going to be more expensive than if it were a standard definition production so you will have to budget accordingly. The good news is that broadcasters and commissioners know this, and there should be more money available for a programme which is to be delivered in HD. Problems will occur when you are being asked to shoot in HD on a standard definition budget with a view to future proofing or for speculative sale to other markets.

Budgeting for the right equipment.

Whether you're writing a budget to gain a commission ie a commissioning budget, or you're working on a green lit budget, it's essential to know the technical requirements of what you're being asked to deliver. If you're working on a Discovery International Gold Tier co-production delivering on HD at 1080i, then it's no use trying to save money by budgeting most of your shoot on HDV format. Yes it's a high definition format but it won't be accepted by the broadcaster. See Broadcaster's Requirements. Check that you have budgeted for the cost of up converting SD and archive material and that your method of doing this also meets the required technical standards.

Here are the budget lines to watch out for which will be higher than for Standard Definition Production

• Camera hire
• Camera lenses and accessories
• Recording media: Tape stock, optical discs, memory cards
• Make up, Costume and Sets - require extra attention to detail
• More experienced DOP and crew can cost more
• Extra crew for the camera department. May need a camera assistant and / or focus puller
• Time spent shooting. Tends to take longer.
• Post production - allow more time
• Transfering off speed material through a Frame Rate Converter
• Buying and up converting archive
• Graphics production at HD resolution