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UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA, NSUKKA FACULTY OF ARTS DEPARTMENT OF MASS COMMUNICATION

AN ASSIGNMENT SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE COURSE MAC 261 (INTRODUCTION TO FILM)

TOPIC: BELOW-THE-LINE IN FILM PRODUCTION

BY: OHIRI CHIBUZOR THEODORA REG. NO: 2018/247150

LECTURER(S): Dr. Uchenna Anorue

DATE:

MARCH, 2020 1

BELOW THE LINE IN FILM BUDGETING INTRODUCTION: Film budgeting refers to the process by which a line producer, , or production accountant prepares a budget for a film production. Film production is an essential part of film making process. Anyone vaguely thinking of a career as a producer needs to know how to make a budget. Film budget breakdowns accounts and sub-accounts encompass these categories: Above-the-line. Production (Below-The-Line), Post Production.

Everything you see and hear in a movie has been created by below the line talent, from the clothes the wear to the spaceships gliding through space. So in spite of them suggesting something ‘lowly’, below the line talents are just as critical to film making as above-the-line talent. That is why the Academic of Motion Picture Arts and Science recognizes these crucial players during their yearly Oscars ceremony. But on top of that, there are other important players in below the line who is vital to the film making machine.

Our main concern now is Below-The-line in film production. In the cause of this work we will be able to know and understand first the meaning of Below-The-Line, It’s importance, Below-The-Line positions and below the line crews or positions.

Definitions of Below-The-Line in film production “Below-the-line’’ is a term derived from the top sheet of a film budget for motion pictures, television programs, industrial films, independent films, student films and documentaries as well as commercials. The ‘line’ in ‘‘below the line’ ‘refers to the separation of production cost between script and story , producers, directors, actors and casting (above the line) and the rest of the crew, or production team. The top sheet of any creative project’s budget serves only as an at-glance reference to a fully detailed and attached main budget document, which features total expenses including federal, state and local taxes, as well as insurance within the entire production, and or production incentives. This painstaking task is usually assigned to the production Manager or UPM of a production and should be completed before begins in any project. Below-the-line expenses – so named because they were traditionally listed beneath a thick black line used to separate them from above-the-line costs in accounting documents – include virtually all the costs of film production, including salaries for the majority of the 2 people involved. Need some seriously elaborate sets for a sci-fi-flick? You will find the cost of these sets below the line. Beyond salaries, below-the-line costs also include the cost of production. This could include money spent on sets and props, music licensing and composition fees, trailers, craft services, publicity, travel and insurance. Basically, any money that isn’t going to an , producer, director or can be categorized as a below- the-line expense for accounting purposes. In addition to their location on the balance sheet, below-the-line costs share a number of common features. Unlike above-the-line costs, they cover the cost of production, not pre- production, and are variable rather than fixed. In addition, they usually remain fairly stable between projects, while above-the-line costs can soar or tank depending on the key players involved in production. In Hollywood, the term ‘below-the-line’ also has another connotation. It refers to the people whose salaries fall within this category, which is usually the crew production staff on a film as opposed to the more recognized names. If your salary falls above-the-line, you’ve have likely seen your name in lights, if it falls below-the-line, you are lucky, if anyone has time to spot your name as the end credits scroll across the screen. It is usually the case for the ‘below-the-line’ crew to work for hourly wages, as opposed to a set wage, or negotiation contractual wage on the front, or back end of any given project. These set workers are responsible for a number of many others unsung, and demanding tasks that must be completed to achieve the common goal of creating a film, or television program. These positions could be considered ‘less glamorous’, and the unmentionable part of . However, many dedicated and hardworking individuals have made a good living with ‘below-the-line’ job positions, whether it’s in independent film making, and or for a major film studio. Within the many entry-level positions available to gain knowledge of the industry, such as lighting technicians, grips, wranglers, stunt performers, property masters, ADR, , set painters or any stagehand etc., one could gain knowledge and skill of these, and many other key positions within the film industry. Many schools and or nonprofit organizations are set up to train the youth and other interested individuals to better prepare and teach a trade that may not otherwise be available within the traditional school system. These organizations teach about Film and video terminology, equipment, and life skills, a must for today’s highly competitive entertainment market. 3

The Importance of Below-The-Line costs Below-the-line expenses make up the bulk of the budget for most firms. Typically, above-the-line expenses are limited to just one –third of a firm’s budget, while below-the-line costs make up the remaining two-thirds. On low-budget films, the percentage of funds dedicated to below-the-line expenses grows even higher, while the portion devoted to big names and above-the line salaries shrinks. Movies with mega-sized budgets may be able to devote as much as 50% of funds to above-the-line costs, but for the average production, below-the-line costs reign supreme. Below-the-line cost also provide a final, often-overlooked opportunity to trim a film’s budget. Many cities and states offer tax incentives to filmmakers to help encourage local filming. Why? Filming a movie is a complex process which requires a great deal of vendors, resources and materials. By bringing film crews to an area, authorities are hoping to spur economic development through job creation and increased demand for local goods and services. What does that have to do with below-the-line expenses? Many of these credits, including ones offered by the states of California and New York, are specifically aimed at covering below-the-line expenses Once you have gotten to the filming , your above-the-line expenses provide the most realistic means of slashing costs and keeping your budget on track. Simple methods of saving may include cutting out expensive scenes, choosing locations that allow free filming or repurposing costumes and props rather than investing the new ones. All these options reduce the overall film budget by lowering below-the line expenses, and all can be accomplished at virtually any stage of a project.

Below-The-Line positions typically include: 1) Line Producer 2) 3) Cinematography 4) Production Manager 5) 6) Hair and Make-up 7) 8) 9) Editor 4

10) Composer 11) Sound Mixer 12) Supervisor To explain a few; Line Producer Though, the line producer’s line usually falls within the production costs and is technically below-the-line, the Line Producer pretty much is the line. Once the project has been developed, it is the Line Producer who calculates the below the line costs and oversees all the day-to-day operations of a film from pre-production through wrap. Additionally, it is the Line Producer’s responsibility to make sure the film is finished on time and within budget.

Assistant Director

The Assistant director runs the set. While the Director has the vision, it is the Assistant Director who coordinates all the elements needed to shoot each scene. The Assistant Director is brought during pre-production and helps breakdown the script and determine the most efficient way to shoot it, coordinating with all departments to clarify their needs. During production, the Assistant Director must keep a vigilant eye on time and make sure the crew stays on schedule.

REFERENCES

Cones, John W.’43Ways to Finance Your Film: A comprehensive Analysis of Film Finance. ‘SIU Press. 2008.

Goodell, Gregory. Independent Feature Film Production: A complete Guide from Concept Through Distribution’. Macmillan. December 31,2003.

Landry, Paula. “Scheduling and Budgeting Your Film; A Panic-Free Guide.’ CRC Press,2012.

Squire, Jason E,” The Movie Business Book”. Routledge. Published:2016. Retrieved on :16 September 2019.

Quora: what does above/below the line ‘mean in a film budget? https;//www.quora.com