How we bid a sequence shot by shot

Transparent bids make for better films. A look at how we break a script into shots, tasks and days — and how changes are tracked.

1 min readBy Leah Moreau
Film crew watching a monitor on set

A bid is a promise, and promises should be specific. We bid every shot individually so producers can see where the budget goes and make informed trade-offs.

From script to shot list

We break the script or cut into sequences and shots, then list the tasks each shot needs: prep, tracking, CG, FX, environment, compositing. Each task gets an estimate in artist days.

Ranges, not guesses

Early bids carry ranges. As the edit locks and plates arrive, ranges tighten into fixed numbers.

A clear bid is the best creative tool a producer has. It shows exactly what each idea costs.

When things change

Edits move. When they do, we update the shot list, flag the cost and schedule impact, and wait for sign-off before work continues.

Portrait of Leah Moreau
Written by

Leah Moreau

Leah handles bids, schedules and the client relationship, so supervisors can stay focused on the work.

Have a shot that seems impossible?

Send us your script, storyboard or rough cut. We reply within one working day with questions or a first bid.

Studio
3290 Albert Street
Canberra 5311