Question

Required budget for story and script, producer, director and lead performers is considered in the

• A. Below the line cost
• B. Above the line cost
• C. Contingency
• D. Both (A) and (C)

Hint:

To remember this division: Above-the-Line costs are for the intellectual and creative leaders of the project, while Below-the-Line covers the day-to-day technical and physical execution of the shoot.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding Film Budgeting Categories:
Film budgets are divided into Above-the-Line (ATL) and Below-the-Line (BTL) costs.

Step 2: Analyzing Above-the-Line (ATL):
ATL includes the fees associated with the key creative development team (rights to the script, producer, director, and star actors). These are negotiated upfront and do not scale with the shooting days.

Step 3: Evaluating other Options:
BTL costs are physical operational costs (catering, equipment, crew wages). Contingency is an emergency reserve. Since story and lead talent are developmental intellectual elements, they belong strictly to ATL costs.