How to budget your set build
Are you trying to budget for a tv/film/YouTube set? Do you want to know how much a set build would cost?
In this article I’ll break down how we price up a simple room, adding complexity, and thus cost, as we build the room.
I’m going to base this budget pricing on a single room design, using standard flats (12’ wide by 10’ tall).
To start with we have the flats, these form the walls of your set. The cost of these won’t change across the 3 options but the type of finish you want on the walls will have an impact on the price of your final set.
A simple 3-walled room would be £2500 but the finish could easily double this, triple if you want some unique hand-painted scenic art.
The ceiling is another item that could cost a lot more depending on the detail you want. For a simple “windbag” (canvas stretched over a wooden frame) ceiling, £500 should cover it, but if you want lavish extensive plaster ceiling moldings, you’ll need to spend £3000.
An example of a simple 3 paneled set, used for the Sidemen in Ask the Sidemen
Windows vary in price, but you also need to think about the backing you may need with certain windows. The cheapest option would be a simple frosted window (£600), as this would mean you don’t need any backing. The opposite end of the pricing scale would be full-height windows with a backing, costing upwards of £4000.
Just like the ceiling, the floor can add a considerable amount to your set build budget. Painted “floorboards” on chipboard would be about £1600, but marble effect flooring would be twice that at £3200.
Now on to your extras, and let’s say for this scene we wanted a fireplace. For a budget set, we could build something simple for £400, but if you wanted something special and ornate, you’re looking at £2500.
Another example made for Becky Bambino
A final consideration would be the longevity you need for your set. Sets for YouTube are designed to be used for just a few hours, so can be made from cheaper materials. Sets for tv tend to be hardier in construction as they have to last several weeks, sometimes months. Film sets are somewhere in the middle. Make sure you think about how you’re using your set, and build accordingly. You don’t want your set to break half way through a shoot!
If you want a more detailed breakdown of the costs for an example set, see Pricing a Victorian Drawing Room.
If you would like to know more call Danny at 07703 186 243, or email us at info@totom.co.uk