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A film or TV budget is the total amount of money allocated to produce and complete the production, from its earliest development stages through post-production and delivery.

It represents a detailed financial plan that estimates and controls the costs required to turn a script into a finished product. This includes planning for creative, technical, logistical, and administrative expenses, and it serves as a framework for financial decision-making throughout the production process. The budget helps producers and financiers determine whether a project is feasible and how resources should be distributed.

The budget typically covers categories such as development, pre-production, production, and post-production. It accounts for expenses like cast and crew compensation, equipment, locations, set construction, costumes, visual effects, editing, sound design, insurance, permits, and contingency funds for unexpected costs. A well-prepared budget ensures that spending is tracked and managed efficiently, helping to keep the project on schedule and within its financial limits.