Below the line (film production)

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In budgeting a motion picture or television production, below-the-line costs include the salaries of the non-starring cast members and the technical crew, as well as use of the film studio and its technical equipment, travel, location, and catering costs, etc. In contrast to above the line costs, the below-the-line budget is usually fixed.

The distinction originates from the early studio days when the budget top-sheet would literally have a line separating the above-the-line and below-the-line costs.

Some of the positions that fall into the below the line category are:

• Director of photography
• Assistant director
• Dolly grip
• Gaffer
• Key grip
• Best boy electric
• Best boy grip
• Art director
• Editor
• Continuity
• Composer
• Production assistant

Below the Line is also the name of a Hollywood trade magazine that publishes articles and production listings whose primary audience is the film crew. It could be considered the complement to Variety Magazine.

[edit] See also

• Above the line
• Below the Line Magazine