True independent film production is about financing films from sources that have no control over your story, your vision and your creative ideas. Answering these questions will determine whom you approach to raise the necessary funds and of course how much finance you will need. So success in raising funds depends on how strong your idea comes across on paper. Some broadcasters only ask for an outline of your idea, it may just be a couple of pages, other sources may require a much more detailed treatment.
Most independent films tend to be financed, or co-produced, from a variety of different sources.
If you're inexperienced it can be difficult to calculate an accurate budget in which case you will need help from an experienced film producer. These may seem excessive amounts but when you see a cost breakdown you realise just where all the money goes. Breaking down a documentary script or drama into its components is the way to go about it. Digital or Betacam, all termed as 'broadcast formats' and all relatively expensive formats although film is generally more expensive than video. You may think Union rates of pay are high but bear in mind that those who survive in the industry through freelancing are unlikely to find work 5 days a week, every week.