Real-Life Math -- Solution
You are to produce a 3 1/2 minute music video for an up-and-coming
band within a budget of $5,000. You need to see what your various options
are.
The following equation produces the cost for film:
10.5
minutes of film x 400 feet x $0.75 per foot = $3,150
Option
A: Hire actors, better director
| Budget: | $5,000 |
| minus |
| Film: | $3,150 |
| Actors: | $1,500 |
| Director: | $750 |
| Profit: | $800 |
| _________ |
| Over budget: | $1,200 |
Option B: Hire actors, friend director
| Budget: | $5,000 |
| minus |
| Film: | $3,150 |
| Actors: | $1,500 |
| Director: | $600 |
| Profit: | $800 |
| _________ |
| Over budget: | $1,050 |
Option C: Use band instead of actors, hire
better director
| Budget: | $5,000 |
| minus |
| Film: | $3,150 |
| Director: | $750 |
| Profit: | $800 |
| _________ |
| Difference: | $300 |
You want to help out this band by making the best
quality video you can within budget. You decide to hire the better director,
as your reputation is at stake here, too. You convince the band to be in the
video themselves, rather than hiring actors. This satisfies you because you
still make money and keep your reputation intact.
The band is thrilled
because you not only stayed within budget, but there is a surplus of $300
as well. They are nervous about being in the video, but you assure them they'll
be great. And it will be better in the long run for the band members to get
their faces known rather than just their music. All in a day's work!