Module 3 – Understanding and building a content production budget

Guided by the instructor, participants learned the fundamentals of a production budget: how to define expense items, estimate costs realistically, and anticipate the financial needs of their projects.
Through a case study and practical exercises in small groups, they learned to:

• read and use a budget template,
• identify the main sources of financing,
• understand the importance of financial planning in the production cycle,
• identify common mistakes to better avoid them.

The module also allowed participants to ask specific questions and leave with useful resources for the rest of their training.

Sabine Daniel is an award-winning bilingual producer and a key figure in Canadian media, recognized for her commitment to the representation of BIPOC communities and cultural diversity. With over 20 years of experience, she has produced flagship programs such as Suivi-Moi (TV Rogers), Sunny’s Quest (TVOkids), and its French-language counterpart, La quête de Lumie (TFO). Through her company Play Productions, she creates impactful content—programs, podcasts, and youth series—that celebrate marginalized voices and shape essential conversations about identity and inclusion.

As National Program Director for Black Women Film Canada, Sabine supports Black women creators through mentorship, networking, and professional development. A two-time Canadian Screen Award nominee, she is also an alumnus of several BIPOC television incubators. Visionary and committed, Sabine works to “flip the script” of Canadian media, by highlighting authentic stories and talents from diverse backgrounds.