[FReepaholic]

...I can't see how you can spend that much money on a western. Are there going to be a lot special effects and computer animation? Where would the money go?...

Unions. Seriously.

Watch the closing credits of a film. See the hundreds of people that worked on it. They're all union making union scale. And the overtime rules are mind boggling. There can be several unions working on a film each with their own contract. A film producer needs a whole team of people just to interpret and keep track of all the rules in each contract.

Plus superstars like Depp will get tens of millions per film.

[ErnBatavia]

Several years ago we lived on a picturesque cul de sac...one day a location guy from a commercial production company canvassed the entire 'hood and got the OK from everybody (we all got a green C-note or more, depending on various factors) to shoot a Spanish language car ad.

Soon, the entire block was loaded with trailers, caterers and tons of gear - even a night watch dude.

This went on for three full days....I'd estimate at any given time there were over thirty high-tech carnies swarming the block.

Bonus: to further keep the peace, the catering area - which dished up super grub - was always open to the residents. We could even do 'takeout' if we wanted...which sometimes we did.

[Rocky]

I’ve watched the filming of several TV shows and movies on location, and there are a lot of people just standing around all day. You know they’re getting paid, but it’s hard to see what they’re contributing.