lmao, good for you, but you're not in the same spot and I can bet, I'll bet a HELL of a lot of money, that when you see the overhead and start dealing with the costs, you would be tearing your eyes out trying to stop piracy. We have a very niche market so it is already hard for neon to get any exposure. Don't be a dick and just buy the content mate. Or the content will stop, forever. Your choice
Just to put into perspective. We have our own industrial space converted to a studio. That's 60k per year with associated overheads. There is well in excess of 80k in film/photography equipment. 40k alone on just lighting (profoto b1s, Lupo Dayleds for film) (4 total camera bodies including back ups, about 15 lenses). The props, costumes, cost one hell of a lot too.
The total cost of the sets was high, we have tools etc on set too (saws, nail guns, heavy lift equipment, compressors) the total cost of the sets, which are modular was about 10k.
There was quite a bit of work, hired equipment to get the place into working order aswell.
Then there are small things, fridge, microwave, drinks, snacks, bathroom stuff, change area, electrical, green room, tonnes of stuff.
The cost of one model in one type of costume with props is over $300. Yes we use them over and over, but things happen they get worn out, zippers break, all that so I spend about 1k per month on costume up-keep. Just the masks are $40-$50 each total because they are custom made.
If we wanted to field say 10 girls of a new type of character which needs new boots, you might be buying 15-20 pairs of boots. You will need 2 in each size minimum. Sometimes 3.
We pay the girls ofcourse. But also they rule the roost. They love it, they have fun, its their place to play storm trooper, look hot and have a ball.
They all know the kinks. They understand the Lore of Neon Dark. They wanna get eaten by the Azologoth, alot of them say shoot outs and getting shot is the most fun.
If anyone ever wants tips on anything to do with making your own thing like this hit me up.