OK, so this is sorta a half-way formulated tutorial/article thing, but there's a reason I'm posting it now.
You see, I've been thinking lately about my next two films, but I really need some certain parts for them that could come up to about $27-ish. And yeah, that ain't that much. but it got me thinking.

How much should I really spend on a film? Sure, some of those parts I'll re-use, but most will be one-offs or unnecessary for later films. (Assuming I make too many more.) Also, I need to factor in that thanks to college, I really can't film that much. So, that idea made me think of trying to write a guide that helps others with questions like that.

Not something solid per-say. but something helpful. With good tips and questions. Why? Because too often people just throw money at brickfilms, and it doesn't really help. Or other times they could have made it so much better with a larger budget.

I say all of that to say this, if you have any tips, feedback or comments, please let them be known. AndI'll probably be updating this some more later as well.
So, here it is:

'How much should I spend on a brickfilm?'

1. Do you even have the money now?
If so, continue on. If not, well, you know. Even if something is on sale, resist the urge to just snatch it up unless you have a special need to the parts/figures in it AND have the extra money to buy it.

2. Is it really necessary?
Will you be better off finding a creative solution, and has anybody else run into the same problem?
Generally you can find all sorts of responses to problems, some turn out better than others, but you can easily get an idea of what works and what doesn't.

3. How much will the film benefit from having the better parts/software/camera?
Yes, the super-high-quality films usually make use of all that expensive stuff, but that doesn't mean you have to.
If a certain figure or part will play a main part, then it may be worth spending more to get him/that perfect, but if it's for only a small cameo, or one shot, consider saving your money.

4. The more you use something, the more worthy it is of being upgraded, and vice-versa
If you only need effects for a handful of shots, consider getting a friend to do it. If your editing software is junk, it's better to replace that, that you'll be using a lot, than to get one Lego set for one film. Be sure to check how often you'll be re-using something before sinking a lot of money into it. And be sure you'll be getting your moneies worth out of it.

5. Consider your skill level, and if you'll be using whatever it is to its full potential.
If you're still struggling to get a good walk cycle, it's probably too early to think about a DSLR, but if your films are high-quality already, then the extra boost provided by your purchase may shoot things through the roof.
Getting good equipment/parts won't help if your grasp of the principles on how to use them stinks. If you can't figure out how to dramatically edit your films, then that Super-Adobe package will not do anything for your films. People can learn on lower-quality set-ups, and with brickfilming, you really don't need that much to make things look good.

6. Some guy's films will look better than yours, don't try to compete with them. Only try to beat yourself.
Some fellas have more Lego than you'll ever own in a lifetime, but don't think that's what makes their films good. It's an element, but if they make use of that much Lego, then obviously they are investing a lot of time and effort as well.
Perhaps it's the last two that really make it shine, and always try using those first before trying their equipment or accessories.

7. Some things you just have to spend the money on.
You need to spend $60-$70 to get a decent camera, there's no getting around that. Same with editing software. There aren't many, but there are times when you just need to bit the bullet. If folks can tell you only own about six minifigures, (And half being Stormtroopers) it may be time to invest in a few more. Just don't keep applying this logic for too long, or you will get out of control. (Or out of money.) But there is a time and place for expanding your collection.

So, do ya'll think this is helpful, or utter trash? Is there something I should change or add? Got any feedback?
Thanks for reading by the way!