If you already have a camera that will record one frame at a time and if you already have the clay, then your only expenses would involve building whatever sets and props you need. I assume you're doing the animation yourself (not paying people to do it), so there's no cost there. If you are using FILM and not video, then you have additional charges: 1. Cost of film. This depends on whether it's 16mm or another size. With animation, it's not likely you'll do many retakes, so figure on buying 40 minutes of raw film to end up with 20 usable minutes. 2. Cost of processing the film. Here are some guidelines: Cost for development of standard 50' Super 8 cartridges (about 3"x3"x1") is about $28 each, including shipping the film back to you. Cost for development of 16mm rolls is US$0.49 per foot, 50' minimum with return shipping and handling $4.00 per order (not per roll). Therefore, 1-50 feet is $28.50, 100' is $53.00, 200' is $101.00. etc. (We're talking about 1440 feet for you, if you were to process all the film you buy, or $705.00.) Transfer to DVD for computer editing: Unsure about this pricing. 3. Cost of editing. Depends on whether you transfer film to DVD for editing on your computer or whether you're doing traditional editing. If you do it on your computer, there's no charge for you own time. 4. Cost of making print(s). Depends on what company you go to and whether you get film prints or DVDs or whatever. --- I hope this helps a bit. Your best bet is to shoot on video (if you can record one frame at a time) and edit on a computer and release on DVD. Then your costs are zero except for your time and building sets & props. (I'm assuming you would be the shooter, sculptor/animator and editor.) Good luck! I think stop-motion is really fun to do and I don't mind the tedium at all.