The short answer
The honest answer depends entirely on the scene, but most short films fall into one of three patterns: a hand-to-hand exchange (one stack), a briefcase or bag reveal (one pre-packed briefcase set), or a scattered pile or throw shot (a bulk pack).
Price per note, pack by pack
Current Australian Reserve Props prices in AUD, GST inclusive, for every note pack and briefcase set.
| Pack | Range | Notes | Face value | Price | Per note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $20 AUD Prop Note Half Pack | $20 Prop Notes | 50 | $1,000 | $42.95 | $0.86 |
| $20 AUD Prop Note Stack | $20 Prop Notes | 100 | $2,000 | $79 | $0.79 |
| $20 AUD Prop Note Jumbo Pack | $20 Prop Notes | 250 | $5,000 | $179 | $0.72 |
| $50 AUD Prop Note Half Pack | $50 Prop Notes | 50 | $2,500 | $48.95 | $0.98 |
| $50 AUD Prop Note Stack | $50 Prop Notes | 100 | $5,000 | $89 | $0.89 |
| $50 AUD Prop Note Jumbo Pack | $50 Prop Notes | 250 | $12,500 | $209 | $0.84 |
| $100 AUD Prop Note Half Pack | $100 Prop Notes | 50 | $5,000 | $59 | $1.18 |
| $100 AUD Prop Note Stack | $100 Prop Notes | 100 | $10,000 | $109 | $1.09 |
| $100 AUD Prop Note Jumbo Pack | $100 Prop Notes | 250 | $25,000 | $249 | $1.00 |
| Briefcase Prop Set — $50,000 | Briefcases & Bags | 500 | $50,000 | $479 | $0.96 |
| Briefcase Prop Set — $250,000 | Briefcases & Bags | 2,500 | $250,000 | $2,319 | $0.93 |
| Duffel Bag Prop Set — $500,000 | Briefcases & Bags | 5,000 | $500,000 | $4,629 | $0.93 |
A hand-to-hand exchange — paying for something, a bribe, a tip — rarely needs more than a single stack, since the camera is usually close enough that volume matters less than the notes looking clean and correctly sized.
A reveal shot (opening a briefcase, a bag, a drawer) benefits from a pre-packed set built for exactly that moment, since it's pre-arranged to look right the instant the lid opens rather than needing to be styled on set.
Scattered or thrown money is the one scenario that genuinely eats volume fast — budget for a bulk pack here, plus a bit extra, since notes on the floor pick up wear between takes.
Buy prop money online
Briefcase Prop Set — $50,000
$479.00500 notes$0.96 / note
Clears the $350.00 minimum on its own
Briefcase Prop Set — $250,000
$2,319.002,500 notes$0.93 / note
Clears the $350.00 minimum on its own
Mixed Denomination Starter Pack
$49.0056 notes$0.88 / note
8 × reaches the $350.00 minimum — or mix with other items
Bulk Production Pack
$579.00660 notes$0.88 / note
Clears the $350.00 minimum on its own
Frequently asked
What's the minimum realistic order for a short film?
A single stack covers most hand-to-hand or close-up scenes — that's the minimum most productions actually need.
Is a briefcase set worth it for a single reveal shot?
Yes — a pre-packed briefcase set is styled to look right the moment it opens, saving setup time compared to arranging loose stacks on set.