Minimum print runs, to get printing under $25 each, needs to be 250+
Of course, this gets cheaper if you print smaller calendars, no gloss, no drilled holes (for mounting), no card stock, no binding, and essentually... no 'vibe'. Imagine the cheapest nastiest calendar ever, and thats what it will be (if costs are cut)... and that alone will turn more than half the people off straight away.
That doesnt include paying anyone for costumes, studio hire, advertising, photographers, layout, photoshopping, prototypes or preview copies, editting, etc etc etc. Sure, a lot, maybe all, can be done as favours or freebies...
Add a $3-5 compilation CD, and then 50c for shrink wrapping, postage (from suppliers, to sellers, to punters), etc, and its a fucking expensive calendar, if ANYONE is to make even a $1 per copy. And you MUST have a profit margin built in, to cover the number of calendars that DONT sell.
So, allow for them to be $40 minimum. You'll sell three. But, feel free to prove me wrong. I'll be the first to congratulate you.
I honestly think there are much better ways to promote local music, if thats what this is for (that was the original idea months ago). The only people buying the calendar will be local musicians in the bands, or people who are already fans (and hardcore ones at that). That doesnt raise awareness, nor does it benefit anyone. Put the same effort into more constructive ideas, and you'll gain an audience. Promoting to a closed group doesnt.
If the idea is more about feeling good about being in a calendar, well, go for it then, have fun and good luck...