How to make a children's TV show on very a low budget.

Anyone who been following this blog or looking at the other stuff we've been doing over the last year or two will know that we've been producing a show for Christian kids' TV called Jovis Bon-Hovis and the Creation Crew, on a very small budget and a LOT of prayer.

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The TV show is now going out on air at long last, on Sky channel 585 an Thursday at 7.30 and 4, Saturdays at 7, and Tuesdays at 7.  If you don't get Sky, UCB broadcast there schedule live on the internet too, so you can watch it at those same times (GMT) here: http://www.ucb.co.uk/watch-popup/live.html or you can download one of the free media apps for your smartphone http://www.ucb.co.uk

Here's how the show's looking for season one:



We're really pleased with what we've produced, and all through season one we found ways of polishing and improving the show as the team grew together and we got a better picture of what a successful children's television show might look like on such a tight budget.

Now we are in pre-production of season two, we are able to look back at which elements of the show were more successful, and which could do with tweaking.  We're all confident that we have a fantastic show and kids seem to be enjoying it, but we should be on a journey of constant improvement within the bounds of our  resources.

So here are some ways we intend to tweak season two:


Planning

Before we embark on the shoot for season two we will draw up a tight schedule and stick to it.  Drawing on our experiences producing season one I am sure this will be achievable and actually enjoyable, eradicating the frustration and uncertainty that comes with working to such a loose timetable.

We will set tight time allowances for all areas of production including music, studio shoots and music video shoots, illustrations and graphics, VT’s, video and sound editing, voice recording and post production.  We will also attempt to work to a firm overall completion deadline, making production of season two a potentially far more enjoyable and professional experience.

Rehearsals

Season one was produced on a wing and a prayer, we should remove the wing and instead set it firm on a rock!  More rehearsals and run-throughs will eradicate any timing issues; lend an air of confidence to all performances strengthening the show significantly. It will also mean that physical comedy can be well planned, honed and understood by all before shooting.

Clothing

Several people have suggested that Mr Bon-Hovis should wear something a bit more bright and colourful, more consistent with the overall theme of the show.  We will produce an appropriate top which carries the show’s branding.

Art Crafty Time

Upon watching the earlier episodes back it became evident that a ‘Here’s one I prepared earlier’ example would reinforce the potential of the mini projects, and offer more exciting options to the viewer.  They would be more likely to engage kids and call them to action.  So completed projects will be pre-prepared with good examples.

Scripture Time

‘Scripture Times’ will be stronger, in that they will be better explained and more relevant to the scenario.  We will endeavour to open up scripture to the children in a slightly more accessible way and with a little more pertinence.

Story Time/Illustrations

The more successful ‘Story Times’ are pacey and punchy, in keeping with the flow of the show.  ‘Story Time’ should be no longer than 3:30-4:00 minutes maximum, and the illustrations are very effective.  We will produce a minimum of 8 illustrations for each ‘Story Time’.

Joke

The expectation of regular features is key to brand loyalty and audience retention, and we will endeavour to break up the initial studio time with another regular occurrence in which Monkey tells Mr Bon-Hovis a Joke, which has him falling off his chair.  Mr Bon-Hovis will then tell the Joke enthusiastically to Woody Louse, who is perpetually unimpressed, leaving Mr Bon-Hovis crestfallen.  This will tighten up the rhythm of the show even further.

Set Pieces and Physical Comedy

By far one of the most successful adjustments we made as we moved through the production of season one was the enhancement and invigoration of the physical comedy.  The introduction of props such as creamy cakes, blow-up hammers and teleportation machines lifted the show into a higher level of polish and professionalism, as well as releasing the performers to play to the audience more freely, liberating some hearty laughs from viewers!  Kids just love ‘silly’!

New Areas of the House

It would seem a little stagnant not to develop the set with the introduction of some new areas of the house.  Two or three extra boards will offer options for a greater variety of visual interest and plot potential.

Well-Timed Scene Changes

Improving the timing of the scene changes in season one was a significant breakthrough, in conjunction with stronger slapstick and physical comedy elements.  This momentum will be maintained and improved with the timing carefully planned and considered so as not to give the viewer any opportunity to lose interest before something new and exciting hits the screen!

Live Switching

Half way through season one we swapped to live camera switching.  This was not only a help to speed up the editing but also provided a more natural flow to the performances as they appeared on screen.  So we will use this method again.

Puppeteers

During production of season one we discovered that not everyone is a natural puppeteer.  Bringing life to puppets is fundamental to the show and we were hampered by one or two helpers who struggled with the basics of puppeteering.  We now recognise the importance of ensuring that the people operating the puppets can achieve a minimum level of competence.

Set Interiors

It was always intended that Booky Worm, Dora Mouse and Woody Louse had homes behind their doors, and that we would occasionally be able to catch a glimpse inside, almost as if into a secret world.  The idea of going through the doors, and into those miniature worlds will be immensely exciting to a child. Spoiler alert!:  We intend to produce simple rooms, in the same style as the rest of the set, for Dora and Booky.  Booky’s will be a library, and Dora’s will be a kitchen with a table set for tea.

Strengthening of the puppet characters

There is tremendous opportunity for the puppets to offer more to the show.  On some occasions during season one the puppets were incidental, having very little interaction or lines.  Some of the strongest points in the show are when the puppets share lines and engage in equal conversation with Mr Bon-Hovis.  I intend to write stronger lines for characters such as Woody Louse and Monkey, who light up the screen when they connect properly with Mr Bon-Hovis.

I hope you all agree, that adding these tweaks to an already successful format will bring the show to it's next level!  See you in season two!