Jovis Bon-Hovis and the Creation Crew is a television production for children created on a very tight budget. This video illustrates the importance of planning. Part of the problem we faced when we first began producing this show was the wrong mindset. Once we started thinking that our limitations went beyond simply the budget, there were compromises in other areas. What I mean by that is that a low budget can get you thinking that your production isn't valuable, when in fact the value of your show lies in the quality and fullness of your vision for it, and not the amount of money you have to throw at it.
In fact, when the budget is tight, even more attention should be given to the areas where you are not constrained by a tight budget. One of these areas is planning. It doesn't cost anything to spend time planning colour schemes and designing sets, beyond your own time and some cardboard and glue.
Enjoying the process of making mock-ups and colour swatches can mean the difference between a show that looks the part and one that doesn't, and that has nothing to do with budget.
The above was a very enjoyable part of the production process. Just spending time and care on nailing the colour scheme boosted our confidence and gave credibility to the process.
The entire set including all paint, boards, fixtures frames and fitting cost very little, far below that of any mainstream TV production. But care and attention means it looks polished and professional.
