invideous? Someone recently wrote to me, asking a couple of pointed questions about why our programmes sometimes aren't up to what they called "BBC standards" . . .
I had to write back and tell him that essentially, it's because we don't get the same amount of money that the BBC spends on programmes!
I don't think people are aware of the sheer size of the wedge of wonga it takes to make a TV programme. For its cheapest daytime programme content, the beeb reckons to pay out around £10,000. But that rate can easily grow as programme-makers put more into the mix, and using higher profile presenters can quickly stack extra thousands into the costs.
The 7pm evening slot that Yhe Caravan Channel occupies, on the BBC, would be worth probably around £20,000 to make . .
The Caravan Channel, however, creeps along on between a tenth and a fifth of what the mighty beeb would pay for a daytime schedule spot, if they were convinced that the caravan and motorhome community were worth the interest - which they rarely seem to consider the case.
If we had the money, I'd be delighted to spend it on improving the show - probably, in response to some popular demand, I'd replace me, a caravanner on their third van, who can actually reverse into a pitch with only one or two shunts, with a dolly bird or a comedian who wouldn't be seen dead in a caravan or motorhome. I'd put in some soporific background music, strings and oboes, in response to the people who call what I think is our present quite suitable boppy music, "hard rock".
There'd be loads of other things to do that would spend the dosh. It would probably be a much slicker, snazzier programme . . . but all it would be to me, would be another of those shows made by TV pros without the vaguest interest in the topic.
Smooth and with arty camera angles.
But without the genuine interest, enthusiasm, and real-life action of the original Caravan Channel - which is why I really rather tend to disregard the opinions of the people who constantly talk about style.
Content first, I say.
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1 comments:
There's always going to be one who'll moan, Some folk just can't help themselves, it's a shame for them really.
I, for one, think you're doing a great job considering what you're having to work with tech wise.
I've tried filming & editing video and it's truly time consuming and difficult work.
You have my respect, perhaps your critic would like to come and do some work with you (they must know lots about the TV industry to enable them to issue an expert opinion?!) or maybe he/she would like to fund you?
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