4 Ways Cheap Shows Can Compete with Bloated Streaming Budgets

$40 million. That is the unprecedented cost of Babylon Berlin, the latest Netflix series. Despite it’s massive cost and dubious distinction as Germany’s most expensive show, it's still not the most expensive series to date. The Crown costs considerably more than $10 million an episode and is expected to rise.

As Content Creators, you probably feel overwhelmed by these staggering numbers. But there are ways for you to partake of this streaming bounty without breaking your budget (if you have one, which you should). Higher budgets don’t always translate to more interesting, longer-lasting shows. You should have noticed the ever-shrinking series season, down to 6 episodes in some cases.

But, thanks to Downton Abbey, old is new again. Especially Roaring 20’s old. This renewed interest in the time of our forebears signals an interesting trend and more importantly a great opportunity for those who need a hit.

You can still squeeze in or at least squeeze out a bit of your own market share if you are willing to use your imagination and a few snake oil tricks straight from the 1930’s.

Bubbles always burst and the writing is already on the wall that the giants of the streaming ocean have gulped too much. But right before it explodes into fragments of flotsam, you can cash in. Here are 4 easy ways:

1. Make a cheap period show about an expensive period show. Here’s where your creativity comes in content creators. So you can’t make “The Crown” or “Downton” but you can make a low-budget period drama, set in 1 room. Go to estate sales, rummage through your grandmother’s closet, or thrift-store shopping for costumes and “old” things to use as props.

2. Cast Away Equipment. I mentioned “flotsam”, remember? As production costs rise, they’ll be getting rid of “old” cameras, etc. to keep the show looking fresh. Be on the lookout for deals on secondhand stuff that still works great.

3. Hire older out-of-work actors. You’d be surprised how many Seniors were once theater/cabaret stars and still have the chops. Check nursing homes, church choirs, garden stores, and park benches for talent.

4. Get “old-fashioned” sponsors. Contact companies that still use “classic” labels (e.g. Morton Salt). They may be able to help offset costs. Find ways to work these products into your script and onto the screen.

So even if you don't have a Titanic-sized budget, you can still afford a steerage-style YouTube drama!

If this helps, let me know! Share your “copycat series ideas”.