Behind the Scenes: HGTV Canada’s “Family Home Overhaul” Promo Video
I’m excited to share a recent graphic design project I worked on for HGTV Canada’s new series, “Family Home Overhaul.” Each episode features families deserving of a home renovation, transformed by a talented team of HGTV hosts. Our task was to create a compelling promotional video concept that honoured these families, who are the true heroes of the show.
The Challenge
One of the primary challenges we faced was the restriction on filming the families directly for the promo. However, we were determined to highlight their stories and contributions. Our solution? Create dynamic gallery walls showcasing family photos that the HGTV hosts could interact with on set. This would allow us to celebrate the families while still featuring the hosts prominently.
Concept Development
Once our concept was approved, we dove into the creative process. We experimented with various layouts and frame sizes, ensuring the images would be large enough for clear visibility on camera while allowing us to include a wide array of family photos. To emphasize the construction theme inherent in HGTV’s brand, we decided to build the frames from wood, symbolizing the framing of a house. This approach not only tied into the show’s renovation aspect but also added a tactile quality to our design.
Building the Gallery Walls
The design for the frames featured four different configurations, providing flexibility for displaying the photos. After receiving all the family photos, I was tasked with creating the final layout and preparing the images for printing. It was essential to ensure each family was represented equally, reflecting their unique stories and contributions.
On the day before the shoot, we arrived at the studio with eight beautifully constructed frames and the photos printed on canvas. We meticulously set up the frames, levelling them to create a cohesive gallery wall, and used Velcro tape to securely attach the photo canvases.
Shoot Day Excitement
On the day of the shoot, witnessing everyone’s reactions to the gallery wall was incredibly rewarding. The HGTV hosts, who had formed personal connections with the families during the renovations, were visibly moved as they interacted with the photos of the families they had helped. It was heartwarming to see the joy and emotion that the gallery walls evoked.
Final Touches
To wrap up the project, I designed an endplate for the promotional video. Using an image I captured on set, I overlaid it with a blank canvas and included the show’s tune-in information. This final touch seamlessly tied the promo together, creating a polished and engaging visual.
Conclusion
We are proud to have contributed to “Family Home Overhaul” in a way that honours the families at the heart of the show. This project not only showcased our design skills but also reinforced the importance of storytelling in visual media.
Client: HGTV Canada / Corus Entertainment
Creative Director: Vince Robles
Art Director: Robin Timmins
Graphic Designer: Tawny McFadyen
Tools: Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, and After Effects