This may not be the answer that most want to hear. However, in this circumstance, you might want to reconsider your expectations! Maybe take the opportunity to work with someone starting out that has potential to become the next top notch media production talent. If the budget is not there, what else can you offer up to make it worth while for someone who canned should command more money? Where else can you find the budget to make it work? Maybe you can pull funds from something you deem less important?

Pay people what they're worth = get the job you pay for. Search for the excellent and get the money to pay them properly. Respect those with skills you don't have and don't understand. This is not the question to ask producers, by the way. This is a question for managers - those who deserve to get their derriers kicked for paying themselves well and congratulating themselves on being tight with the actual talent. Gross. My profile pic tells you what I'd say to such a request. Bye!

To have top notch media production and tight budget never ever coincide, as quality work and effort always have a higher cost. That being said if budget is tight and production needs to be done than your expectation needs to be more realistic as tight budget only gets you so far. Unless you can get an OMO (One Man Operation) person with all the talents but still equipment provided or rented also have certain costs. So to summarize, top notch doesnt equal to tight budget, tight budget equals to you get what you paid for.

To secure top-notch media production talent on a tight budget, focus on building relationships with emerging professionals or freelancers who value creative opportunities. Offer incentives like portfolio enhancement, flexible schedules, or profit-sharing. Utilize platforms for freelance creatives and tap into personal networks. Emphasize collaboration and shared vision to attract passionate talent willing to work within budget constraints while still delivering high-quality results.