Budget-Friendly Visual Packaging: Creative Hacks for the Greenlight?

Hey everyone,

I just finished a 'Development & Packaging Masterclass' and, no surprise, the emphasis was heavily on highly polished pitch decks, sizzle reels, and concept art, basically, everything that screams 'money spent.' I get it, those things make a huge impact for a greenlight.

But here's my genuine struggle: I'm currently developing a neo-noir limited series, and while the script is strong, my budget for visual packaging (think concept art, character mock-ups, anything beyond text) is practically zero. I've been messing around with mood boards in Canva and using free stock photo sites, trying to evoke the tone, but it still feels... rough. It lacks that 'wow' factor.

So, my question for those of you who've successfully packaged projects on a shoestring: what are your most creative hacks for developing and packaging the visual elements of a pitch without spending a fortune? How do you make a strong, professional impression when you're literally working with almost no budget?