If you’re in the midst of planning your next film production, be it large or small, you’re probably trying to figure out where to film. You’ve considered all of your options and you’re ready to rent a space. Depending on what kind of video you’re creating, whether it’s a television program, a commercial, or music video, a studio will probably be your best bet. But not all studios are created equal.
Let’s go over everything you should be looking for in a studio before you decide to rent one for your next production. There’s a lot to consider, the size of the space is just one of them. Here’s what to look for in a studio so that you can make sure you have enough room to work easily.
What to Look for in a Studio:
When you’re planning your next film production, it’s important to make sure you have enough space to film and set up easily. Booking the right studio can make or break your production. Here are a few things to look for in a studio:
Ample space:
You’ll need enough space to film comfortably, as well as room to set up any equipment you might need. You need to have enough space for the set, the equipment, and the crew to all fit comfortably in the space. You need to be able to move around and not feel cramped or even hindered by a lack of space. We’ll touch a bit more on this particular topic later.
Flexibility:
The studio should be flexible and able to accommodate your film production needs, whether you need to film for a few hours or a few days. You want to make sure that the studio you choose is able to be adaptable to your needs. Things like having parking lot space in case you need to expand some of your crew’s working areas into trailers, or having a loading dock for when you need to film inside and outside of the studio are important to consider before you rent a studio space.
The studio should also be able to accommodate any changes that might come up last minute, such as adding a few more crew members or changing the set design.
Good lighting:
Make sure the studio has good lighting, so you can film in any conditions. The studio should have good lighting that you can control so that you can film in any type of light, whether it’s natural or artificial.
Lighting is essential to any kind of production. If the lighting in the studio isn’t good enough for what you’re trying to create, make sure there’s enough space to bring in your own lighting equipment.
Soundproofing:
You’ll want to make sure the studio is soundproofed, so you can film without any background noise. If you know that you need to record voice overs, you’ll want to make sure you have room for a sound booth, so that you can get everything you want recorded at the same time.
Affordable:
The studio should be affordable and fit within your film production’s budget. You don’t want to overspend on the studio and have less money for other aspects of your film production.
Customer service:
The studio should have good customer service, so you can easily get in touch with someone if you have any questions or problems. The staff should be helpful and accommodating. They should be able to answer any of your questions.
Proximity:
The studio should be located close enough to the other locations you’ll be filming at so that you don’t have to waste time traveling back and forth. You want to make sure that your film production is efficient and that you’re not wasting time traveling to and from the studio.
By keeping these things in mind, you can be sure to find a studio that will work well for your next film production.
How to Make Sure You Have Ample Space
How does one decide how much space they need in a studio? How can you make sure that you don’t have any issues with tight spaces on the day of your shoot? Here are a few things to consider:
The size of your film crew:
If you have a large film crew, you’ll need a larger studio. If you have a smaller film crew, you can get away with a smaller studio.
Your crew needs to be able to set up their respective equipment and spaces. You’ll need to be able to move around them easily so that nothing gets damaged or delayed. You don’t want to be packed into a small space like sardines only to have someone accidentally knock over a piece of equipment, do you?
You should be thinking about more than just your film crew. You have wardrobe, hair and makeup, and anyone else you’ll be bringing along to work on the production to fit into your studio space. Every working person needs to be considered for how much space they require to do their job and do it well.
The size of your equipment:
We already mentioned the idea of accidents happening to the equipment and set if there isn’t enough space. Equipment is an expensive thing to sacrifice if you’re looking to save space, so we really don’t recommend it. Especially if you’re looking to rent the equipment from the studio itself.
If you have a lot of equipment, you’ll need a larger studio. If you have less equipment, you can get away with a smaller studio so long as your other spacial needs are still being met. It’s that simple.
The size of your set:
To put it simply: if you have a large set, you’ll need a larger studio. If you have a smaller set, you can get away with a smaller studio.
If you need the space to build an elaborate set, you need to make sure that you have the space to build it as well as the space to set up around it when you’re filming.
If you’re looking to use a single backdrop or the studio you’re looking at has a cyc wall already built that you’re wanting to use, you don’t need to plan for as much space as you would if you’re building something elaborate and custom.
Your film production needs:
Be sure to consider what your film production needs are before booking a studio. If you need a lot of space for filming and setting up, be sure to book a larger studio. If you don’t need as much space, you can book a smaller studio.
These are just a few of the things that you need to take into consideration when you’re looking for studio space for your film production. By thinking about your needs and the needs of your film crew, you can be sure to find a studio that will work well for your next film production. Not just in size, but in all aspects of renting a studio for video production.
How to Find a Studio
Now that we’ve gone over what to look for in a studio, let’s talk about how to find the right studio for your film production.
Look online:
One of the best ways to find a studio is to search online. There are many websites that list studios for film productions, and you can easily find one that’s close to you and has the amenities you’re looking for.
Ask around:
If you know anyone in the film industry, ask them for recommendations. They might know of a studio that would be perfect for your film production. Word of mouth not only gets you the information you’re after, but it can also provide first-hand reviews and experiences.
Check out production companies:
Another way to find a studio is to check out production companies. Many production companies have their own studios that they use for film productions, and they might be able to accommodate you.
C&I Studios is one of those companies that can help you find a great studio. We have our own studios in big cities like New York City, Los Angeles, and Fort Lauderdale, just to name a few. Our studios provide more than just studio rentals, we also provide equipment rentals and post-production services!
By following these tips, you should be able to find a studio that’s perfect for your film production needs. Just make sure to do your research and ask around so that you can find the best possible options for your budget and type of film production.
The Bottom Line
When you’re planning your next film production, it’s important to make sure you have enough studio space to film and set up easily. Booking the right studio can make or break your production. Be sure to keep these things in mind when looking for a studio, so that you can be sure to find one that will work well for your needs.
If you need help finding the right studio for your production, consider reaching out to C&I Studios. Not only do we have the know-how to help you figure out your needs in a studio, but we also have studio rentals and other production services. We have services for everyone, any budget, from equipment rentals to hiring film crews to even renting out our ample studio spaces that can be found all across the United States. So, if you’re in need of any kind of film production assistance, give us a call or drop us a message on our website!