Picture this: You’re a budding filmmaker with a groundbreaking vision for your next creative project. You have the cast and crew to make it happen. However, you’re running into a few problems. You need a film studio, office space, and perhaps even equipment to shoot your film.
To ensure a smooth and successful shoot, look for a studio space that meets your production’s creative and technical needs. Uncertain what you should be asking as you make calls or schedule tours? Here are a few things to consider when deciding which film studio rental space is the one for you.
Know Your Budget
Before you start looking at spaces, settle on a budget. After you’ve determined how much you’re able to spend, call rental studios to get quotes and ask about the pricing structure. For example, is the studio rental one flat all-inclusive fee, or will you need to pay extra for amenities? Is on-site parking included, or does it come at an additional cost?
We recommend making this your first step so you don’t fall in love with a studio space that breaks the bank. Once you gather this information, make a list of places that are within your budget. Then visit their websites for additional information and check online reviews to see if others are satisfied with their experience.
Find a Convenient Location
Now that you’ve found the places you can afford, you need to compare their features to decide which one suits your project best. Ideally, you’ll want to find a studio space that’s centrally located. The longer the commute, the more you and your crew will spend on gas, mileage, and travel time.
In addition to finding a central location, look for a place that’s near stores, in case you need to pick up last-minute supplies, and hospitals, in case of an emergency. You may also want to check nearby delivery spots for meal options.
Have a general location in mind but need some help finding studios in your area? The California Film Commission provides a list of studios, stages, and standing sets throughout Northern and Southern California. It’s an excellent resource to help you get started.
Access to Equipment
Do you have your own equipment that you’ll load in for the shoot, or do you need to rent? When you plan to rent audio, lighting, or grip equipment, a studio that offers these items can save you the trouble of working with a third-party vendor. So find out what equipment the studio can provide and whether it’s included in the rental price or if you’ll need to pay extra for its use.
Ask for specifics on the gear’s features and condition. For example, does the studio have film cameras, digital cameras, or both? What types of lenses are available? Does the studio provide high-quality lighting and grip equipment?
Ask about power sources as well. Where are they located? Are they dedicated? Does the space provide high-speed Wi-Fi for streaming and uploading? Knowing what you’re working with ahead of time will help ensure a smooth and seamless on-set experience.
Soundproofing Is a Must
A car horn, an ambulance siren, the rumble of rush-hour traffic, or any other cacophony of noise could quickly ruin the most perfect of shots. While you may be able to keep everything quiet on set, external noises can be much more difficult to control.
Keep in mind that it is much more challenging to eliminate background noise in post-production than it is to do so during the shoot itself. With that in mind, look for a film studio that comes outfitted with soundproofing material to eliminate the potential of exterior noise. Quality soundproofing can save you a lot of time, energy, and hassle.
Additional Crew
Are you short a crew member? Do you need a photographer, cinematographer, or sound technician for your project? Some film studios have industry connections and can make referrals if you’re trying to fill a spot on your production team. Be sure to vet the crew member before hiring them, though, to ensure their experience and work style align with your own.
Available Amenities
Think about what amenities you will need for your shoot. If you’re planning full days of filming, you may want a kitchen where you can set up craft services. You may also need hair and makeup rooms or a dressing area for clothing changes.
Looking for an office space to hold pre-production meetings or pitch to investors? Some full-service studios may come with conference rooms or other spaces where you can conduct business in a professional setting.
Before you book any film studio, schedule an in-person tour. This gives you the opportunity to see the studio’s amenities firsthand, ask questions, and evaluate each studio’s offerings to make the most informed decision.
On-site Support
Hopefully, your shoot is picture-perfect. However, if you have any questions or run into some hiccups along the way, it may be helpful to have studio personnel on-site to assist you in troubleshooting any issues. In the event there’s an equipment malfunction, for instance, you may need additional support. Will you have to call someone to the studio, or will they be readily accessible on-site to provide immediate assistance?
To find the best film studio rental for your project, prioritize what’s most important to you. Then figure out what you’re able to compromise on and what you consider must-haves.
If you’re located in the San Diego area and location is important to you, for instance, consider a space centrally located in San Diego County, such as Lightz Out Studios. Rental rates are displayed on the home page so you can determine whether the space works with your budget.
Remember, you don’t always need a fancy Hollywood studio to make cinematic art. Sometimes the best film studio rentals are located right around the corner. You just need to do a little research to find the one that’s a good fit.
Punit