When you’re looking for ways to save on costs and streamline video production, few things beat a video shoot studio. Unlike shooting out in the wild world, a dedicated studio space can offer you the control and convenience you need to get the job done effectively and efficiently.
If you’ve never worked out of a studio space, though, you might not know what to expect or how to use it to your highest advantage. At Lightz Out Studios, we’re not just dedicated to offering a professional-quality space. We’re also committed to providing our clients with the tools and knowledge they need to make their vision a reality. Here are a few tips about the perks you can look forward to with a studio and how to best use them.
Know What You Have to Work with and Make a Plan
In a film production, there’s no such thing as too much preparation. With so many moving pieces to keep track of and a limited amount of time to get your work done, you need to come in with a plan of attack.
We recommend setting up a tour or a prep call in advance with the studio to take stock of what’s available to you there. Make a list of the amenities available, noting what’s included and what will cost extra. This is an opportunity for you to talk logistics about what equipment you’ll need to load in, what will be provided on site, and any construction you may need to do. Firm up the details so you can hit the ground running the day of the shoot.
Once you know what you’re working with at the studio, put together a timeline for your time in the studio. Look at everything you need to shoot over the course of the day and ask yourself how much time each setup and shot will take.
As a word of advice, it’s always smart to budget for more time than you think you’ll need. Once you’ve laid everything out, you can put together a schedule and distribute it to everyone who will be working that day.
Ask About Equipment Rentals
One of the best advantages of working out of a video shoot studio is that many offer equipment rentals along with the space. At Lightz Out Studios, for instance, we offer a wide selection of industry-standard equipment that’s sure to meet the needs of any shoot. Determine ahead of time what equipment you’ll be bringing with you and what you plan to rent from the studio to ensure you have everything you need the day of the shoot.
Keep in mind that by renting equipment from the studio, you can save time when loading in. Using the local equipment also allows you to benefit from the staff’s professional knowledge. They’ll be able to assist you in determining what kind of equipment you need to achieve your vision and help you plan out the best way to set your shots up. They’ll also be able to tell you exactly where all your power supplies are and where to best plug in the high-energy equipment.
Take Advantage of Amenities and Comfort
Shooting on location can give you some gorgeous footage, but it’s not always the most convenient option for a production. By comparison, working out of a video shoot studio is a breeze. There, you’ll have access to conference rooms to talk about the big picture, kitchens to set up snacks and lunch, reliable heating and cooling, and—most importantly—access to clean bathrooms. Plan to make the best use of the amenities available to you to ensure things run smoothly.
These creature comforts might not be top of mind when you’re plotting out the logistics for your shoot, but on the day of, you’ll be thankful that you have them. Not only because they make the day more pleasant for everyone involved, but also because they’ll save you time. Instead of having to trek a few blocks to base camp for your actors to change costumes or for your crew to swap out a piece of equipment, everything you need is right on site.
Utilize Your Time Well
Once you’re in the studio, you need to work quickly and efficiently. You only have a limited time, so you don’t have a second to spare. If you’ve done your prep work, things should run smoothly.
Confirm the details of your lease with the studio ahead of time so your team and the studio staff are all on the same page. If you’re renting the studio’s equipment, for example, it’s vital that it is ready and waiting for your use when you walk into the studio on day one. A misunderstanding could delay your timeline.
Once your lease begins, the biggest task ahead of you is keeping things moving on schedule. Arrive early so you can begin right on time. During setup, make sure everyone on your crew has a specific task to accomplish. While you’re getting the space ready, have your cast get into costume and take care of any makeup.
The goal is to avoid any instances of people wandering around aimlessly. Keep everyone on task and where they’re supposed to be. When your cast isn’t shooting, it might not be a bad idea to have them stay in the green room and get prepared for their next take.
If you have people in the studio from your team who need to handle admin work, have them tackle it in one of the conference or office spaces. If you can minimize distractions and keep everyone on the same page, the shoot should keep humming along on schedule.
A Team to Bring It All Together
There are plenty of concrete benefits to working in a video shoot studio, but one of the best is having access to a dedicated staff. When you’re shooting on location, the task of figuring out each shot is all up to you and your team. At a studio, you can pull on the local expertise and experience to put each setup together.At Lightz Out Studios, our team is eager to get involved with your project. During our prep call, we’ll work with you to come up with a plan for how to execute each shot in our space. Whatever tone or mood you’re going for, we’ll find a way to capture your vision. We’ll also be able to offer insights from our experience with previous shoots, catching any potential problems before they can gum up your production. If you’re ready to start putting a plan together now, or if you’re curious to learn more about our space, reach out. We look forward to making something great with you!
