Creating any kind of film is a labor of love. It requires time, effort, attention to detail, and a strong vision to produce something worth watching. When it comes time to put all the pieces together, you need the right environment to honor that creative vision. Here are a few things to keep in mind when scoping out potential filming studios to ensure that you end up somewhere that gels perfectly with your goals.
Assess the Layout
The first thing you want to consider with a prospective studio is the layout. Looking at your script, ask yourself if you’ll have enough space to film what you need. Will you be able to set up all the shots you want to capture? Is everything laid out conveniently so that the shoot can proceed on schedule?
At Lightz Out Studios, we give our clients plenty of space to shoot while also staying on top of other tasks. In addition to our spacious studio, we also provide dedicated rooms for meetings or calls so producorial work can go on without interrupting your shoot.
Look into Equipment Rentals
Getting all the equipment you need to shoot your project can be a challenge. Unless you’ve spent the time and money needed to build your own armory of film equipment, you’ll likely need to find and rent a large portion of what you plan to use. That’s why it’s always a good idea to work with a filming studio that offers its own equipment rentals. You’ll be able to keep everything in house, cutting down on load-in time and avoiding bringing on another vendor.
Just make sure that the studio has everything you need available before you commit. Sit down with your team and go over the plan, accounting for every piece of equipment the shoot will require. If a studio can offer you all of it, you’ll be good to go.
Consider the Lighting Options
Light helps create mood, direct the viewer’s focus, and tell your story. When it comes to picking the right filming studio, you must be sure it has all the lighting options you need. If you’re working with a cinematographer, make sure you’re both on the same page for your lighting needs before committing anywhere.
Some of this can be covered in the equipment rentals, as previously discussed. You’ll also need to make sure the physical space is capable of supporting all the equipment you need for your shots. The last thing you want is to show up ready to film, only to realize there’s no room for the bounce you were counting on to diffuse your light. Or worse yet, getting there and finding out you don’t have nearly the power supply you need for everything.
The right studio will be able to take a look at your plan and see what’s feasible and what isn’t. The staff members can also draw on their own institutional knowledge to provide suggestions as to how to best use the space.
Ask About Amenities
Amenities might not be top of mind when you’re seeking out a studio, but they can really make a difference on the day of the shoot. You need to be able to focus your attention on creative issues, not on finding parking for your cast and crew.
The ideal studio should create a space that allows you to film while also being comfortable to film in. Small things like private bathrooms and changing areas, a dedicated kitchen space to set up snacks and meals, and reliable heating and air conditioning can make a huge difference when shooting.
Ensure Flexibility
Filmmaking is a fluid, dynamic process. To do your best work, you must be able to adapt and change as the project demands. You should expect the same from your filming studio. You need a space that can be modified to accommodate your needs perfectly. Whether you want to build set pieces or just use a backdrop, you need to be able to change the environment as it suits you.
A great studio will not only allow you to tailor the space based on your plan, but you should also have the ability to make changes when the need arises during filming. You might have your heart set on using a specific prop or staging, for instance, only to realize on the day of that the idea just isn’t coming together like you imagined. Make sure you have the freedom to readjust until you find a setup that works.
Check In with Your Artistic Goals
Ultimately, the most important thing to consider when booking a studio is your artistic goals. Where do you want the project to end up? What do you want it to accomplish? It can be hard to articulate these more ephemeral ideas, but they’re what give your project its soul. Above all else, you should work with a studio that understands what you want to achieve. They should be a collaborative partner, not just a vendor renting you space and equipment.
At Lightz Out Studios, we carve out time in advance of a shoot to go over everything a client needs before the actual day of filming. It’s the perfect opportunity to make sure we’re all on the same page, as well as to find any lingering things that might have fallen through the cracks. We want you to be able to execute your vision flawlessly, and the only way we can do it is by understanding exactly what it is you want to make.
There are a lot of things to think about when choosing the right filming studio for your project, but at the end of the day, only you will know what’s the right choice for your project. If you’re looking to film in the San Diego area, Lightz Out Studios can provide you with the space you need to make your masterpiece. If you want to hear more about how we could work together or are interested in locking in some concrete shoot days, reach out. We’re ready and eager to help you bring your project to life.
