The Pros and Cons of Shooting in a Studio Space
Is a studio space the best place to shoot your video? Today, we’re explaining all the pros and cons of shooting in studio space to help you decide.
Image via: Noble Bison Productions
So, you know you want to shoot a video, but you’re not sure if a studio space is the most suitable location to do it. Renting out a studio has plenty of positives, but it’s not always the best choice. Before deciding where to shoot, you need to do a bit of pre-production with your team and figure out the type of video you want to create, its’ intent, and the budget. With that, you should be able to look at the pros and cons we put together below and decide if renting a studio is the right choice for your video project.
The Pros:
Control Over Your Space
High-Quality Product
Convenience
Safety & Security
The Cons:
Less Cost-Effective
Not the Best Option for Certain Videos
Unnatural
The PROS:
Control Over Your Space
Image via: Noble Bison Production - studio shoot
Studio spaces are like blank canvases. You have complete control over the area and the freedom to create your vision from scratch. Whether you want to build sets, create a particular mood, simulate artificial weather, or anything of the sort, studios are wonderful for this. They are also the ideal location when shooting for virtual effects.
High-Quality Product
Studio spaces are made explicitly for high-quality video shoots. They’re optimal for capturing crisp sound, as there aren’t any noise interferences you may run into shooting outdoors or in a public setting. Additionally, the production team can design and manipulate the lighting exactly how they want it without the pollution of natural lighting. And lastly, there’s enough space to use larger, more high-quality film equipment that will enhance the quality of your video as well.
Convenience
Scouting for the perfect shoot location can sometimes be a long and challenging process, so renting a studio space for your shoot can be quicker and more convenient than other options. Studios usually have open availability, are in an easily accessible location, have ample parking for everyone, and restrooms. In short, going with a studio space can simplify lots of little details that can otherwise complicate a shoot.
Safety & Security
Renting out a studio space does lend a sense of security and safety in more ways than one. Firstly, there’s peace of mind knowing that everyone and the production equipment and gear are in a secure space and out of the elements. Plus, sometimes shoot locations can be dangerous, but a studio is a safe and easy-to-navigate space. You also generally have the opportunity to leave equipment in your locked studio space overnight for multiple day shoots (this perk could potentially shave off production costs).
The Cons:
Less Cost-Effective
More times than not, shooting at a studio space may not be the best option if you’re working with a tight budget. Studio spaces aren’t always as cost-effective as shooting on location or potentially renting other spaces. How the budget plays into your shoot location is something you’ll want to discuss with your production team during pre-production.
Not the Best Location for Every Video
Image via: Noble Bison Productions
Depending on the overall intent of your video, it may be better to shoot on location. For example, we worked with a transportation company to create a brand video and a recruitment video. And shooting on-site of their business place allowed us to humanize the company and give their audience a more authentic view of who they are and where they operate. Now, aside from company shoots, sometimes being on location for a creative project can also be more impactful, both visually and immersively, like shots of the great outdoors or inside a grand cathedral.
Unnatural
Like the point above, a studio space is not “real.” When shooting on location somewhere, in nature or a public space, there’s a chance to encounter these magical, serendipitous moments that could take your video to a new level. Many famous directors and DPs talk about how their filmmaking often takes shape through those types of encounters. Shooting in the real world opens up a plethora of opportunities.
To Close,
Before choosing a shoot location, the big point to consider is the intention behind the video because the setting plays a massive role in conveying your message. Your budget and production team are also huge factors in this decision.
In any case, a quality video production company will tell you your options and give you guidance in these decisions. They’re there to help you choose what’s best for your video concept. Don’t hesitate to give us a shout if you have any questions.
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Our Noble Bison Team would love to learn more about you and your needs.
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