About Production Spaces
In shooting a film or conducting a photo shoot, the skills of the director (or photographer) and their crew are the most important factor in shaping the outcome of the project. Just as important, however, are the technical aspects that make up a production. Combined with the eye for directing, high-quality cameras, audio equipment, lighting, styling, and stage design all contribute to a professional and polished end product that conveys meaning.
There's another factor still that's crucial in determining the success of a film or video shoot—the production space. From the size and layout of the venue itself to the quality of its equipment and the professionalism of its staff, getting everything right will make a huge difference to the quality of your project.
There’s no shortage of excellent production spaces out there, from controlled film studios to outdoor locations. A director will already have a vision in their mind as to where each scene in the movie will take place. Every film production has unique location needs, depending on the story. Keep reading for tips and advice on how to find the right one for you.
The Best Production Venues
Production venues come in different types and serve an equally varied range of needs. Whether you’re spending time in the studio, in front of a green screen, or maybe even at a mixing desk, there are production spaces out there to suit a wide variety of projects. Here are a few popular options worth considering when searching for your ideal space.
- Green Screen Studios
What sort of special effects and unique scenes you can produce in front of a green screen is amazing. These studios are suitable for projects such as music videos and films that require visual effects. Why not find a green screen studio near you and film something memorable for your next project?
- Soundstages
Soundstages always play a hugely important role in film and TV productions. They allow you to record your videos and audio at the same time, and there’s a diverse array of soundstage production spaces on offer around the nation.
- Lofts
Another option is to look for a loft space that has been converted into a spacious and open studio setting. This open-concept industrial loft, for example, offers a wonderful vintage feel and period furniture to suit a variety of shoots.
- Rehearsal Spaces
Looking for somewhere to practice your lines before the cameras start rolling? A specialized rehearsal space offers a simple but functional setting where you can prepare for the real thing. This dedicated space is sometimes called the “green room” in the showbiz industry.
- Production Offices
Production offices provide all the support and facilities you need to make your project as professional as possible. This includes workspaces, tech equipment, Wi-Fi, furniture, janitorial services, and much more.
What to Look for in Production Spaces
Several important factors come together to create the ideal production space. Here are a few key factors you need to consider when comparing your options to ensure you find the right venue for your needs.
- Key Facilities
First, think about the amenities and facilities you need in the production space. They could be technical, including things like lighting rigs or sound mixing equipment, or could center around practical considerations such as on-site parking, easy access, Wi-Fi, kitchen space, a green room, and bathrooms. This list could be long, so take some time to decide on all those items that are simply must-haves for your project.
- Convenient Location
The production space you choose must be easy for you and all the key members of your crew to get to. With this in mind, consider factors such as travel time, public transport links, and on-site private parking. Also note how simple it will be to transport any heavy camera, audio, or lighting equipment to and from the space.
- The Right Size and Layout
The space you choose will need enough room for all cast, crew, and gear. The layout is important too, as it determines whether you and the rest of your team can function efficiently or not in the space available.
- The Right Price
No matter the size or scope of your project, you can typically expect the budget to be a crucial factor in every decision you make. With this in mind, make sure you know exactly how much you can afford to spend before you start comparing production venues.
- Helpful Staff
Having the support of experienced and knowledgeable staff can make the production process run much more smoothly. When you’ve got helpful and professional people in your corner, the whole experience is much less stressful.
Production Inspiration: Venues for Every Type of Project
Are you a filmmaker or a producer looking to film somewhere unique, special, or just plain different to give life to your next production? Here are a few ideas to get you started.
- Versatile Studio Spaces
Sometimes the best way to tackle a video project is to find a high-quality studio that offers all the bells and whistles. Studios are ideal for creating music videos and films or shooting photos, as they allow you to exercise your creativity in a controlled space. With 1,900 square feet of space, white walls, and high ceilings, this multi-purpose studio is as versatile as they come.
- Green Screen Goodness
The special effects and computer graphics made possible by a green screen can make any actor look like a superhero soaring through the sky, or even an astronaut on another planet.
- Bright and Airy Lofts
A loft is a popular choice if you’re searching for an event space, but it’s also perfectly suited as a production space. With plenty of natural light and often stunning features like exposed beams and pipes, they offer a truly unique setting for any kind of production, whether it’s a short film, music video, or photography.
- Wonderful Warehouses
Industrial venues have several features that help them double as wonderful production locations. They’re often spacious, have unique features and eye-catching architecture, and usually offer easy access for your cast and crew.
- Cyclorama Walls
Also known as a cyclorama or infinity wall, a cyclorama wall is a curved wall that creates the impression of a never-ending space. If that’s exactly what your next production needs, check out what production venues with cyclorama walls are available near you.
Key Takeaways
Finding a suitable space for a film, video, or photo shoot is just one of the crucial steps in production pre-planning. This process can be time-consuming, which highlights the importance of allotting enough time for research, scouting, and comparing spaces that can match your creative vision the most.
A good place to start is asking your local network about locations that can fit the bill, or checking out websites that allow you to browse through listings in any given city. In choosing a space for your film shoot, note factors such as the location’s accessibility, the aesthetics of the space, the amount of natural light inside, and the budget you’re willing to spend for rent. Checking all these aspects makes creating any project smooth for you and your team.