Choosing The Right Studio For Your Video Project

A live studio can make or break your video project. After all, some studios will suit your project’s needs better than others. Think about it: the needs of a corporate video are going to be different from those of a short film, and a short film has different needs from a promotional piece or a product demonstration.

When scouting a location for your next video project, remember the following. It could mean the difference between an impactful, thought-provoking video and a lukewarm one.

Map Out Your Project Requirements

Before you begin, get a clear sense of your project and what you’re trying to accomplish. This will save you a great deal of time, money, and resources in the long run. Consider factors such as:

• Equipment: What kinds of cameras, lighting, and audio gear do you need?
• Scope: Is your project tech-intensive? Will you need special effects or technology – such as an immersive LED wall – to create a unique virtual environment?
• Length: How long is the video? How long will it take to film?
• Talent: Who will you need in front of and behind the camera? What sorts of proficiencies should these people have? Do you need to bring in your own team of professionals or will the studio be staffed with appropriate personnel?

All of the above can affect which studio space will best accommodate your needs.

Evaluate the Studio’s Capabilities and Equipment

To save money, many companies opt for bare-bones studios without updated technology. For example, some production managers will choose a run-of-the-mill photography studio with a small room, a green screen, and a couple of lighting fixtures, believing it to be a wise financial decision.

However, this can lead to creative restrictions, which may end up forcing you to spend more money on extra equipment to make the most of your environment. If you want to put your best foot forward with your project and not limit yourself creatively, it is worth investing in the latest AVL equipment and technological capabilities.

Additionally, make sure there is enough space in the studio to accommodate your set design and production requirements. It’s hard to say what’s worse – working in a cramped studio with a bustling production crew or feeling as though you blew money on empty space.

Lastly, be thorough when researching studios. Look for ones that have specific experience in your genre or industry, and carefully review their portfolio to assess the quality of their work. For example, if you’re looking to create various distinct sets in one shoot (e.g., city streets, mountainous landscapes, a corporate conference room, etc.), you may want to consider a studio with virtual reality capabilities. The ease of generating unique environments in quick succession with virtual production can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars that you would normally spend traveling from location to location.

Online reviews and testimonials can be greatly helpful during the selection part of the process. Case studies, such as the ones on our website, can be especially beneficial in understanding what types of projects the studio has produced and if their capabilities align with your needs.

Consider the Studio’s Team

The team you are working with needs to understand your vision – no ifs, ands, or buts about it. Seek out experienced directors, video engineers, cinematographers, and editors who can bring your vision to life. Having a tech crew on standby is also a major asset when AV hiccups arise, so make sure you choose a studio with an experienced team on hand.

Knowing the availability – and the skill level – of a studio’s technicians also allows you to create an accurate project budget. If your project requires a team of three video engineers on site and you can only source one from your team, you’ll be able to request an accurate proposal from the studio, which will help you better understand total project costs. Furthermore, you can communicate staffing needs more clearly to your own team and allow them time to prepare. Lastly, if you can assess the skill level of the studio’s team – perhaps by reviewing their previous projects through case studies – you’ll have a better idea of the production value you can achieve with said team before stepping into the studio.

Book a Live Studio for Your Video Project

By doing your research, asking the right questions, and gathering a talented team, you can make your video project a resounding success.

CTS AVL offers fully equipped and staffed studios with cutting-edge technology, allowing you the creative freedom to make your vision a reality. Whether you’re livestreaming a performance, broadcasting a keynote speech, or capturing content for a future event, we will help you deliver your message effectively. Contact us today to get started.