Studios: a space for creation

Change is afoot in studio-land. Not only are new studio complexes popping up around the country, but clients are now expecting more services than ever from a space and its curators. Laine Lister writes.

Until now, many producers have been content to hire a sound stage fitted with the bare necessities to shoot a project. They’d rig up lighting, hire crews and ship in equipment, before getting started on a project.

Some clients still seek dry hire of a facility, of course, but in today’s increasingly competitive environment, many are demanding a range of services from studio owners to secure their business. Think comprehensive back-of house facilities, office space with connectivity, catering, security and even specific levels of energy efficiency – not to mention a competitive cost of hire.

There are the other considerations too – a studio’s proximity to transport, a diverse range of locations in driving distance from the set, and a nearby urban centre able to mimic, in looks, any number of international cities.