5 Key Studio Rental Features to Look For
Renting a photo or video studio can be a stressful experience. Studios are often not posted online, and those that are can be incredibly pricey for what they offer. Moreover, you know that if you’re renting a studio, you might also need manpower and equipment, which you’ll have to source externally. Depending on the studio, this can be a bigger headache than anyone wants. We’ve put together a list of key points to watch out for when considering your options for a studio rental.
Access
Perhaps the most commonly overlooked feature of a studio is how you get into it. It could be perfectly soundproof, have excellent lighting, and be stocked with a complete prop table. But if you are unable to get your equipment into the studio because the door is too narrow, or it’s on the 5th story of a walk-up building, you’re in trouble. Look for a ground-floor studio with bay doors for moving equipment. In a pinch, a building with a large cargo elevator is better than nothing. However, the less that stands in your way during your next studio rental, the better.
Soundproofing
There are highly different levels of soundproofing that you might receive in a photo or video studio. For locations that specialise in photography, soundproofing is a minimal concern. However, when it comes to video studios, soundproofing is vital and complicated. Some venues simply tack foam sound absorbers on the wall. Others install carpeted floors and heavier doors to prevent external sound from creeping into the studio.
A high-quality studio rental will offer all of these features, but also incorporate a carpeted ceiling, and external signs that indicate recording in session. This helps to cut down on the amount of external noise that creeps into the studio. Often, a higher level of soundproofing quality will lead to a higher rental fee. But it’s important to note that a few sound-absorbing foam panels do not make a room state-of-the-art soundproofed.
Equipment
Renting a studio with basic equipment included can be an incredible tool for saving time, money, and headaches. Items such as C-stands, Fresnel lights, and lavalier microphones might not be in your everyday equipment bag. However, they are commonly used tools, and some studio rentals offer access to such items as a service to their clients. Other studios offer an even more extensive equipment list for an added fee. Perhaps the most commonly overlooked but essential equipment item is a ladder, to help in setting up your overhead lighting. When considering studio rentals, a smart photo/videographer will consider the costs of 3rd party equipment rental, and factor them into their decision.
Green Screen
One of the most sought-after features in a studio rental is a green screen. This can come in the form of a cyclotron, which allows the artist the advantage of using the floor, ceiling, and corners in their shoot. However, not all green screens are made equal. You may decide that the specific chroma key green hue is vital to your filming, in which case you may have to ensure that the studio you’re renting has a well-lit backdrop of the appropriate color. Otherwise, your editing team will be frustrated when they discover that their computer programs struggle with the colors.
Climate Control
A big feature to watch out for in your studio rental is the level of climate control available. For starters, we in Texas know that air conditioning is an absolute must most seasons. On the other hand, air conditioning makes noise, and the vents create a draft that may interrupt your photo or video session. Therefore, you should inquire into the air conditioning and heating systems and ensure that they can be turned off in order to prevent air flows. Moreover, if you are trying to make your models look and feel their absolute best, you may choose to seek a studio rental with more complex climate control features. These can include humidity control, and air filtration systems. Ultimately, if you can’t make the artist and the talent happy during your studio rental, you are fighting an uphill battle to get the best possible result.
What features do you look for when renting a photo or video studio? Comment below and let us know!
