Anyone in the film industry knows the importance of good film studio facilities but finding the right studio space to use during filming can be a headache. Cost effectiveness, time considerations and space issues all come into play when choosing the right film production facilities and should be weighed equally when deciding on particular film stages.
Hollywood studio facilities may be expensive and not necessarily the best option for your particular filming needs. You need to know where to turn to meet your particular filming schedule and cost constraints and keep your film on the right track. This guide will provide a wonderful primer for your company to scout and secure the right video production stage and equipment and provide peace of mind during all stages of the filming process as you:
1. Consider film schools for cost effective film production studios.
2. Scout movie studio facilities in the Los Angeles area that fit your filming needs.
3. Find film studio facilities with a variety of services and equipment available for renters.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Utilize film production studios through California film schools to minimize cost
Film schools offer a great and cheap alternative to renting a space in the Hollywood Hills area. Studio production costs can be exorbitant in California so scouting out local film school production spaces can be a great alternative to traditional film studio facilities.
I recommend: The
California Institute of the Arts has various sound studios and production studios for those searching for great and relatively inexpensive spaces for film production.
Cal State also has state of the art facilities for producers to utilize for a reasonable rental fee. Bear in mind that school spaces are usually best utilized in summer months when school sessions are less frequent.
Find quality affordable film production stages in the Los Angeles area
Los Angeles is a virtual mecca for film production studio sites and is one of the best cities in the world to access the right space for your filming needs. There are various stage and studio facilities for film production at a variety of price points that will fit almost any budget.
I recommend: GMT Studios is located in Los Angeles and has various stage sets and sound studios available as well as pre-dressed sets to decrease cost for those companies with a limited budget.
Raleigh Studios is another great option for companies located in the Los Angeles area, they also have offices in Baton Rouge, Budapest, Playa Vista and Manhattan Beach.
Secure a film production studio space with the right equipment and services to meet your needs
Any filmmaker knows that a good film needs more than just a sound stage to have a chance at any success. Movie equipment is expensive and some of it is simply too large to lug around to locations. Finding the right studio equipped with grips, catering, lighting equipment and other amenities is hugely important to make the filming process go as smoothly as possible.
I recommend: For underwater shoots and full service production facilities,
Baja Studios is a good cost effective choice.
ATV Video is perfect for documentary or other non feature-length film choices, and they offer great pricing and a variety of post production services.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Carefully plan your filming schedule and only utilize as much studio time as needed in order to reduce cost, renting a production studio can be expensive so time is of the essence.
The official source of Stage and Studio Facilities for Film Production is
the Stage and Studio Facilities for Film Production page at Business.com