Can I Hire a Film Studio for Just a Few Hours?

Can I hire a studio for just a few hours in London?

Yes, Mammoth Film Studios offers flexible hourly studio hire for professionals who need a high-spec space without committing to a full-day booking. Whether it's a quick pickup, casting session, or a test shoot, our streamlined process allows you to book the time you need with clarity and efficiency. With tailored availability and competitive hourly rates, short-term studio rental at Mammoth is both simple and highly practical. (all hourly hires are subject to a minimum charge)

Why Do Creatives in London Need Flexible Studio Hire?

The nature of film, commercial and fashion productions today is more agile and fast paced than ever. Directors, producers, photographers and creatives often require premium studio space for brief and specific windows of time. Hiring a film studio by the hour addresses a growing demand in the UK production industry for flexibility, cost effectiveness and availability without compromising on professional standards.

Yes, You Can Hire Mammoth Film Studios by the Hour

Our London-based film studio is available for short term bookings with a minimum hire duration that caters to half day and hourly use. Located in Zone 2, our space is equipped to accommodate compact sessions without the administrative friction typically associated with large scale studios. From music video inserts to commercial pickups or casting sessions, we support a variety of formats and timeframes.

Production managers and location scouts often look for immediate availability, accessible logistics and scalable space. Mammoth Film Studios provides all three. Our hourly hire service is suited to:

Pickups and Inserts

These quick content additions are commonly used in commercial campaigns and fashion productions. They focus on capturing specific moments or product highlights in a controlled environment.

Casting and Auditions

With high speed connectivity, accessible public transport, and on site parking, our space makes a reliable option for production companies conducting castings.

Interviews and Camera Tests

Directors and cinematographers often need to trial lighting designs or camera settings. Our quiet environment, internal 12G SDI routing and motorised rigging grid are ideal for this purpose.

Hiring our space by the hour lets you stay productive and focused without committing to a full day rate. Our team is on hand to support you with studio access and any technical setup you may need.

Ideal for Short Shoots and Flexible Productions

Shorter bookings often suit productions with tight timelines or specific creative needs. Hiring for a few hours gives teams more control over resources without sacrificing quality.

We frequently host:

Fashion and Lookbook Photography

Photographers appreciate a dedicated photography space. It supports fast paced wardrobe changes and lighting transitions without delays.

Music Video Inserts and Performance Pickups

Artists and directors often return to film one or two performance shots or product placement clips. Hiring by the hour keeps the process simple and efficient.

Test Shoots and Creative Planning

Whether you're experimenting with lens kits, rehearsing talent or testing lighting angles, our space supports technical setups and creative trials in a way that's cost effective and focused.

Hourly Hire vs Full Day Booking: What’s the Difference?

One of the most common questions we get is whether to book for the day or just for the hours needed. It depends on how much time your production actually requires. If you only need a few hours, you can save both budget and time by booking a shorter session.

Hourly hire is charged from your arrival to the moment you leave. We maintain a minimum hire window, and we’ll always be clear about what is included. Our rate structure is transparent and we can provide a breakdown during your enquiry.

Many commercial productions still prefer a 10 hour booking for larger setups. However, for smaller projects or focused creative sessions, hourly hire remains a practical and well used option.

How does the short session booking process work?

Booking a few hours at Mammoth Film Studios is straightforward. Once you get in touch with our team, we will confirm availability and provide our rate card. If you're happy to proceed, we place a pencil on your preferred date. This gives you first refusal if anyone else enquires about that slot.

You do not need to make payment to pencil in a time. Once your shoot is confirmed, we will send out a booking form that captures the essentials. This includes your timings, production contacts, and any additional support needed such as access to Cinelight London for lighting hire. From there, we confirm everything and you are good to go.

We recommend including a basic brief so we can help you get the most out of the studio. Whether it’s for video, stills or a multi-camera interview setup, knowing your requirements helps us prepare the space.

Transparent Rate Structure for Hourly Rentals

We charge hourly rentals with precision and transparency. Our minimum hire window ensures the studio is prepared and maintained to a high standard, even for shorter sessions. You’ll find our rates competitive for the area and facility size, especially when you consider our specification.

Our 8000 square foot studio includes drive in access, 3 phase power, a 40 by 40 foot motorised grid and a huge U shaped infinity cove. You get the same access to core features regardless of hire length. We also include basic equipment like clothes rails, tables and a steamer at no extra cost.

Electricity usage is metered and charged at a flat rate per kilowatt hour. High speed Wi-Fi and a hard wired internet connection are included. Our dedicated 4 gigabit per second line supports uploads and streaming if required. We also have a second 4,000 square ft studio for hire.

When is hourly rental the right option?

Not every production needs a full day. Sometimes you only need a few shots or tests to complete a project. Hourly hire works well for content teams, fashion brands, advertising agencies and production managers who want a flexible yet professional studio experience.

If you are filming pickups, running camera tests, or need to capture stills without a complex setup, hiring for a few hours can reduce costs and simplify logistics. Our location in Zone 2, combined with free parking and close transport links, makes it easy for your team to get in and out without delays.

For productions working near Shoreditch or central London, our studio provides an efficient alternative to travelling west. You can find more information about our technical specifications and location on our studio overview page.

What facilities are available for short bookings?

All hourly hires at Mammoth include access to the same high quality facilities as full day bookings. This includes our green room, make up and wardrobe room, production office, and two viewing decks. Each space is fitted out to make your session smooth and comfortable.

Drive in access, ground floor load in, and onsite parking mean your crew and kit can arrive, set up and wrap quickly. For photographers and stills teams, our separate 1000 square foot photography space provides a clean, flexible area away from the main cove.

You can also benefit from our internal video routing and lighting grid infrastructure, which allows for professional rigging and multi camera setups without delays. For technical specs, visit our technical overview.

Do hourly clients get the same level of service?

Yes, the level of service is the same no matter how long you book for. Whether you're hiring the space for two hours or ten, we maintain the same professional standard across the board.

Our studio assistant will be on site to help with access and setup. If you need additional support with lighting or equipment, our partner providers Cinelight and Gripvan are ready to assist. All bookings, including hourly rentals, benefit from access to our production resources and optional extras.

This consistent approach is part of why many producers and directors come back again, knowing they can rely on the same smooth experience every time.

Why Mammoth Film Studios Is a Smart Choice for Hourly Studio Hire

Flexible, practical and fully equipped, Mammoth Film Studios makes hourly bookings easy to arrange and professional to deliver. Whether you're working on a high spec commercial or a smaller creative test, our team and facilities are here to support you from arrival to wrap.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum hire time for Mammoth Studio?

Our minimum hire duration is based on a short session structure. This means a few hours can be booked depending on the production needs and availability.

Are all studio facilities available for hourly hires?

Yes. All bookings, regardless of length, include access to the same facilities such as the green room, production office, wardrobe and viewing decks.

Can I use my own lighting and crew?

Absolutely. You're welcome to bring your own team and kit. If you prefer, we can connect you with our in-house lighting partners for additional support.

What is a pencil booking?

A pencil holds your requested date without obligation. You get first refusal if someone else requests that slot, giving you time to confirm with your team.

Is early access available for hourly bookings?

Yes, we can arrange access before standard hours if needed. Let us know in advance and we will factor this into your booking.

Let us know if you need support preparing for your next shoot or would like to pencil in a date. We are happy to help.

* (all hourly hires are subject to a minimum charge)