Do Film Studios Provide Equipment or Crew Support?
- James Duffy
- Aug 7
- 5 min read
Do film studios provide equipment or crew support? Here’s what to expect before you book
Most film studios in the UK do offer some level of support, but what you actually get depends on the type of facility you hire, the size of your production, and how much you're paying. Some studios include technical equipment or offer access to production gear, while others work on a dry hire basis, meaning you bring in everything including crew and kit.
Support can range from infrastructure like blackout studio stages and pre-rigged lighting grids, to optional extras such as access to local freelance crew lists, editing suites, or production scheduling software like StudioBinder. Knowing what your studio hire includes upfront is essential for managing both time and budget.
To help with planning, we’ve also created a production planning checklist which can help you get organised before shoot day.
What We Cover In This Article About What Support Do Film Studios Provide?
What does “support” actually include when hiring a film studio?
Studio support means different things depending on the hire package. At a minimum, you get access to the filming location, power supply, and technical space such as rigging points or prep bays. However, many UK production spaces also offer extras such as camera equipment rental, sound gear, lighting design options, and crew referral services.
The support may also include:
Access to grip and electric equipment
Set access logistics and daily studio crew call coordination
Studio contracts that outline use terms and service levels
Optional crew hiring systems or booking assistance
Post-production tools including colour grading suites and sound mix rooms
Some studios like Pinewood, Shepperton, and Ardmore also offer add-on services for things like digital call sheets, green room access, or soundproof ADR booths. Others provide connections to crew payroll companies and production insurance providers, which is especially helpful when working with high-value equipment or union crew.
If you're unsure what to ask for during booking, use our film shoot preparation guide for a full service-tier checklist.
What equipment do film studios provide, and what do you need to bring?
Studios rarely include high-spec technical kit in the base hire. However, most have equipment available for rent, either in-house or through trusted third-party suppliers. You might get access to LED lighting panels, grip gear, or a basic sound kit, but specialist tools such as cine lenses, field recorders, and dolly track systems will usually cost extra.
Advanced studios often offer:
Three-point lighting kits
Cine camera bodies with PL mount support
Sound mixers and boom poles
Slider systems and heavy-duty tripods
C-stands, flags, and rigging kits
You’ll likely need to provide production insurance that covers damage waivers and liability for all hired gear. Some studios require your crew to show training or prior experience with specific equipment before use.
This flexibility means you can mix and match kit between studio-provided items and your own gear list, but always clarify the rental terms in advance.
Do studios help with crew or staffing?
Studios don’t typically come with crew included, but many offer practical help when it comes to staffing. This might be in the form of a freelancer referral list, direct booking through a crew coordinator, or connections with industry organisations such as BECTU or IATSE.
In mid and high-tier studio packages, you may get:
Help booking union or non-union crew
Access to a crew onboarding platform
Digital tools for crew scheduling and call times
Suggestions for local DOPs, 1st ADs, gaffers, or production assistants
Some production spaces, especially in London and Manchester, include an on-site crew coordinator who manages day rate estimates, availability tracking, and crew paperwork. This reduces the admin workload, especially for short turnaround commercial shoots or multi-day features.
Studios that host frequent high-volume productions often run their own production payroll systems or partner with known vendors who handle contracts, tax forms, and weekly timecards.
What technical services and hidden support do studios offer?
Many production studios in the UK now offer innovative services that are often left out of the brochure. These hidden extras are designed to support modern workflows and help smaller teams handle more complex shoots.
Here are a few examples:
BBC-style kit customisation for pre-configured rig setups
LED volume stages for virtual production using Unreal Engine
Previsualisation tools and camera tracking systems
Production tracking dashboards that sync call sheets, dailies, and crew notes
Virtual art departments for remote approvals and live feedback
Smartboard systems that allow interactive scene planning on set
Studios using platforms like Frame.io, Movie Magic Scheduling, or StudioBinder make production management more efficient by allowing live updates and sharing between departments.
If your project includes green screen compositing, motion control rigs, or VFX-heavy scenes, these services can significantly improve efficiency and communication on set.
Which type of studio should I hire for my production?
The right choice depends on how much you’re bringing in yourself, and how much support you expect to need. Below is a comparison of typical studio types:
Ask yourself:
Do you need in-house lighting and camera support?
Is crew onboarding or union coordination required?
Will you be shooting on a virtual stage or LED volume?
Are you managing the production solo, or with a producer?
Matching the support level to your project scope can improve scheduling and reduce stress on shoot day.
Questions We Get Asked About Equipment and support film studios can offer
Do UK studios normally include lighting in the space hire fee?
Not always. Basic lighting setups may be included, but high-end lighting like fresnels or RGB LED panels is usually charged separately. Check the studio's equipment inventory before confirming.
Can I use my own film crew or do I need to book through the studio?
Yes, most studios allow you to bring your own crew. Some may ask for insurance certificates or proof of training when using their in-house kit.
Do any studios help with union crew in the UK?
Yes. Studios in major production areas like London, Bristol, or Glasgow often have relationships with BECTU, IATSE, or local production fixers and can refer you to qualified personnel.
Is post-production included in standard studio hire?
Only in full-service packages. Post-production suites like edit bays or sound mix rooms are typically available at extra cost.
Do I need production insurance to use studio equipment?
Yes, insurance is almost always required for gear rentals. You’ll usually need public liability and technical equipment cover to book high-value items like camera packages or lighting rigs.
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