How to Choose the Right Studio Size For Your Shoot
- James Duffy
- Apr 25
- 4 min read
Is a larger film studio always the best option for your production?
No, not always. While larger film studios may seem impressive, they do not always offer practical benefits for your production. The right studio size depends on your specific requirements including camera movement, crew size, lighting setup, and set build needs. Choosing the correct space can reduce setup time, improve workflow, and help you manage your production budget more effectively.
What Studio Size Do You Normally Need?
up to 1000 sq. ft - Social Content & Interviews
up to 4000 sq. ft - Branded Shoots & Music Productions
up to 8000 sq. ft - Commercial Campaigns
What We Cover In This Article About What Studio Size Do You Need For Your Shoot?
Why studio size should match your project, not exceed it
Many commercial shoots, music videos, and fashion editorials can be delivered more efficiently in well organised spaces. Studios like Mammoth Film Studios in London Zone 2 are purpose built and combine technical readiness with flexible floor plans. This allows your production to work without the disruption that comes with unused or overcomplicated space.
What should influence your studio size decision?
Your shot list and scene requirements
A production involving full set builds, wide angle tracking shots or car scenes will require more depth and studio with drive in access. For close framing, talking head content, or tabletop shoots, a more contained studio is not only sufficient but easier to manage.
The crew and departments involved
Include your lighting team, grip, camera operators, styling team, production staff, and talent when calculating needed space. Also consider separate areas for makeup, green room holding, and client viewing.
Equipment and lighting
Rigging trusses, three phase power, and blackout control are key for modern productions. For example, Mammoth includes a motorised box truss grid and 200 amp three phase supply, making it ideal for high output lighting setups.
How technical layout supports production efficiency
Studios must provide infrastructure that meets technical demands. A flat and seamless infinity cove, internal 12G SDI video routing, symmetrical high speed internet, and sufficient electrical power distribution are not extras, they are fundamentals. With 4 gigabit symmetrical connectivity and hardwired ethernet, live stream and real time file delivery are built in.
Facilities that affect on set experience
Production days are long and need well considered amenities. A space that includes viewing decks, production offices, private make up areas, and breakout rooms helps teams stay focused. Mammoth offers premium spaces for both crew and client comfort without segmenting the main set.
Accessibility and logistics
Transport is still one of the biggest planning issues for London based shoots. Studios located within central zones, like London Zone 2, drastically cut travel time and taxi costs for cast and crew. Mammoth also offers 30 parking spaces and allows access for box trucks, which is essential when working with large art department builds.
What size do you actually need?
Simple shoots (social content, interviews): 500 to 1500 square feet
Mid level productions (branded content, music videos): 2000 to 4000 square feet
Commercial campaigns or complex set builds: 5000 to 8000 square feet or more
Always speak to the studio manager if unsure. Their experience with similar projects helps avoid overbooking or selecting a space that restricts your setup.
Why you should consider value over headline price
Large studios can increase total costs. Additional heating, repainting, extended rigging times, and overtime charges are often not included in the initial quote. Choosing a well configured space like Mammoth avoids those extras, with included technical support, rigging crew access, and power configuration that saves time and reduces external hire needs.
Studios that bundle lighting partnerships, such as Cinelight London, in their hire package help producers reduce logistics and risk. This is especially relevant for one day commercial shoots where lost time equals lost value.
Studio flexibility helps futureproof your production
A modern shoot often captures content for multiple platforms in one day. Being able to switch quickly between setups for motion, stills, and social deliverables matters. Mammoth’s separate 1000 square foot photography area lets teams run multiple formats without resetting the main stage.
Common booking mistakes and how to avoid them
Booking a studio based on size only rather than checking layout and support features
Ignoring transport, truck access, and local crew proximity
Forgetting to ask about internet bandwidth or three phase power
Overlooking makeup and client areas
Not reviewing repainting charges, overtime, or rigging access before confirming
Studios with complete transparency on their rate card help avoid these issues and allow producers to plan accurately.
Real example: Why Mammoth Film Studios works for varied productions
With its 8000 square foot stage, motorised grid, and integrated technical support, Mammoth has been designed by film crew for film crew. From drive in bays for set builds to rigging ready infrastructure and nearby location in Zone 2, it is set up to make your shoot run efficiently. Positive feedback from commercial producers, fashion directors, and music video teams highlights how the combination of layout and comfort supports creativity without disruption.
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