Stop Wasting Studio Time: What Fashion Brands Should Ask Before Booking a Studio Shoot

What should fashion brands ask before booking a London studio?

Time is precious on shoot day. Delays from poor access, unclear contracts or missed expectations can throw everything off. Many of these issues start with booking a film studio that seemed fine on paper but lacked what your team really needed. By asking the right questions early, fashion brands can avoid wasting time, budget and morale.

Clarify What Your Brand Actually Needs From a London Studio

Booking any available studio might tick a box but matching the space to your specific shoot requirements saves hassle later.

• Are you shooting ecomm, lookbook, editorial or motion content?

• Who is coming — stylists, models, assistants, clients?

• Do you need zones for wardrobe, styling, makeup stations or product prep?

• Is it a quick turnaround shoot or an all day session?

• Does audio matter for interviews or motion?

Editorial campaigns often need blackout, catering and rigging space. A simple ecomm setup may rely on daylight, garment rails and practical styling zones. The clearer your expectations, the better your studio match.

Check Studio Location, Access and On Site Logistics

Studio postcode is only part of the picture. Before booking, check:

• Where can crew vans and clients park?

• Will couriers be allowed to drop gear early?

• Does load in mean stairs or is there proper access?

• Is the space within ULEZ and how does that affect travel costs?

Even studios in central locations can be difficult on the day. Visiting in person gives a true picture of access, lift size, loading windows and borough restrictions. You can also verify if the location supports crew schedules, courier timing and model bookings.

Ask Exactly What Is Included and What Costs Extra

Some studios look budget friendly but charge heavily for extras. You will want to know:

• Is it just the room or do you get support and kit too?

• Are Coloramas, lights and tether cables part of the deal?

• Are garment rails, makeup lights and steamer provided?

• Can you get in early or stay late if you need more time?

Keep things simple with an included versus extras list. Ask for this in writing before confirming your date. Knowing what is included avoids unexpected gear inclusive fees or overages that could affect your budget overruns.

Is the Studio Technically Capable of Supporting Your Shoot?

Not every photo studio is ready for demanding commercial production.

• Does the space have enough power for your lighting setup?

• Are there rigging points or trusses available?

• Can you tether directly to a capture station?

• Is WiFi stable enough for remote client review?

• Will the temperature hold up over long hours?

If your shoot relies on lighting rigs or live client feedback, send your tech lead to the studio recce. BECTU provides guidance on safe rigging and working environments which your tech lead can check against the studio’s provisions.

Review Contract Terms: Insurance, Liability and Cancellation

Studios may vary wildly on their hire agreements. Do not assume anything. Instead, confirm:

• Who takes responsibility if equipment is damaged?

• Are you required to carry public liability insurance?

• What is the deadline for cancelling or rescheduling?

• How is overtime charged if you run behind?

This is the kind of fine print that can protect you when things go wrong. Always review the terms carefully. Check if your contract includes an overrun clause or outlines handling of delays to deliverables.

Uncover Hidden Charges and Last Minute Add Ons

Cheap bookings often come with surprise costs later. These might include:

• Floor repaint after a busy day

• Weekend or late evening rates

• Cleaning fees if the space is not spotless

• Assistant day rates not included in the base cost

Always get a clear fee list in writing. It keeps budgets under control and ensures everyone is aligned. If your fashion shoot budget is tight, request a complete breakdown in advance.

Consider Client Comfort and On Site Facilities

Beyond the tech, the comfort of your team and clients makes a big difference:

• Is there a waiting space or quiet zone for phone calls?

• Are the toilets and changing rooms clean and close by?

• Can crew make a tea or sit down between setups?

• Are there enough plugs, chairs and WiFi for everyone?

Long days run smoother when people are comfortable. Small oversights here often cause friction.

Do Not Ignore London Specific Challenges: Permits, Access and Zones

London comes with its own planning hurdles. You will need to know:

• What rules does the local borough apply to noise or access?

• Are courier vans allowed to stop nearby?

• Will you need to arrange parking permits in advance?

• Is your crew affected by the congestion charge or ULEZ?

Even if your studio ticks all boxes, city logistics can cause knock ons. TFL provides helpful tools to check congestion charges and travel restrictions in your area.

Do a Proper Walkthrough and Ask These Key Things

Photos will not show what a studio really feels like. During your recce:

1. Check the WiFi strength and where plugs are placed.

2. Ask if heating or lighting has caused issues recently.

3. Measure the ceiling height.

4. Track the flow of natural light over time.

5. Ask what kind of shoots were held last and why the last brand might not have returned.

Take pictures, bring a tape measure and do not rush. You will only notice the real gaps in person. The Association of Photographers provides a walkthrough checklist that is useful to adapt for your visit.

Know the Wrap Up Rules: Cleaning, Reset and Refunds

Shoots often run tight at the end. Knowing the studio’s wrap process avoids post shoot tension:

• How long do you have to pack down?

• Are you expected to clean or does the studio do that?

• When will your deposit be returned?

• Is there a checklist or final sign off?

This helps manage your finish and keeps things professional to the very end. Clarify what part of your campaign asset pipeline will need post shoot resets or cleaning.

Use This Quickfire Checklist Before You Book

Share this with your production team:

• Do we know our tech and space needs?

• Have we clarified what is included?

• What will access and parking be like?

• Is the studio contract clear and fair?

• Have we budgeted for extras?

• Did someone visit the space in person?

• Does this space support our deliverables and timelines?

Studios that sound perfect online may fail on the day without this checklist.

Book Smarter, Shoot Smoother

Good studio planning reduces surprises, saves money and keeps the whole shoot calm. Ask early, check the details and send the right people to view the space.

Mammoth Film Studios is the choice for London brands that value calm, clarity and capability. Book with confidence, not crossed fingers.

Useful Links:Transport for London –

1. ULEZ and Congestion Charge Info https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/ultra-low-emission-zone

2. Association of Photographers – Studio Hire Best Practices https://www.the-aop.org/information