Warner Brothers Studios built 588 different sets over a 10-year period for one of its most famous series of films — Harry Potter. If you tally up all that manpower, it would have taken one individual over 74 years to do all that work!
Chances are your upcoming film project isn’t quite as ambitious as Harry Potter. Still, there’s a fundamental dilemma every filmmaker must face: where and how to rent a film studio.
If you’re looking for a film studio in New York City (or anywhere else), here are some tips to help you find the perfect one.
Why Rent a Film Studio?
Aspiring filmmakers often lack the budget to purchase a studio — and all the equipment to go with it. Others try to create their own production studio in a basement or living room, which produces lackluster results (at best).
There’s also the issue of location scouting. It takes an insane amount of time and money to find the perfect backdrop for your project — if you can find it at all.
For these reasons, most people in your shoes choose a film studio rental as the solution. Depending on the scope of your project, you can rent a film studio for a few hours, a few days, or a few weeks. You’ll have all the tools you need to succeed without a huge upfront investment.
Where Can I Rent a Filming Studio?
The good news is there are filming studios for rent in every major city across the globe. New York, Los Angeles, and Atlanta may immediately come to mind, but there are sure to be studios for rent in a city near you.
Some smaller studios are suitable for commercials, photoshoots, or YouTube videos. Larger studios may be suitable for short films or indie projects. You can also search for studios by theme — for example, an industrial loft or an art deco studio.
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Studio for Filming?
No matter your budget, you can rent a filming studio that matches your needs. Here’s a general overview of what you might expect to pay to rent a film editing studio:
- $50-$400 per hour
- $500 for an 8-hour day with no crew and no equipment rental
- $1,500-$2,500 for an 8-hour day with a crew, equipment, and tech support
- $5,000+ per week for all of the above, plus lighting and dressing rooms
Of course, these prices vary widely based on the location and the size of the studio. A huge loft in Manhattan will cost more than a humble recording room in San Antonio.
It also depends on how much equipment and manpower you need to complete your project. If you can bring your own crew and equipment, you’ll save a lot on the cost of renting and hiring.
Renting a Film and Video Studio: Take Two
It might take some time and research to find the ideal studio for your project. Keep at it and you’re sure to find the perfect location!
Now that you know how to rent a film studio, what’s next? Keep browsing our site for more articles on entertainment, business, lifestyle, and more.