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Here are some of the essentials to look out for while booking a studio

• SHOOTING AREA
  • Most studios advertise the total area of their facility (office/reception area, storage, pantry, makeup, restrooms etc) leaving out only a fraction of the total area for the studio floor. Make sure to find out the dimensions of the studio floor.
  • Important dimensions are the shooting length (Distance between the backdrop & the opposite wall / nearest obstruction) as this decides the longest focal length you can use for your shoot
  • Ask about the height especially while shooting oversized objects (cars etc. as some of these shoots need special lighting considerations)
  • The backdrops come in standard widths and generally, the minimum width is guaranteed in a studio but do ask for the width as very narrow spaces tend to bounce light and limits your placement of lights.
• AVAILABLE EQUIPMENT
  • This greatly simplifies your logistics. A well-equipped studio means you can just walk into the studio with almost no equipment and still have everything you need for a successful shoot.
  • Also do find out if the equipment & props are included in the rental package. This is one way where many studios throw up additional charges.
  • Do pay a visit to the studio. Well maintained equipment means fewer surprises during your shoot 
• NATURAL LIGHTING / ABILITY TO BLACKOUT
  • Depending on the type of shoot you may want to use natural light.
  • Product Shoots & complex lighting setups may require a dark / dimly lit area to control light & shadows
• BACKGROUNDS
  • They play an important and define the amount of time you spend on post-production.
  • Seamless paper is generally the most versatile so do pick a studio which offers a good range (of colours) if required for your shoot.
  • Video shoots may require a green matt. Soundproofing / a silent studio is a bonus.
• ELECTRICAL POWER & BACKUP
  • Very essential as you do not lose time in case of a power outage (do remember Models, MUA & other artists being part of the project are being paid by the hour.
  • A UPS generally offers some sort of over/under voltage protection and eliminates abrupt power outages safeguarding equipment.
• SOUND
  
  • While a soundproof studio is essential for video, you may be able to get a better deal with regular ones especially if you are doing a voice over & can afford retakes especially if they are situated in quiet surroundings.
• CLIMATE CONTROL / AIR CONDITIONING
  • Very essential for in the tropics to have air conditioning as you can expect the temperature to be a couple of degrees higher due to the presence of multiple sources of heat such as studio lights etc.
  • This also reduces the need for frequent makeup touch-ups as sweating is reduced by a great extent

Apart from the essentials, the following may not be essential for your shoot but can greatly simplify your workflow

• PREPARATION AREA
• MAKEUP STATION
• CHANGE ROOM
• CLIENT LOUNGE
• INTERNET CONNECTION
• LOADING DOCK AND ELEVATORS
• PARKING
• NEARBY RESTAURANTS / PANTRY / FOOD Delivery