What Makes a Great TV Studio? 7 Features Every Production Should Look For
Finding the right TV studio is about much more than choosing a large space. Whether you’re producing a live entertainment show, a commercial, a corporate broadcast or a television series, the studio you choose can have a significant impact on the success of your production.
From technical capabilities to on-site facilities, every aspect of a studio plays a role in keeping productions running efficiently. While every project has different requirements, there are a number of key features that production companies should look for before booking a studio.
1. Flexible Studio Space
No two productions are the same.
Some require large audience areas, while others need room for extensive set builds or multiple camera positions. A good TV studio should offer flexible spaces that can be adapted to suit different production requirements rather than forcing productions to work around fixed layouts.
Studios that offer multiple stage sizes also provide greater flexibility as projects evolve.
2. Professional Production Facilities
A studio is only one part of a successful production.
Behind every programme is a team working across production offices, galleries, dressing rooms and technical spaces. Having these facilities available on-site allows departments to work more efficiently and keeps everyone together throughout the production.
When viewing potential studios, it’s worth considering whether the entire production team can be accommodated within the same location.
3. Modern Technical Infrastructure
The technical capabilities of a studio are just as important as its physical size.
Reliable power, lighting infrastructure, configurable galleries and connectivity all contribute to a smoother production. Productions should also consider whether the facility can support live broadcasts, multi-camera workflows and the specific technical requirements of their project.
It’s also important to understand the difference between a purpose-built TV studio and a sound stage. While sound stages or warehouse-style spaces can appear to be a more cost-effective option initially, they often require significant additional infrastructure before filming can begin. Depending on your production, this could include temporary trussing, staging, lighting rigs and other technical installations, all of which can increase costs considerably.
Before choosing a venue, it’s always worth discussing your requirements with your lighting, rigging and technical teams. They can help determine whether a fully equipped TV studio or a sound stage is the most practical and cost-effective solution for your production.
4. Easy Access and Plenty of Parking
Logistics are often overlooked until production begins.
Crew vehicles, suppliers, equipment deliveries and talent all need easy access to the site. Limited parking or difficult loading areas can quickly create unnecessary delays.
Studios with generous on-site parking, dedicated loading areas and good transport links make life considerably easier for production teams working to tight schedules.
5. Space Beyond the Studio Floor
Many productions require more than simply a sound stage.
Production offices, green rooms, dressing rooms, makeup areas and breakout spaces all contribute to a more organised production. Having these facilities available within the same site reduces travel between locations and helps departments work together more effectively.
At Maidstone Studios, productions also benefit from a range of additional facilities, including an on-site American Diner, Costa Café and more than 350 parking spaces, making longer production days more convenient for cast and crew.
6. A Convenient Location
Location remains one of the biggest factors when hiring a TV studio.
While many productions are based in or around London, not every project needs to be filmed in the capital. Regional TV studios have become an increasingly popular choice, offering professional facilities while remaining easily accessible for cast, crew and suppliers.
Choosing a regional studio doesn’t necessarily mean travelling hours from London. Facilities within easy reach of the capital can offer the same high production standards while providing more space, easier logistics and greater flexibility.
Located just 45 minutes from London, Maidstone Studios offers production companies the convenience of a regional location without feeling disconnected from the capital.
7. An Experienced Team Behind the Scenes
Even the best facilities benefit from knowledgeable people.
An experienced studio team can provide valuable support throughout the production process, helping coordinate technical requirements, studio layouts and operational planning before filming even begins.
Whether you’re hiring a fully serviced studio or a dry hire space, having experienced professionals available can make a noticeable difference to the efficiency of your production.
Choosing the Right TV Studio
Every production has its own unique requirements, but the best TV studios combine flexible space with practical facilities and experienced support.
Before making a booking, it’s worth looking beyond the size of the studio itself. Consider how the entire site will support your production, from arrival and setup through to filming and final wrap.
With flexible studio spaces ranging from 6,000 sq ft to 12,000 sq ft, production offices, technical facilities and over 40 years of experience supporting television and film productions, Maidstone Studios provides everything productions need to deliver successful projects, all within easy reach of London. Speak to us.