Film Studios for Rent in New York City, NY

Film Studios Rental Guide

While movie-making is filled with magic for many, the industry also still holds a bit of mystery.  That’s why we’ve put together a little bit of information about the NYC film industry to make your search easier and help you fulfil your creative vision. So check these tips out and get ready to start those cameras!

What do film studios provide?

Sound stages. When you’re shooting outside, there is always some concern about the noise, e.g. cars, airplanes, construction work. A sound stage studio is a controlled environment where filmmakers only have to worry about performance and can forget about external factors. The same goes for lighting: shooting on a soundstage studio with a lighting grid means you can control the lighting and create the specific setup necessary to achieve your ideal lighting.

A recording studio. High-quality audio is crucial for every production. In case you need to record quality audio for a narrative production, a recording studio will come in handy. It’s also great for any pre-production and post-production work. We presume you’ll want to have clear audio in your video, without any noises and external sounds that might disturb the show.

Lights. The world of film production lighting relies on a range of fixtures, techniques and effects. And we hate to say this but choosing the correct lighting for a movie is one of the most challenging tasks you’ll face. Apart from standard lighting, some film studios also have portable lamps that will help to ensure the only shades that happen are the deliberate ones.

Costumes and props. It all depends on the type of studio you are about to rent, yet many of them offer basic costumes and props for you to use during your shoot. Costumes are at the core of film and TV drama. They obviously contribute to the look and the story itself but they also help the actors feel more connected to the characters they are playing. The same goes for props. Whether you’re shooting a medical ad or a short video starring two cowboys, you will need basic gear and some film studios will include these things in the rental fee.

Green screen. Having a green screen available for use is a great way to simplify production as it creates flexibility for many filming possibilities. Perhaps you have a fantastic idea for an outside scene, yet there are safety issues? That’s when a green screen comes helpful! It allows for not only minimum risk and maximum control but also a good quality picture.  

What kinds of projects can I bring to life in film studios?

The best videos don’t just come out of nowhere. They are the result of planning, preparation and a great location, a.k.a. a film studio. Here are some examples of the videos you can comfortably shoot in one of NYC’s film studios listed on our platform!

Commercials. If you want to shoot a great commercial, you have to craft a message that will speak to potential customers. So as the first step of your creative process you should carefully think about the answers to these questions: What is the message of my commercial? Who is my desired audience? What do I want my audience to do? Once you have established all of that, you’re ready to write a script and shoot your commercial! The visual aspect is as important as the ideas, but don’t also forget about the audio quality and lighting. Shooting a commercial in a professional film studio will ensure that your video is a masterpiece!

Music videos. Shooting a music video includes pre production work, such as storyboarding and stylistic consultation with the artists about their vision. Before it all becomes a reality, you’ll need a solid concept for the video, a good team and a clear budget. Shooting in a film studio doesn’t have to bring boring results. It all depends on your approach! And let’s be honest, there’s no better way to shoot an intimate acoustic set than in a cozy studio. If you thought that once you’ve shot the video your work has been done, we have some news for you: then it’s time for post-production work. Each music video can become a unique creative project after it’s gone through color correction, editing, graphics, animation and special effects. 

Audition tapes. A self-tape is a pre-recorded video audition that an actor submits to either the casting director or creative team. Many people actually prefer shooting audition tapes rather than going to in-person auditions as they like the lack of pressure and the fact that they can keep recording themselves until they are satisfied with their performance. There are a few key things you should particularly care about when shooting a self-tape. First, it’s the angle. Not everyone has enough space at home to shoot a video where more than just their face is visible. Casting directors like to see not only the face but how the whole body acts when you’re in character. It is also important to have good-quality audio. You want the creative team to hear you, not, for example, the neighbor’s dog or road works. Keep in mind that the self-tape should look good as well. Make sure the image is steady, the background is neutral and your face is well-lit.

FAQs about Film Studios in New York City, NY

How far in advance should I rent a film studio in New York?

It sometimes happens that the studio you need is not booked and you can rent it out for your project last minute. But as a general rule of thumb, it’s better to be prepared and have everything planned weeks in advance. We recommend you rent the film studio of your choice at least 4 to 6 weeks prior to the date.

How much does it cost to rent a film studio in NYC?

Film studios in New York come in all sizes, shapes and with various equipment. The most popular pricing option you will find in the city is rental for a few hours at a time. Hourly rates range from $27 to $450 per hour. For places offering their facilities for a full day, expect prices to vary from $1500 up to $1800 per day. (Based on data from Tagvenue.)

What are some of the best film studios in New York?

Check out our hot picks for film studios in NYC:

• Urban Myth Studio - Located where East Williamsburg meets Brooklyn, the studio provides personalized service, equipment rentals, a custom made cyc wall and a built-in hair and makeup station - so basically everything you’ll need for a fruitful shoot. 
• Contra Studios Manhattan - Boasting an open-plan floor with two sound stages, professional staff, a cyc wall and pro gear, it’s a fantastic place where you’ll be able to shoot a wide variety of productions.
• Lounge Studios - Located in the heart of New York, Lounge Studios offers 7 professional rooms ideal for all kinds of projects. You can be sure that both the image and the audio of your video will be seamless as the studio houses fine recording gear and even finer engineers.

What kind of equipment can I expect in a rented film studio?

While every film studio may have a slightly different offer and include very different equipment as part of their rental package, there are some things that you can expect across the board. For starters, film studios have a range of backdrops available on-site, as well as different lighting gear. You may also expect some props, such as ladders or chairs, and even dedicated stations for a hair and makeup artist (if you happen to work with them).