Film Studios: What They Do, and How to Choose One For Your Production
When you hear the term “film studio” your brain might think of the latest movies coming out of Hollywood. While the films shown at your local cinema come under the description of a major movie film studio, there are plenty of other types, such as ad film studios, creating content for advertisements, commercials, testimonials, and more.
There are studios for virtually any type of visual content you can imagine, so what is their role, and how do you choose one to work with?
What is a Film Studio?
The film studio isn’t just a term for a physical film shooting studio anymore. It used to usually refer mainly to an actual physical studio, where props and backdrops would be set up, and movies shot, sometimes in their entirety.
Now, studio film production can take place on location, and people may refer to any company making films, movies, and videos, as a “film studio”. In most contexts, the term simply means a media company creating studio film productions.
Of course, physical film studios still exist, and film studio design is a massive industry involving many of the brightest minds in design creating stunning backgrounds and using green screen effects and other clever VFX.
The role of a film studio is not just somewhere physical where people go to shoot a film It oen encompasses a full media company with a film industry office, and services such as strategy and pre-production, filming, and studio film editing.
When you employ the services of a great film studio with a high-quality talent team, you should ensure that you find a company that can work with you through every step of your production. This is true regardless of any physical studio they may or may not own or use.
The “studio” means so much more than just a location, it is the company that brings your vision to life.
Choosing a Film Studio For You
Choosing a film studio in Saudi Arabia means doing a little research and digging. You want to work with a company that understands your needs.
How do you choose the ideal studio to work with? The following considerations should come into your vetting process.
Showreel and Portfolio
A reputable and quality film studio should be able to share its portfolio with you so that you can see the work they have already completed. This can give you an idea of their style, professionalism, and the sort of thing they are capable of when it comes to shooting and editing videos.
Physical Location
Do you need a physical studio in which to shoot, or even a studio to help you with location scouting? Think about where the film will be made, and this may inform the decision of which company you work with. You may need a facility with green screen capabilities, or a motion capture studio, for instance.
Full-Scale Production
You will want to work with a company that can handle everything, from the start of the project, right through to signing off on a completed job well done.
In this industry, things tend to flow best when you are using a proven, tried-and-tested method. Companies that have to outsource their editing and VFX or other aspects of the process tend to have delays and difficulties along the way.
A company that has a skilled production team, able to assist with every step of your project, is recommended.
Industry Specialisms
Many studios will specialize in one specific area of production. Even a small film studio may be a good fit if you are looking for something specialist. For instance, some studios may focus on a certain industry or type of event, such as filming music events or sports.
If you have specific and unique needs when it comes to your film, be sure to discuss these with any potential studio collaborators and ensure that they are up to the task.
Communication and Idea-Sharing
Sometimes you need to have a conversation to see if the ideas start to flow, and everything clicks into place. Find a studio that is happy to start out with a creative consultation, and bounce ideas back and forth.
Most people commissioning a movie or studio production want to be involved with the ideas and communicate their vision, but allow the professionals to handle the details behind bringing this vision into reality. It starts with a conversation.
The Bottom Line
Choosing a film studio means ensuring they have the technical capabilities as well as the skills and passion to carry out your project.
At Insight Studios, we meticulously oversee every part of the production process. We’re always ready to strategize, mobilize, and build the visual content you didn’t even know was possible.
Ready to start the process?