Finding a studio for a brand shoot usually means searching Instagram and Google, then messaging each studio for the same details: availability, rate, equipment, access. This guide gives you a process that shortens that, starting with a one-page brief. For a wider overview, see how to find the right studio for your shoot.
Why does finding a studio take so long?
- Information is scattered across social profiles, websites and chats, and it is rarely complete.
- The same questions get repeated with every studio: dates, hours, rate, equipment, parking, power and load-in.
- Photos show how a space looks, not whether it works for your shoot, such as ceiling height, lift access or power capacity.
- Terms such as overtime, deposit and cancellation are often agreed late, after you have already chosen.
What should a studio brief include?
Write the brief once and send the same one to every studio. It makes quotes comparable and avoids back-and-forth.
- Shoot type and output: stills, video or both, and the number of looks or setups.
- Dates and flexibility, and the hours you need including setup and pack-up.
- Crew and talent headcount, including clients on set.
- Budget range for the studio.
- Preferred area and how far the team can travel.
- Set needs: cyclorama or white wall, coloured backdrops, daylight or blackout, ceiling height, props.
- Equipment: lights, stands and grip, and what you will bring yourself.
- Access: floor, lift, loading, parking, power backup, changing room and washrooms.
- Anything unusual: food, pets, smoke, water, messy or large builds.
How do you shortlist studios?
- Filter by city, shoot type and size so you only look at spaces that can physically work.
- Check what each listing confirms and what it does not. Treat anything unstated as a question.
- Shortlist three to five studios rather than comparing everything.
- Send the same brief to each and compare answers side by side.
- For larger shoots, visit or ask for a walkthrough video of the actual space.
- Choose on fit and total cost, not on the best photo.
What should you confirm in writing before booking?
- Date, start and end time, and whether setup and pack-up are inside the booked hours.
- Rate, overtime charges and what is included, such as lights and a studio assistant.
- Security deposit and when it is returned (see studio security deposits).
- Cancellation and rescheduling terms (see studio cancellation policies).
- Whether GST is charged and a GST invoice is issued (see GST on studio rental).
- House rules, such as noise limits, food, set builds and the number of people allowed. Studio rental rules covers the usual ones.
How early should you book?
As soon as your dates are fixed. Weekend and prime weekday slots go first, so flexibility on dates gives you more options. If the date is uncertain, ask the studio about holding terms before you pay.
Is a site visit necessary?
For a large production, a complex set or an important client, yes. For a simple shoot, a live or recorded walkthrough usually covers it. Either way, check the access route, power points and the actual working area, not just the hero shot.
How does ContCave fit into this?
On ContCave you can filter studios by city, shoot type, set features and equipment, and see price, hours and what is included on each listing. Verified studios can be booked online. Curated studios are enquiry-based, and the studio confirms availability and terms with you directly. The difference is explained in Verified vs Curated. A listing is a starting point, so confirm the details in your brief with the studio before you pay. If you plan several shoots, it also helps to know why brands are putting more budget into content shoots. When you are ready, browse studios on ContCave.
