Film Studios for Rent in Boston, MA

Your Guide to Renting Film Studios in Boston, MA

It might not be Hollywood, but Boston’s film industry can also enable you to bring to life a wide variety of creative ideas. The city offers plenty of great places to capture stunning takes, from shots of the city skyline to snatching the urban vibe. Outside takes are great for natural vibes but if you want to have more control over the whole process, check out film studios located in Boston. You’ll be surprised how your work will look when shot in a well-equipped space. The lightning, the closed space, various backgrounds, and much more will simply improve the quality of your project! Are you still not convinced about renting a film studio instead of filming outside? Let us help you make up your mind with some of our tips listed below! 

Why should I choose a professional film studio?

Organizing a film shoot is no mean feat - we all know that! This is why many creatives prefer a film studio’s convenience to filming on location. Such a choice reduces the time of the shoot as you have control over many aspects. You won’t have to wait for all kinds of permits and constantly change the locations. 

One of the biggest advantages of shooting in a film studio is the cost and how affordable it can be. How so? For starters, you’ll be shooting in one location, so there’ll probably be no additional expenses, such as travel costs, accommodation, catering, etc. What’s more, you’ll only be paying the rental fee and won’t have to pay for the use of a location, for example, private land, as well as road closures or trade disruptions that can’t be avoided with a location shoot. Film studios are especially great if you’re working with a limited budget. The movie might look less realistic at times, but at least you won’t have to make many loans, and you’ll be able to make some profit. 

But that’s not all! With a film studio comes complete control over all elements of the production, from start to finish. For example, you won’t have to worry about bad weather conditions, nosy bystanders, work roads, or a dog barking in the neighborhood. Boston’s weather can get unpleasantly hot, so the possibility of turning the air conditioning on and cooling the room can be a life-saver. 

And, finally: the gear! A film studio is a great place for anyone who is taking their first steps in the industry! Some studios have equipment available on-site that you’ll be able to use for your project. Thanks to that, you’ll have innovative opportunities and will be able to save on gear hire. 

Have we got your attention yet? We hope so! Here are some tips for renting the film studio ideal for your future project!

Guide to finding a film studio

• Set your budget - You can’t get too far without having a clear budget. First things first, calculate how much you’ll be able to spend on the studio rental! And don’t forget to include salaries for everyone working on the production, possible additional charges, and late fees. Once you have a clear idea of all the numbers, start searching for film studios in your price range! To make the task much easier for you, we recommend using Tagvenue’s search filters. After setting the price range, you’ll be able to scroll through only those offers that meet your requirements. We bet that you’ll be making a booking sooner than later!

• Have a plan - If you want to make the most of your filming schedule, you should have everything carefully planned. First things first, make a crew list. Knowing a rough number of people involved will help you establish the size of the space that you should book so that everyone fits and can work freely. We suggest you also think of the essential equipment you’ll need during filming. It’ll allow you to compare various venues as well as check whether the place of your first choice covers all of your requirements. 

• The location - Think of everyone involved in the shoot and try to hunt down a space in a location that can be easily accessed from all parts of the city. And where could that be? A perfect location should be nearby any public transportation stops, major roads, and parking lots. It will guarantee everyone is on time and, therefore, there will be no delays on the schedule. In case you decide to rent a film studio further from the city center, make sure to inform the crew well in advance so that they can arrange the journey.

• Scout the place prior to filming - You might have seen the place in pictures, but we all know that pics can be deceiving, so we suggest you go and see the film studio you’ve rented in person. You will have a better idea of the space, the lightning, and the facilities available on-site. Having a look at the venue for your upcoming project will honestly make the whole experience less stressful since you’ll know what to expect.

FAQs about Film Studios in Boston, MA

How far in advance should I book a film studio in Boston?

The sooner, the better! The best time to secure the film studio is 4 to 6 weeks in advance. It will allow you to compare offers and choose the best option for you! And who knows, if you start early enough, you might even score one of the most popular places at a great price!

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

Rental rates in Boston start at $45 and get up to $200 per hour. Some of the film studios have basic equipment included in the rental price but if you’re not sure what it looks like in the place of your choice, feel free to reach out to the venue manager and ask about all the details. (Based on data from Tagvenue.)

Do you need a permit for filming in Boston?

Yes, you do! You should apply for a filming permit at least 10 days before you start shooting your project. But be patient: you’ll need to get approved by several departments, starting with the Office of Tourism, Sports and Entertainment, who will review your plans and tell you what permits you need to have in order to start filming. For more information, we recommend checking out this page.

Where can I find the best film studios in Boston?

Have a look around Downtown for fantastic film studios ideal for small projects. If you have a look around South Boston and its array of unique spaces where your ideas can come to life. And if you care about fantastic film studios but also great accessibility, you have to check out Back Bay! The area is not only close to Downtown but also filled with spaces of all shapes and sizes, all boasting great ambiance and high-quality equipment.