Did you know that the annual Atlanta Film Festival is an ideal opportunity for budding directors and creatives to be recognized? This should not be a surprise since the capital of Georgia boasts numerous state-of-the-art studio facilities that can be highly beneficial for producing high-quality movies or videos. So, when the sound stages of the Peach State become your personal working space, you can be certain to make it to Hollywood in no time. From the largest studios with more than 500 square feet of floor space to smaller, cozier spaces, you can find the best studio facilities in no time with Tagvenue’s help.
If you have the latest gear and a professional crew, you might be considering whether or not it’s worth renting a studio space for your next project. One of the key reasons for renting a sound studio is the quality of sound during the production process. Sound can make or break your production, particularly if you’re shooting a high-quality video. The good news is that sound stages don't have to cost a fortune and you can benefit from different price points in ATL since this area is rather more affordable than other cities. Moreover, sound stages can be rented for half a day or a full day depending on your requirements, and you’ll also probably be assisted by the on-site staff to help you set up your working space.
Feature the best acoustics
Sound stages are soundproof rooms that are larger than regular studios. These spaces are equipped with large doors and high ceilings. In terms of structure, you might think of a sound stage as a warehouse with the best equipment to drastically improve your work. Whether you’re planning a short theatrical film or starting some new soap opera, these spaces are excellent for production sound, meaning recording images with sound. By renting such a space, you won’t have to worry about dubbing or ADR, which many viewers despise, particularly when it comes to series or filmmaking. For instance, if you have a big idea in mind and wish to collaborate with big names like Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon, you need to ensure that the production quality is impeccable!
Built with production in mind
Sound stages were specifically built for film production. If you’re running out of ideas on where to shoot next, sound stages make it easy for you to shape the space however you like. This means adding props, cars, furniture, backdrops, or using the screens you need to create the perfect backdrop for your television or commercial production. While it's always fantastic to film on location for the most realistic scenery, it can be quite a hustle to deal with the organization. Filming on location requires you to get the whole crew to the location along with all the necessary equipment, and if the weather is not on your side, you might waste a whole shoot day! Quite a downer, right? Sound studios are a lot more convenient when it comes to planning and organizing a shoot. These stages can also provide the right gears and additional systems according to your project needs. With most sound stages being licensed, you won’t even have to worry about obtaining permits like you would when shooting on location.
What are the factors to consider when selecting a sound stage?
You might be thinking that you can simply hire a warehouse or a silent stage to save some money, but you will have to deal with a lot of post-production editing afterward. Even the quietest spots are susceptible to outside commotion, while sound stages have the right technology, amount of space, and trailblazing acoustics to perfect your finished product. Here are some other advantages of renting such a venue other than the sound quality:
Spacious and extra rooms
Working at a photo studio or on-location can be an interesting experience however, it also requires you to manage everything from the production to the makeup. This often means you’ll either have to rent some additional space for your crew to work or deal with a chaotic situation where everyone is trying to work within a limited space. In contrast to these spaces, sound stages have adjoining rooms for storage, make-up, hair styling, dressing up, and everything in between. So, you don’t have to worry about your crew being frustrated and having a hard time concentrating. With abundant space at your disposal, it will be much easier to make the most of your shoot day! Moreover, you won’t have to worry about being weather-beaten!
Highly customizable
On a sound stage, the lights and cameras can be placed as you desire, Making it easier to achieve the preferred lighting. Planning a catwalk? You can use the metal frameworks available on-site to set the lights for any desired effect. Want to create the right ambiance for that spaceship to land or simply create a theatrical atmosphere? Thanks to their flexibility and customization options, you can suspend the lights or fix them however you like, making it easy for cinematographers to achieve that flawless lighting for every scene.
Achieve special effects when filming
Sound stages also offer the latest technology for post-production, meaning that you can make use of editing software to render previsualization effects in real-time when shooting. Sensors make it easy to detect the positions of all actors and add the desired effects within the frame. So it’s a lot easier for filmmakers to visualize the end product with digital effects or surfaces included. The creative process can therefore be enhanced according to production requirements, so the effects can be finalized during the production stage instead of waiting for the post-production phase.
While it’s not a prerequisite to renting a studio, it’s best to get insured to cover possible damage and liability. Production insurance can be on the pricier side, so it’s better to check for recommendations with the chosen venue to benefit from cheaper liability policies.
This might not be universally applicable since studios vary from one another. Usually, you’ll be provided with an array of technical equipment such as green or blue screens, additional cameras, and lights. However, most of the additional gear will probably come at an additional cost. So make sure to consult the venue manager on the availability of the equipment that you may need before making the reservation.
Rental time starts when you arrive on-site and you leave. Extra hours are typically charged in 15-minute increments. It’s best to arrive earlier in order not to bear additional costs. If you think you might run late, it’s best to book the spot for a supplementary hour.
The size of sound stages varies largely. While most of these spaces can accommodate any project size, if you’re planning to bring a car in, you might need a larger spot. Sound stages start around 80 ft x 125 ft x 35 ft and reach upwards to 450 ft 150 ft x 30 ft in size. (This is just an approximation.) Always check the venue description to see if the space can accommodate your production capacity.
Midtown, Buckhead, and East Atlanta are famous for their upbeat neighborhoods and excellent sound stages. These are also some of the top places for eating out after a hard day of production. Looking for calmer locations? Consider renting a venue in Lindbergh, Chosewood Park, or Edgewood. These spots are not only ideal for quiet shoot days but also for on-site filming amid the great pines and oaks.