In-Studio vs. On-Location: Which Is Better for Your Business Video?
February 25, 2022
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By Motion Source

You're ready to shoot a business video, but you're not sure if you should shoot it in-studio or on-location. Check out our latest blog for more information on these options to help you decide.

93% of marketers consider the business video a vital part of their marketing strategy. As more and more consumers watch videos, businesses without video marketing or those with sub-par video marketing will see their bottom-line begin to dwindle.

If you're one of the many business owners considering a new or improved business video to promote your product or service, you are going to need to make some decisions. The best location for the shoot is one fo those.

In-Studio

As it sounds, in-studio refers to production that occurs within a studio environment. Production studios exist in many locations and range in size and price. Within Chicago and the Chicagoland area alone, there are dozens of spaces to choose from. Professional studios have a lot to offer your project in terms of quality and creativity.

Considerations for Shooting In-Studio

1. Scheduling a shoot may actually be easier at a studio location. Most studios have multiple open slots that you can plan to use for an allotted time. While getting your people to a location may involve more coordination on your end, a studio is a dedicated location to host your video.

2. Many amenities are included in your rental. For one, most will be home to the equipment needed for your shoot. A studio shoot allows for gear to be at the crew’s fingertips and not packed up and lugged to a separate location. Many times, a studio location will have green screens, props, furniture, and lighting available for use.

3. Control over the environment is definitely a plus when shooting at a studio. You can select and change the set design based on your needs. Whether you need to paint a set or alter a prop to show your logo, the studio gives you the most creative control over your shoot. A studio may be a blank slate, which is perfect for getting creative, but set builds and design will likely increase the budget.

4. Distractions are minimized due to the closed nature of a studio. Working offices, facilities, etc. are prone to hectic day-to-day work schedules and noise that a production crew would need to work around.

On-Location

On-location shooting refers to production that occurs within a real-world setting, not located within a studio. These types of locations could be anything from your own office, facility, factory, etc. or your client’s location to a rented or permitted location, like a house, a public area, etc.

Almost all on-location options will require some amount of negotiation over when and for how long you can use the space to film. If you have ownership of the space, that certainly makes these logistics easier.

Considerations for Shooting On-Location

1. While scheduling one location is easier than scheduling multiple, it may be more convenient for a production crew to go to a client’s location. If all the people needed for the shoot will all be at the location (office, facility, etc)., the crew can meet there, and accommodate their schedules, instead of having those employees travel to a studio location.

2. On-location shoots offer a built-in backdrop. These locations, typically being working spaces, are equipped with all the furniture and props that otherwise would need to be built or sourced for a studio shoot. While you typically have less control over these types of environments and the overall look of the space, shooting on-location can be a more cost-affective solution in many cases.

3. On-location shoots hold a lot of authenticities that you cannot always replicate in a studio. Shooting within a real-world space offers a lot of built-in production value and personality.

4. While distractions may be limited during a studio shoot, an on-location shoot offers the opportunity to capture some of the day-to-day work, if that is necessary for the project. Capturing b-roll within a working office, facility, or factory typically cannot be replicated in a studio and this type of footage would necessitate being on-location.

How to Choose Between the Two

Both in-studio and on-location offer a lot for your project. You will need to consider your budget, your video’s message and goal the audience, and the aesthetic of the video.

If you have a smaller budget, on-location shooting may be the best option for you. If your needs demand an in-studio shoot, but the budget is tight, look to cut costs elsewhere. 

If your shoot will need a lot of equipment or you have a specific look in mind, you should consider production at a studio that can accommodate this type of creative flexibility.

Finally, think about what your audience will respond to. Look at your demographics or do some research before making this decision to see what they value.

Shoot Your Business Video Now

Motion Source offers both in-studio and on-location production and is ready to take your vision off paper and bring it to life on camera. Creating your business video should be a smooth process. Questions like “What is the best location for my video?” may come up, and a professional production company should be able to talk through options with you.

Our team of passionate creatives has the expertise and experience to create stunning visuals with captivating stories that will help your bottom line. Contact us today to step up your digital marketing game.