Small Is Beautiful...

While conventional wisdom might dictate that smaller businesses struggle in times of economic certainty, it can actually be a chance for prudent, independent studios to capitalise on bigger broadcasters that are working to a budget - writes Sam Parkinson, Studio Manager, Camberwell Studios.
From soldiers dying gruesome deaths on green screen to VFX elements of big budget feature films to low-budget music videos, Camberwell Studios serves productions across the board.
As a studio, we are starting to see more and more of these feature film bookings come through the door where big budget clients are looking into outsourcing parts of their shoots. The industry is becoming more personal and local. Behemoths such as Pinewood and Elstree occasionally offer their spaces at a lower rate for smaller low-budget features, but it’s the smaller studios that are feeling the benefit of outsourced 2nd and 3rd unit shoots, pick up shots, test shoots and rehearsal space.
You are more likely to find productions that are looking for a lot more flexibility and resourcefulness now. A variety of different and challenging economic factors are forcing big companies like the BBC to outsource their shoots. With overall spending decreasing, but the demand for quick turnarounds for online digital, corporate and viral content increasing, the need for multitasking production individuals and facilities has never felt greater.
Production managers and assistants have less time and resources to hunt for the best bargains in props, kit, crew and special effects elements and are looking for in-depth, local knowledge to offer flexibility, options and better value for money.
Smaller studios have had to start collecting this essential supplier information to offer more to demanding clients in a very competitive marketplace. Those who can can offer a whole package - the kit, the crew, the pre-production consultation, the on-set assistance, the after-sales care - are found to be coming out on top of those just offering the space alone.
We have just acquired a new 3,500 sq ft space and we have found that it can be used for various, non-film and TV production types of events. These could be seminars, gallery space, auditoriums and much more. These extra opportunities to release more capitol came about when researching the field and networking with the above mentioned 3rd party suppliers. These groups and businesses were able to share experiences and offer a wider scope of what was possible when you have large spaces in the centre of London. The summary, amidst all the possibilities, is to branch out, multi-task, try something new, ask questions and take some risks as you are never sure what may come of it.
Read the article in the online edition of Regional Film & Video here.
(IT/CD)