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Studio Space
I've noticed a whole lot of large scale industrial buildings in my city (Guelph, Ontario, Canada) that are just sitting vacant and up for sale or lease. A while back, this got me thinking about unorthodox uses for those spaces, simply because the industrial uses are a flop for now.
One idea, which may have some merit, was to get an absolutely huge factory and use it as a television and movie studio space.
- The ceilings are high in most of these buildings
- There is often a large overhead crane to move heavy things
- Most of these locations have large doors that open up outside
- There is additional office space
- They are wired for large amounts of power flowing into the building
- The factory floor is often a large flat empty space
- The industrial aspect can be used to create sets and props on site
- Many are large enough to build a full scale house within them
- There could be the possibility of acquiring (renting, leasing, or purchasing) the space for cheap
- Once acquired, the studio could rent or lease studio space to smaller production companies
And a few other reasons I can't remember off the top of my head.
So that being said, what does everyone think of the feasibility of this idea? Good? Bad? Too expensive? Too impractical? What's your say?
Discussion started by Shepp , on 01 July 08:56 AM
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kasarr, I meant factory space as opposed to warehouse space. And a number of factories I've been in and some I've worked in have large cranes integrated into the building. Like the ones you see in clips of shipyards. But I do get where everyone is going with this.
There would be little reason to film in Guelph when Hamilton and Toronto are just a couple hours away. And on top of that, the infrastructure's already established in those cities since they have studios already.
I didn't really intend to pursue this, mainly because I don't personally have a use for studio space (my craft being writing) and the financial and legal obligations would be insane. It was just a grand idea that I didn't know what to do with and felt like sharing.
Initially I had the idea that it would be an excellent place for various MOS projects. But over time I realized that with everyone so spread out, and added to the fact that shopping around for studio space would be cheaper, the whole thing wouldn't be that viable of an investment.
Still, one can always dream.
There would be little reason to film in Guelph when Hamilton and Toronto are just a couple hours away. And on top of that, the infrastructure's already established in those cities since they have studios already.
I didn't really intend to pursue this, mainly because I don't personally have a use for studio space (my craft being writing) and the financial and legal obligations would be insane. It was just a grand idea that I didn't know what to do with and felt like sharing.
Initially I had the idea that it would be an excellent place for various MOS projects. But over time I realized that with everyone so spread out, and added to the fact that shopping around for studio space would be cheaper, the whole thing wouldn't be that viable of an investment.
Still, one can always dream.
Friday, 02 July 2010 16:58
It's a good idea but I personally don't see a need for another studio in a place like Guelph. There are plenty of studios in Toronto which is not that far and already have awesome tax credits in place. I believe, but could be wrong, that Hamilton also has studios. I also think you're mistaken about overhead cranes. They are not common in warehouses and belong to the company that was in the space. Building a studio is expensive. Unless you plan on making this a business for yourself, you need to have ALOT of planning, there are ALOT of logistics that need to be in place before you can even consider trying to attract movies to your location. That's not to say of course that if you or someone you know has a project that requires this kind of space, that you can't lease/rent it out yourselves.
Friday, 02 July 2010 09:12
Almost any large space can be used as a studio as long as you can ensure that you can legally use it as such. In Calgary, warehouses at the Currie Barracks were used for many years for television and feature film production and these buildings were later condemned and demolished. They were by no means ideal for use as soundstages. Buying one of these properties in the hope of subleasing it to a production could be perilous. Any production company would shop around for the least expensive space they could find and if there are a lot of locations available, you would have a lot of competition unless you made your space really attractive by investing in new electrical and overhead rigging that would save a crew time and a production money by choosing your space. But, if you have your own production you want to shoot and you can lease one of these buildings for a good rate you certainly don`t have to leave town to find a 'real' studio.
Friday, 02 July 2010 08:58
Canada seems to OWN the science fiction film industry of late-with the exception of the big studio productions like Avatar which I wasn't really very fond of...
I had an artists co-op in Buffalo one time for a year. Heating bills in those old bad bears can be whoppers.
Insurance costs can be another consideration. But it sound viable as long as there isn't an industrial scale roof to be replaced...;)
I had an artists co-op in Buffalo one time for a year. Heating bills in those old bad bears can be whoppers.
Insurance costs can be another consideration. But it sound viable as long as there isn't an industrial scale roof to be replaced...;)
Thursday, 01 July 2010 15:40
My main idea was to have a number of different productions within the factory space able to film at the same time and split the cost of said factory space. I hadn't considered the acoustics of it actually, but that would pose a problem.
Overall, any productions that required a number of indoor scenes interconnected (like the decks and rooms on various Star Trek series) that had a large footprint could be fabricated and used on site.
But mostly, my vision would have the factory space all set up for filming, and then lease or rent the space for a number of productions. Music videos spring to mind, as they need somewhere to set up, film, and then be gone. Having editing and filming equipment already on site would be a bonus to them, as they could try different things without having to travel back to the location and shoot things again. Also, a number of independent and student films could definitely use the space.
Also, the height of the ceiling could allow for some large scale green screening like for ship externals on actual full scale props. I don't know the logistics of it, but there potentially could also be one of those rain simulator things installed. And maybe water tanks.
thomasxstewart, I hadn't considered these empty factories as artistic studio space, but that is an interesting idea that would work out well. Have a number of artistic ventures split the cost of factory space seems like a workable idea.
Overall, any productions that required a number of indoor scenes interconnected (like the decks and rooms on various Star Trek series) that had a large footprint could be fabricated and used on site.
But mostly, my vision would have the factory space all set up for filming, and then lease or rent the space for a number of productions. Music videos spring to mind, as they need somewhere to set up, film, and then be gone. Having editing and filming equipment already on site would be a bonus to them, as they could try different things without having to travel back to the location and shoot things again. Also, a number of independent and student films could definitely use the space.
Also, the height of the ceiling could allow for some large scale green screening like for ship externals on actual full scale props. I don't know the logistics of it, but there potentially could also be one of those rain simulator things installed. And maybe water tanks.
thomasxstewart, I hadn't considered these empty factories as artistic studio space, but that is an interesting idea that would work out well. Have a number of artistic ventures split the cost of factory space seems like a workable idea.
Thursday, 01 July 2010 11:37
finally Read your email. In Ontario, Big Stuff has come from there. However, Industrial stuff like that is rental or Contract for deed. Think you need old worn out opera house or hotal with theatre. More possible to operate at month to month break even & clean. Hopefully first floor store spaces , always take floor out baement to second floor might be 24" or 120,000 sq feet. Now how'd fill that?
So start with member renters 7develope community, potters need kiln space & good chance insurance is TOP priority. Sculptures & metal fabrication,small resutrant with nice, old pressed metal cieling & make Stained Glass Studio, very popular, goes for little in material & never ending non stop work from local community, as designer item. Looks Nice & well less than crummy painting orprint as artesan thangee'
vondrashek. wheres shepp on FB?
So start with member renters 7develope community, potters need kiln space & good chance insurance is TOP priority. Sculptures & metal fabrication,small resutrant with nice, old pressed metal cieling & make Stained Glass Studio, very popular, goes for little in material & never ending non stop work from local community, as designer item. Looks Nice & well less than crummy painting orprint as artesan thangee'
vondrashek. wheres shepp on FB?
Thursday, 01 July 2010 10:01
In LA So Much BIG Space Is Torn Down. Yet, ASK Building insp for hint on Building that be condemned & warehouse, there are few along san fernando valley rd.
In LA theres So Little large Space. On San Fernando Valley Road there are few abandonded industrial parks. Maybe ask buildinng inspector about warehouse aboutto be condemned & use it for summer. New Home Owners & condo Owners might get some credible time,before bank puts STOP on project.
OR, How about Marin County. In Hedlands National Park has few Large OLD gymnasiums, ready to open door & in sausalito in pier, FEW Federal Warehouse Hangers empty. Best is apartment or new homes owners, as huge space IS very expensive to fill & dirty. set up scene from your storyboard, then do BIG Stuff latter, might nOT Need that BIG Stuff, Just models & blue screen, yet ownership is tough. Also, any old milatary base have bunch of stuff. Often if apts above warehouse are condemned, warehouse spaces are still open. Low Cost Start Up. Bought for SONG.
Mike Magee Says HI. vondrashek
vondrashek
In LA theres So Little large Space. On San Fernando Valley Road there are few abandonded industrial parks. Maybe ask buildinng inspector about warehouse aboutto be condemned & use it for summer. New Home Owners & condo Owners might get some credible time,before bank puts STOP on project.
OR, How about Marin County. In Hedlands National Park has few Large OLD gymnasiums, ready to open door & in sausalito in pier, FEW Federal Warehouse Hangers empty. Best is apartment or new homes owners, as huge space IS very expensive to fill & dirty. set up scene from your storyboard, then do BIG Stuff latter, might nOT Need that BIG Stuff, Just models & blue screen, yet ownership is tough. Also, any old milatary base have bunch of stuff. Often if apts above warehouse are condemned, warehouse spaces are still open. Low Cost Start Up. Bought for SONG.
Mike Magee Says HI. vondrashek
vondrashek
Thursday, 01 July 2010 09:48
I don't know very much about how one would go about converting a space like that, but one immediate concern would be the acoustics. Those industrial buildings tend to be really bright, and it may cost a lot to get the sound quality to where it would have to be.
Thursday, 01 July 2010 09:12