About Bristol
Bristol is charming, historic and full of character. It’s well-known for its picturesque harbour, lively nightlife and rich cultural heritage. There's plenty to do in this vibrant city, from visiting the many museums and historical sites to enjoying the bustling nightlife.
In recent years, Bristol has become a popular destination for artists and musicians, and the city's thriving arts scene has made it one of the most exciting places in the UK. There are galleries and artists' studios everywhere you look, plus a huge range of music venues, theatre performances and events happening all the time.
From the music scene to the street art, there is an abundance of production spaces that allow people to be their authentic selves. So whether you're looking for a small studio space to record music or a large warehouse space to film a movie, there's bound to be something that suits your needs.
Production Space Options in Bristol
Production needs can be as different and unique as the people who are working on them. You’ll be pleased to know there's plenty of help available in Bristol!
- Equipment Hire
Whether or not you should hire equipment for your production depends on a number of factors, including the size and scope of the production, your budget and the availability of equipment. If you're working on a small-scale production, it may make more sense to rent or borrow equipment instead of purchasing it outright. This will save you money in the long run and allow you to return the equipment after the production is complete.
- Caterers
Caterers have the experience and expertise to handle all of the food-related details for your production, from planning the menu to preparing and serving the food to your crew. This can take a lot of stress off of you and your team, allowing you to focus on other aspects of the show.
- Decor and Florists
Professional decor and florists can help to set the scene and create the perfect ambiance. They can also add visual interest and drama to your production. Good decor and florists will be able to work with your budget and make sure that you get the most out of your investment. They can also help with things like logistics and coordination, which can be a huge help during a busy production.
- Transportation
If you're filming in a remote location, or if you have a lot of equipment that needs to be transported, having your own transportation can make things so much easier. You'll be able to travel more quickly and easily between locations, which will save you time and money. Having a dedicated driver and vehicle can take the pressure off of trying to get everyone to the set on time, and it can also help to ensure that everyone arrives safely and soundly.
Production Space Companies in Bristol
- Full Flavour Events
This Bristol-based catering company uses locally sourced produce to keep your production crew’s energy levels up. They serve delicious food when you need it and can cater to large numbers of workers in a short span of time with the flexibility to suit your busy production schedule.
- Bristol Television and Film Services
With a high-quality fleet of 150+ vehicles, competitive rates and specialised personnel, BTFS is one of the best production support services in the UK. The company has been working within this industry for over 30 years providing top-notch service to their clients. They have a wide range of location support vehicles, including dining trailers and buses, generators, support units and camera trucks, to name a few.
- Floating Harbour Studios
The team at Floating Harbour will take care of all your production needs. From lights and cameras to portable backdrops, they have a large selection of film and video production equipment for hire. They can also help you with the specialist equipment on the day so that everything can run smoothly and efficiently!
Pros and Cons of Production Spaces in Bristol
Advantages
- Excellent location
Bristol is conveniently located in the southwest of England, so it’s easy to get to and from London and the other major UK cities for your production needs.
- A wealth of talent and resources
Bristol is home to a number of world-class production facilities and studios. It also has a strong film and TV industry infrastructure, so you should be able to find the necessary crew and resources for your production relatively easily.
- Wide range of production spaces
The city offers a great deal of history and character—perfect for productions that are set in a specific time period or place. Additionally, the city is located near some stunning countryside, making it ideal for location shooting.
Disadvantages
- Expensive
Due to the high demand for its shooting locations, Bristol can be quite expensive, particularly if you are looking to stage your work in one of the more prestigious venues such as the Bristol Old Vic.
- Limited accommodation options
Bristol is a popular tourist destination and the accommodation options are often limited. It can be difficult to find a place that’s affordable and suitable for your crew so we suggest you budget and plan carefully.
- Bad weather
If you’re heading to Bristol for your project, be prepared for some bad weather. England's unpredictable weather can be a major challenge during your production.
Famous Production Spaces in Bristol
- The Centre for Film and Television Production
This well-equipped production space is used for film and television productions. It has a TV studio, sound stage and post-production facilities. It’s versatile and spacious, making it perfect for any type of production.
- M Shed
This museum is located on the waterfront and has a wide range of unique spaces; from their Events Suite to their studios, there are plenty of possibilities here. So whatever type of production you’re working on, you should be able to find a suitable space here.
- Bristol Old Vic
Founded over 250 years ago, this theatre is full of character and has been used as a filming location for many period dramas. It’s also a great place to find classes and workshops in theatre production. They offer classes for people of all ages, from summer camps to adult-only workshops.