About Manchester
Manchester is a vibrant and diverse city nestled in the North West of England. It’s known as the home of one of the most successful football teams, Manchester United. But also, it has become famous for its creative scene with an eclectic nightlife to match. Luxury stores line the streets, while cultural landmarks give it a unique edge. The weather can change suddenly, so visitors should bring layers just in case!
The city is now becoming well-known as a great production hub due to its low cost of living and easy access to Europe's largest airports. It has dozens of sound stages and post-production facilities that can be used for filming and audio needs. Plus, Manchester has a wide range of locations, including industrial buildings, forests, and beaches—all within easy reach! Therefore, it is suitable for creating exciting visuals with a variety of backdrops.
There are also lots of experienced professionals on hand, such as directors, producers, and editors, available to hire locally in Manchester, making it the ideal choice for productions both big and small.
Production Space Options in Manchester
- Production Companies
There are many production companies in Manchester offering a variety of services ranging from film and video production to TV commercials. These production companies are highly experienced and knowledgeable about the local market, allowing them to best manage the specific challenges of filming or producing in the city. They also have access to a large network of resources, including venues, locations, and crew, making it easier for productions to get off the ground quickly.
- Lighting Equipment Rentals
Manchester is home to many lighting equipment rental companies that offer a variety of options for filmmakers or production teams. These companies provide everything from grip trucks and generators to cameras and lights. With years of experience in this field, they are familiar with all the peculiarities involved in managing lighting setups for productions in various venues around the city. As such, they can help ensure that productions have access to the right equipment as well as provide advice on how best to use it.
- Set Designers
Manchester has numerous talented set designers who can create sets that not only look great but also accommodate any technical requirements needed for filming or shooting. These designers have an extensive understanding of what is possible and know how to utilise space efficiently while also maintaining aesthetics. Furthermore, they’re familiar with the peculiarities of working in production spaces around Manchester and can handle any unexpected changes easily.
Production Space Vendors in Manchester
- Viva La Zoom
Viva La Zoom has been producing high-quality videos for a diverse range of organisations since 2010. With a focus on creating impactful corporate videos, they use filmed footage, motion graphics, and 2D and 3D animation to bring their clients' messages to life. From pre-production to the finished film, Viva La Zoom manages every aspect of the video project and works closely with its clients to choose the most effective delivery method.
- USR Sound And Lighting
Founded in 2019 by Uri and Shmuli Rothstein, USR Sound And Lighting provides top-notch audio and visual effects for events. Their skilled, sound engineers provide exceptional services catered to event planners, bands, and corporate event organisers. And when it comes to lighting, their professional lighting services can transform any venue into an impressive and unforgettable setting that will leave your guests awestruck. With USR Sound and Lighting, your event will be brought to life with the remarkable staging and lighting that they provide.
- Media Dog Camera Hire
The Media Dog is the trusted go-to for cameras, lighting, DIT, and sound equipment for TV, film, commercial, and drama productions all over the UK. Top names in the industry, such as Amazon and the BBC, rely on their rigorously tested gear supplied by the knowledgeable and experienced Media Dog team. With offices in Glasgow, Birmingham, and Manchester, they can cater to your needs for any production. Their mission is to make sure that you can focus on your production while they provide the latest and greatest equipment at the best possible price.
Pros and Cons of Production Spaces in Manchester
Renting spaces for organising productions has become an increasingly popular way for filmmakers and actors to access the resources they need. Below are some pros and cons to consider when looking for production spaces in Manchester:
Advantages
- Cost-effective: It is often significantly cheaper to rent a production space than to build or buy a new facility. This makes it easier for smaller production companies to get started in the film industry without having to invest huge amounts of capital upfront.
- Convenient: Production spaces are usually located close to major cities so that cast, crew, and equipment can quickly be transported to the site when needed. This eliminates costly travel time and helps keep the cost of production low.
- Stress-free: Renting a facility eliminates the hassle of having to worry about construction costs, zoning regulations, and other issues associated with building or buying a building.
- Accessibility: Many facilities have full technical support, so filmmakers can easily access any materials they need for their productions without having to purchase them themselves.
- Variety: Manchester has many different locations available that filmmakers can choose from depending on their needs; there are urban areas as well as countryside scenes available, offering great options when scouting locations for films or TV series.
- Tax incentives: The UK government offers tax credits for productions filmed in Manchester, which significantly reduces the overall cost of filming projects taking place there.
Disadvantages
- Restrictions: While some rental facilities may offer more flexibility than others, most places will have restrictions on how long you can use their space or what activities you can perform in it. This could limit your creativity and make it difficult to realise certain artistic visions or ideas in your project.
- Limited space: Rental spaces often come with limited space, which may not be enough for certain types of projects that require large sets or lots of equipment. This could lead to additional costs if an additional location is rented out to accommodate larger projects.
- No ownership/control: When you rent out a space from someone else, all decisions are ultimately made by them, which means you don’t have full control over your project’s outcome and timeline.
- Weather: The weather in Manchester is known to be unpredictable, which could complicate outdoor shooting schedules or cause delays due to rain.
- Competition: With many big-budget productions taking place throughout England, competition for getting booked with potential clients may be higher compared to other parts of England where there is less competition.
Tips on How to Organise Productions in Manchester
Manchester is a fantastic city to arrange productions, but there are many things to consider when doing so. Here are some tips that you should keep in mind if you want your film, video, or TV show to be successful:
- Research the local scene: Do your homework and understand the demographics and cultural nuances of the city. Knowing what kind of audience you’re likely to bring in will help you set realistic expectations.
- Utilise local resources: From finding the right venue and accommodations to hiring locals for crew members, leveraging all that Manchester has to offer can save time and money.
- Reach out for help: Manchester is full of talented people who are eager to lend a hand or provide advice when needed. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for assistance when it’s needed.
- Take advantage of tax incentives: Depending on where your production is located, there may be tax breaks or other incentives available that could save you money down the line. Make sure that you do your research and take advantage of these opportunities where possible.
- Network with industry professionals: Networking with other professionals in the industry will give you access to valuable contacts and insights into how things work in Manchester. Taking advantage of this can make your life much easier when it comes time to put on the show!
Famous Locations in Manchester
- Sackville Gardens
Sackville Gardens in Manchester, England, is a beautiful public space that boasts a rich history. Originally named Whitworth Gardens, the land was acquired by Manchester Corporation in 1900 and was designed to complement the Municipal College of Technology's Sackville Street Building. The garden provides a peaceful refuge for visitors, with colourful flower beds and lush lawns perfect for picnicking and taking a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. It is also a popular venue for various events and serves as the meeting point for the Free Manchester Walking Tours each day.
- Elizabeth Gaskell’s House
Have you ever heard of Elizabeth Gaskell’s House? If not, you’re not alone. However, it’s time to take notice of this impressive Victorian property and the woman behind it. Elizabeth Gaskell was a prolific writer whose works paint a vivid picture of Victorian society across all social classes. Her novels have even made it to the small screen with adaptations like Cranford, North and South, and Wives and Daughters. The house itself has been lovingly restored and is now open to the public thanks to the Manchester Historic Buildings Trust. It’s a hidden gem that’s not to be missed.
- Imperial War Museum North
At the heart of Manchester, on the banks of the ship canal, stands the Imperial War Museum North, a celebrated architectural marvel designed by Daniel Libeskind. The building, with its aluminium exterior and sloping interiors, is a deliberate attack on the senses that amplifies the experience for visitors. The permanent display is a fascinating timeline that takes you on a journey through history from 1914 to the present day, punctuated by themed bunkers and highlights that shock and emphasise certain points. At intervals, a projector show brings the walls to life, making it a truly unforgettable experience.
