About Vancouver
Vancouver, the coastal seaport city in British Columbia, Canada, is one of the most naturally beautiful cities in North America. Located between the Coast Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Vancouver offers stunning ocean views and lush forests to explore year-round. It’s also home to some of North America’s top media production studios—both independent and corporate—that have been instrumental in creating blockbuster films such as Deadpool 2 and Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol.
Vancouver has become one of the most sought-after destinations for content creators due to its versatile scenery, affordable cost of living, and endless production capabilities. The abundance of studio spaces available for hire contributes to this thriving industry; from large sound stages to industrial warehouses and purpose-built facilities, countless locations throughout Vancouver can accommodate any production need. Additionally, Vancouver boasts an array of public parks, gardens, and waterfront paths—perfect for outdoor shoots!
As a hub for creativity and artistry, it’s no wonder why so many filmmakers flock to Vancouver for their projects. With its diverse landscape and ever-growing list of studios available for hire, there’s something here for everyone looking to create content in this Canadian west coast hotspot.
Empty Studio Options in Vancouver
- Cameras and Lighting
When shooting in an empty studio, it is important to have the right cameras and lighting to capture your desired visuals. The types of cameras you can use range from DSLR to professional filmmaking cameras such as ARRI Alexa and RED Raven. Lighting is key for any successful shoot, so having softboxes and light stands with adjustable intensity will help create the perfect atmosphere.
- On-Set Assistance
Once all of the equipment is in place, having help on set can make or break a production. On-set assistance typically includes personnel with technical expertise such as cinematographers and gaffers who can quickly and efficiently set up, fine-tune, and troubleshoot any technical issues that may arise during a shoot. Having experienced staff onsite can also ensure that the production runs smoothly and efficiently while staying within its designated timeline.
- Post-Production Services
Once you’ve completed your shoot, you will need post-production services to help finalize your work. Post-production services often include access to high-quality software applications such as Adobe Creative Cloud as well as more specialized tools like Autodesk 3DS Max or DaVinci Resolve for color correction and grading. In addition to these services, many post-production providers also offer motion graphic design services for title sequences or animated logos for added visual appeal.
Empty Studio Vendors in Vancouver
- Kerrisdale Cameras
Kerrisdale Cameras has been serving the Greater Vancouver and Victoria area for over 60 years. As Western Canada’s premier camera store, Kerrisdale Cameras offers a wide selection of new and used cameras alongside photo-related services such as passport photos and film processing. Customers have access to over 30 major brands like Nikon, Canon, Sony, Fujifilm, Olympus, and more. As one of Vancouver’s oldest camera stores, consistently providing first-rate service plus trade-in options for both hobbyists and professional photographers alike at competitive prices makes Kerrisdale Cameras a reliable source for photography equipment and supplies.
- Rheanna Toy Video (See Together Media)
Rheanna Toy Video, formerly See Together Media, founded by the talented videographer Rheanna, provides the ultimate video production experience to businesses and individuals seeking to tell their stories in a meaningful way. With over six years of freelance experience and more than 200 diverse video creations under her belt, such as documentary films and music videos, Rheanna is committed to bringing projects to life. Along with brand and marketing videos, her collaborative team offers services ranging from video and podcast editing to social media video creation and photography. For larger productions, they are supplemented by an extensive network of creative professionals.
- Sacha Vanhecke
With an impressive 10 years of experience in the content creation industry under his belt, Sacha Vanhecke stands out as a premium filmmaker and videographer. He combines a vast knowledge of cinema-grade equipment with multilingual capabilities—Sacha speaks both English and French fluently. Initially setting off in 2012 as an event photographer, he eventually found himself in Quebec where he perfected his skills as a professional video producer. Vancouver, where he has resided since 2018, gave him a chance to focus exclusively on producing affordable videos with impeccable quality.
Pros and Cons of Empty Studio Spaces in Vancouver
When you need an empty studio space to make your film and television production ideas a reality, Vancouver offers plenty of options. Yet, before you commit to one you must weigh the pros and cons carefully for optimal success! To get the most out of renting an empty studio in Vancouver, be sure to evaluate all advantages and disadvantages outlined below.
Advantages
- Empty studios provide a blank canvas that can be transformed into whatever you need it to be. There is no limit to what you can create in your own space and it allows you to be as creative as you want without relying on pre-existing sets or props that other venues may offer.
- Booking an empty studio is often cheaper than renting out a larger, pre-built space since you are only paying for the space itself and not any additional amenities or staff.
- With an empty studio, the filmmaker has complete control over the lighting and temperature conditions which they may not otherwise have with other locations. This allows them to better replicate certain conditions which may be necessary for their film or photography project.
Disadvantages
- It can take time to set up an empty studio depending on what amenities or equipment are needed for production. This requires additional planning and resources that may not have been factored into the budget when initially booking the studio.
- Empty studios lack any pre-existing props or sets so filmmakers must bring their own if needed for their project which adds extra time for setup and the cost associated with acquiring them.
- Most empty studios still require some sort of secure access to keep people from wandering in while filming takes place and this also adds additional costs in terms of security personnel or technology solutions such as video surveillance systems.
Tips on How to Organize Empty Studio Spaces for Productions in Vancouver
Having an organized studio space in Vancouver is essential for a successful production session. With careful planning and preparation, you can create the ultimate environment for creativity and productivity. Here are some tips on how to get your empty studio space ready to go!
- Gather all the necessary equipment needed for the production session. This includes audio and video recording, lighting, and any props or materials needed. Make sure you have enough of each item so there won’t be any issues during the session.
- Map out and plan the layout of the studio space by measuring its dimensions and plotting where you want everything to go. This will help ensure that everything is placed correctly and all areas are used efficiently.
- If possible, it is best to secure two or more sets of tables, chairs, and other furniture items depending on the size of your crew. You may also need stands or racks for instruments or props if they will be present during the production session.
- If you are shooting a video, pay close attention to what kind of background is available in your studio space as this can be a major factor in creating a visually pleasing result. Consider using a solid color backdrop or hanging fabric behind your subjects if there isn't much variation in wall coloring or decor.
- Take time to arrange your lights and check their positions so that all objects are optimally lit for filming/recording purposes. Ensure that all cables are securely fastened to reduce tripping hazards during the production session.
- Test out sound levels from different positions to find a good balance between ambient noise and any sources which may interfere with it during recording sessions. It is best practice to add some sort of noise-dampening treatment such as acoustic foam panels if available before engaging in any recordings.
- Make sure you have access to adequate power outlets located throughout the entire area so that electrical devices such as cameras and lights don't unexpectedly run out of battery mid-session due to lack of access to power sources nearby. Additionally, have extension cords readily available should the additional length be needed for certain items later on down the line during recordings/filming sessions.
Famous Locations in Vancouver
- Kitsilano Beach
Set on the shores of English Bay, Kitsilano Beach is among Vancouver's favorite summer destinations. Locals flock to this wide and sandy beach for sunbathing, volleyball games, or simply some relaxation with friends. For those who prefer a dip in the ocean, the waters are usually calm here; however, if you are looking for something a bit more intense, you can visit the nearby Kitsilano Pool which boasts to be one of the largest outdoor saltwater pools in the world. The glistening shoreline yields sweeping views of glass towers downtown as well as distant North Shore mountains—it's picture-perfect!
- Granville Island Public Market
Granville Island's Public Market is an absolute must-visit on any trip to the Island. Take all your senses along for the ride and be ready to be delighted by the array of local delicacies and artisanal creations, centered around the colorful produce stands, unmissable fishmongers, and famous Lee's Donuts. After stocking up on some unique gifts or perhaps something delicious for a waterfront picnic at Vanier Park, you can refuel with a bite from the international food court. But don't forget to come back early if you want to secure one of those tables in prime position!
- Science World
Science World is a great place for the whole family to learn and explore. The iconic geodesic dome hosts two floors of interactive activities—from plasma balls to whisper dishes and more. There are also permanent galleries to explore, including the Sara Stern Gallery with live critters, and BodyWorks displays on human anatomy. For an extra stimulating experience, hop onto the virtual reality Birdly ride where you experience flying high over a cityscape. And if you'd like an adults-only experience, the After Dark events combine bar drinks with some interesting science-related entertainment. No matter your age or preference, Science World is sure to leave you wanting more!