How to Maximise Studio Time and Stay on Budget

When you walk into a professional film or photography studio, the clock is ticking — literally. Every minute matters, and if you’re not careful, costs can creep up before you’ve even pressed record. The good news? With the right planning, you can make every second count without overspending.

Whether you’re a filmmaker, photographer, marketing team, or creative hobbyist, this guide will help you maximise studio time and stay on budget while still delivering top-quality results.

1. Know Your Goals Before You Step In

Before you even think about booking, you need clarity. Ask yourself:

• What exactly are we shooting or filming?

• How much content do we realistically need?

• What’s the deadline for delivery?

Having a clear brief avoids costly “on the day” decision-making. At TSS Studios, we encourage clients to send shot lists, scripts, or storyboards before their booking so the setup can be ready the moment you walk through the door.

2. Choose the Right Studio for the Job

Not all studios are created equal. The wrong space can slow you down and inflate your costs. Look for:

• Versatile backdrops (green screen, blackout, or customisable options)

• Built-in lighting so you’re not wasting time rigging equipment

• Space for your whole team to work comfortably

• Amenities so you’re not leaving mid-shoot for food or rest breaks

At TSS Studios, you’ll find a 4.5m x 3m green screen cyclorama, acoustic motorised blackout curtains, a LED lighting grid, and an entertainment area — meaning fewer delays and more time creating.

3. Prep Your Gear (Or Hire It On-Site)

One of the fastest ways to lose time is by troubleshooting faulty gear or searching for missing cables. Do a gear check the day before:

• Charge all batteries

• Clear memory cards

• Test lighting, audio, and camera settings

If you’d rather travel light, consider hiring gear directly from the studio. Our DIY Studio Hire package includes professional lighting and monitor options, so you can plug in and go.

4. Arrive Early, Set Up Quickly

If you’re paying for a 4-hour slot but spend the first hour unloading gear, you’ve lost 25% of your time already. Aim to arrive 15–20 minutes early so you’re ready to hit the ground running when the clock starts.

At TSS Studios, secure onsite parking (three vehicle spots) makes unloading stress-free, so you can move straight into set-up.

5. Keep Your Crew Small but Effective

A huge crew can feel impressive, but too many people can cause bottlenecks. Instead, aim for a lean team where everyone knows their role. This cuts down on decision-making time and avoids paying for extra people to stand around.

6. Batch Your Shots

If you’re creating multiple pieces of content, group similar shots together to save on lighting and setup time.For example:

• Film all green screen shots in one block

• Do product close-ups back-to-back

• Capture all talking heads while the mics are set up

The fewer times you change your setup, the more content you can capture in the same amount of time.

7. Make Use of Studio Amenities

Downtime is inevitable — but you can use it wisely. If your talent needs hair and makeup touch-ups, your crew can review footage on the 43" studio monitors or prep the next scene.

Our Beauty Room includes three hair and makeup stations, so everyone can get ready without leaving the building.

8. Communicate with the Studio Team

A good studio team is your secret weapon. Let them know your schedule, key shots, and any challenges you foresee. They may have shortcuts or setup tips you hadn’t considered.

We often help clients position their set for the best lighting or suggest backdrop changes that can save time (and money) on post-production.

9. Avoid the “We’ll Fix It in Post” Trap

Post-production can be expensive. The more mistakes you leave for editing, the bigger your budget blowout. Take a few extra moments during the shoot to:

• Check framing and focus

• Monitor audio levels

• Review test shots on a big screen

Catching issues early costs minutes, not hundreds of dollars later.

10. Wrap with a Plan for Next Time

Once your shoot is done, make notes about what worked, what caused delays, and how to improve for next time. This way, your next session will be even more efficient.

If you’re unsure how to make the most of your booking, you can always book a free tour of TSS Studios to see the layout and plan your production in advance.

Maximise Studio Time and Stay on Budget

Great results don’t have to mean blowing your budget. With planning, efficient setups, and the right studio space, you can maximise studio time and stay on budget while producing professional, high-quality content.

At TSS Studios, we’ve designed our space to help you do exactly that — from our versatile green screen cyclorama to our comfortable client entertainment area. We believe the best shoots are productive and enjoyable, so you can focus on creating without worrying about the clock.