STUDIO HIRE FAQ

1. What does Aquifer Film Studio include with every booking?

Every booking includes full access to our white cyclorama, blackout setup, green screen configuration, and drive-in access; all within one fixed rate.

You also get:

• Lighting grid + top lights
• Basic grip (C-stands, sandbags, polyboards)
• WiFi
• Kitchen/lounge area
• Make-up space
• Shower
• Ground-floor access

Everything is set up so your shoot feels smooth, practical, and easy to manage.

2. What are your operating hours?

We’re open 24/7, including early mornings, late nights, and overnight shoots.

The only difference is overtime rates during non-social hours (8pm–7am).

3. Can I visit the studio before booking?

Absolutely; we’re always happy to arrange a recce.
Just let us know a time that works for you.

4. Are the rates the same for weekends?

Yes; rates are the same as weekdays if the booking is confirmed Monday–Friday (9am–6pm).
Otherwise, weekend minimum hours may apply.

5. How do I secure a booking?

To secure your session:

• A 25% deposit is required
• You must reply “READ AND ACCEPTED” to the T&Cs

Once both are received, your booking is confirmed.

6. What are your studio hire rates?

Our most common sessions are:

• 2 hours — £180 + VAT
• 5 hours — £425 + VAT
• 8 hours — £625 + VAT
• 10 hours — £700 + VAT
• 12 hours — £825 + VAT

Hourly range: £69–£112 + VAT, depending on session length.

7. Do you offer discounts?

Our pricing is already competitive for what’s included, but if you share your budget, we’re always happy to see how we can help — especially for longer or multi-day bookings.

We also offer student and university staff discounts.

8. How does overtime work?

If the studio is available, overtime can be added:

• £100 + VAT/hr (7am–8pm)
• £160 + VAT/hr (8pm–7am)

We allow a 10-minute grace period (up to 15 minutes max) before overtime applies.

9. Do you require full payment upfront?

To secure your booking, we require a minimum 25% deposit of the total amount.

The remaining balance must be cleared the day before your session starts. This helps keep everything confirmed and ready so your shoot can run smoothly on the day.

10. What’s your cancellation policy?

Cancellations follow our T&Cs.

Payments may not be refundable close to the booking date, but we always try to be understanding where possible; just get in touch.

11. Is parking included with my booking?

Parking is not included.

The yard is managed by Hozah ANPR, and all vehicles must pay on arrival using the signage or link provided.
The first 30 minutes are free for drop-off and pick-up.

12. How much is parking?

• £5 (1 hour)
• £6 (2 hours)
• Up to £20 (24 hours)

Payment is required on arrival to avoid fines.

13. Can I bring a vehicle into the studio?

Yes, we offer drive-in access directly into the space.

Vehicles must be clean and safe.
Parking charges still apply in the yard.

14. Are there many parking spaces?

Yes, but they operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
We recommend arriving early if you have multiple vehicles.

16. Can I switch between white cyc, green screen, and blackout?

Yes, all setups are included, and you can switch during your session.

Transitions typically take 15–20 minutes, depending on setup.

17. How big is the cyclorama?

6.8m x 5.7m x 3.8m

Suitable for interviews, fashion, product shoots, music videos, and small sets.

18. Do you offer a pre-lit green screen?

Yes — available for £120 + VAT per session.

We prepare and light the background before arrival.
Subject lighting is not included.

19. Is the studio suitable for recording clear audio?

Yes — the space is sound-treated and consistently quiet, with low reverb and minimal ambient noise.

Clients regularly record clean, professional audio here, including interviews, dialogue, and music content.

20. Can we bring pets, smoke, or use special effects?

Please check with us first:

• Smoking is only allowed in designated outdoor areas
• Special effects must be approved in advance
• Animals require prior clearance

25. What information do you need to start a booking?

• Project nature
• Date & hours
• Crew/cast size
• Setup needs
• Equipment
• Setup/pack-down time
• Recce request

26. How far in advance should I book?

As early as possible — especially for weekends or large shoots.
We do accommodate last-minute bookings where possible.

27. Do you pencil-in dates?

Yes, we’re happy to hold a date temporarily while you confirm

28. What should I know before arriving?

We’ll send a confirmation with:

• Session times
• Parking reminder
• Cleanliness expectations
• Drive-in guidelines
• Equipment handling
• Safety notes

29. What happens if we finish early?

The session simply ends, booked time remains unchanged.

30. Can we extend our booking on the day?

Yes, if the studio is available.

31. Can we leave equipment or props overnight?

If your booking spans multiple consecutive days, you can usually leave equipment or props in the studio between sessions.

In this case, all items must be covered under your own insurance.

For single-day bookings or shorter sessions, we’re not able to store equipment or props overnight, so everything will need to be removed at the end of your session.

If you’re unsure, feel free to check with us in advance and we’ll guide you based on your booking.