At Video Summit 2024, Nils Olav Sundsteigen delivered a highly engaging presentation on building professional studios. Drawing from years of expertise in designing and implementing studios for a variety of clients across the Nordics, Nils shared practical advice and industry insights. Here’s a summary of his key points and recommendations for creating a studio that enhances communication, branding, and production quality.
Why invest in a Studio?
Nils began by addressing a common question: why should companies invest in their own studio setups? The answers from his clients typically align with a few recurring goals:
- Effective communication: Companies want to connect efficiently with both internal employees and external audiences.
- Flexibility: Owning a studio provides the ability to produce content whenever needed, without relying on external streaming providers.
- Branding and professionalism: Many clients wish to elevate their presentations, transitioning away from basic setups like Teams or Zoom to something more polished.
- Cost-effectiveness: While the initial investment may seem high, a studio can quickly pay for itself by reducing ongoing production costs.
Nils emphasized that a studio setup is an investment in both flexibility and quality. Many of his clients have recouped their studio costs within a year by eliminating the need for external services.
Designing an effective studio
Creating a functional and visually appealing studio requires careful planning. Here are the steps Nils recommends:
1. Understand your goals
Before diving into design, consider the purpose of your studio:
- Will it host live streams, panel discussions, or webinars?
- Do you need different zones for varied uses, such as green screens, panel debates, or podcasting?
2. Plan layouts with precision
Nils advocates for creating 3D renderings of the proposed studio layout during the planning phase. This ensures clients have a clear understanding of how the final space will look and function. Adjustments, such as repositioning a green screen or optimizing camera angles, can be made before construction begins, saving time and costs later.
3. Ensure a clean and professional look
A clutter-free studio makes a significant difference. Cables and loose equipment should be hidden, creating a polished and welcoming space. This improves both the user experience for presenters and the visual appeal for viewers.
4. Focus on lighting
Lighting is critical for any studio. For spaces with low ceilings (common in corporate offices), Nils suggests innovative solutions like light rings that double as design elements. In studios with higher ceilings, softboxes or adjustable lighting systems can provide flexibility for different types of broadcasts.
5. Invest in versatility
- Studios can be designed with modular elements that adapt to different needs. For example:
- Self-service zones: Simplify production for smaller teams by enabling one-person operations.
- Green screens: Enable creative backgrounds for tutorials or branding.
- Video walls: Allow for dynamic branding and easy customization for different events.
Key challenges and solutions
Nils highlighted common challenges companies face when building studios, along with solutions to overcome them:
- Skill gaps: Designate a studio manager or expert who knows the setup inside and out, ensuring smooth operations.
- Space constraints: Many underestimate the space required for a functional studio. Always plan for more room than initially thought to allow for proper equipment setup and movement.
- Low ceilings: Work around low ceilings by using compact lighting solutions or removing ceiling panels where possible.
Top 5 tips for studio success
To conclude, Nils shared his top five tips for anyone considering building or upgrading a studio:
- Plan for more space: You’ll need more room than you expect for cameras, lighting, and movement.
- Invest in pre-planning: A detailed planning phase, including 3D modeling, saves time and costs later.
- Prioritize ceiling height: High ceilings improve lighting and camera setups. If possible, choose a space with adequate height or remove false ceilings.
- Hire an expert: Have a dedicated person who understands the studio’s technical and operational details.
- Simplify the design: Avoid overloading the studio with unnecessary decorations. Clean, minimal designs translate better on camera.
Inspiration from real studios
Throughout the session, Nils showcased several studios his team has built, ranging from compact self-service setups to large-scale professional environments. Each example illustrated how thoughtful design, effective lighting, and a clear purpose contribute to a successful studio.
The takeaway
Building a studio is more than just setting up equipment—it’s about creating a space that aligns with your brand and empowers your team to communicate effectively. By following Nils Olav Sundsteigen’s expert advice, you can design a studio that not only meets your current needs but also supports your organization’s growth and innovation.
Would you like to know more about how to build or upgrade your studio? Connect with Nils here and his team for expert guidance!
Watch the full speaker slot (In Norwegian)👇
Nils Sundsteigen on stage at Video Summit 2024.
