What to Look for When Evaluating a Studio

As you look for the best virtual and hybrid event production venue(s), it helps to understand what facilities are available to you and what they provide. The term “studio” has changed a lot over the years but even more so in recent months. In general terms, it’s a flexible space for photography, filmmaking, radio/television production or music recording. Since the term is so broad, we’ve put together a list of common studio environments that our client partners might be interested in.

The Soundstage

This is where movies and network TV shows are created (think of the backlot at Universal Studios). Soundstages are large, empty spaces with unlimited potential. They’re heavily-insulated to eliminate any unwanted noise. Most include rigging for sets, lights, and other production elements. Everything technical, from lights and cameras to the action, is provided by an onsite partner or outside vendor. It seems crazy but power and conditioned air are often not included and parked on trailers outside the space.

The Broadcast Studio

From ESPN to local news stations, broadcast studios are purpose-built to deliver flexibility and high-quality programming. Even some corporations have high-end production spaces to ensure consistency and ease-of-use. These often have all the technical bells and whistles plus “creature comforts” to ensure celebrities and executives are catered to. Broadcast studios usually have a baseline minimum standard with a-la-carte options available onsite.

Check out this post on Encompass’s broadcast studio, THE CUBE.

The Event Studio

The newest type of studio arose as in-person gatherings were limited due to CV-19 mandates. Most traditional AV companies have repurposed a portion of their warehouse to mimic a ballroom (without an audience, of course) as a solution for corporate and association clients. Common setups include a stage deck, upstage projection screen or LED display, and all the cameras/monitors/microphones you’d expect for an in-person event.

Picking the right studio depends on your needs and budget. Soundstages are great when you have the vision and resources to populate an empty space. Broadcast studios favor those looking for a turnkey solution for promos and other high-end, short-format production. Event studios appeal to organizations that typically utilize a convention facility and want the same look and feel.


At Encompass, we have unique backgrounds that situate us perfectly to produce high end and complex offerings. We’ve worked in broadcast television, touring entertainment, live sporting events, and countless convention facilities across the country.

We have technical design experience and a disciplined process in place that allows us to easily scale events and shift from in-person to virtual without angst. There isn’t much that’s beyond our scope and we love the intensity of putting on events!

If you’re a planner working to create an event, seeking help with virtual event technology, or simply want to learn more … we can help! Sign up below to receive our updates (we promise to keep your contact information secure and won’t “overshare”).

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