Creating a video studio in your home can be difficult but it is definitely possible. The key to any video studio is having a long space preferably with higher ceilings that is quiet. In today’s video I show you my new studio space in an old unfinished basement. Hardly glamorous, but it demonstrates what can be done even in older unfinished spaces.
You can watch the other parts of The Studio series here:
- Part 1: Light Stands
- Part 2: Grip and Lighting Accessories
- Part 3: How to Setup a Video Studio
- Part 4: New Studio Lighting and Setup
- Part 5: Basement Studio Setup (You are here)
Gear Mentioned in Video
Basement Studio Tips
Here are some things to keep in mind when setting up a basement studio:
Dry Space
Making sure your basement is dry should be priority one. My basement isn’t wet but can feel damp. Using a dehumidifier helps a ton. I keep all my cables off the floor when I am not using the space. I also unplug all electronics when I’m finished.
When using a back drop, keep the paper/fabric off the floor by 6 inches or so. I use this Cowboy Studio background stand for my background. You can find the grey background paper I use here. I also use two clips to keep the paper from unrolling and touching the floor.
Long Room
Try to find the longest part of your basement to shoot in. The more length you have the more flexible the space will be for different framing and lens setups. The space I am in will allow for medium shots as well as full table shots.
Sound Treatment
Obviously sound is a big issue for those of us shooting videos. There are two problems with basements. Sounds from higher levels find their way to the basement and basements are acoustic nightmares.
If the space isn’t finished (like mine) sound travels down from the next floor which isn’t cool. My wife is awesome about keeping things quiet while I record. I try to schedule a full day or a few hours a week for shooting and that makes scheduling a quiet time easier. When I finish the basement I plan on sound proofing sections of it using sound proofing materials in the walls and ceiling. Also having a door that doesn’t have recessed panels helps.
As for acoustic treatment, I will eventually install some panels to keep the echo and reverb down in the space. For now I am using Producers Choice Sound Blankets. to keep the sound in check. These blankets block sound while also treating the acoustics the room. I have put one down on the floor and found it greatly reduces sound problems in the space.
Planing Construction
I can’t afford to remodel our basement at this point, but getting a contractor in to look at it helps a lot. I recommend you have someone take a look at your space and talk about phases of construction if you can’t afford to do all the work right away. I will be dealing with the ceilings and power first and finishing the walls and floors later.
What kind of space do you shoot in? Have any tips for setting up a home studio?