In-Studio vs. On-Location - Leduc Entertainment

In-Studio vs. On-Location: Which Is Better for Your Business Video?

When you’re planning a video for your business or personal brand, one of the first big decisions you’ll need to make is where to shoot it.

Should you use a controlled environment like a studio, or does an on-location shoot better reflect your brand and message? 

Both options have their advantages, and the right choice depends on your goals, audience, and what you’re trying to communicate.

This guide will break down the pros and cons of shooting your video in a studio versus on-location. We’ll help you decide which approach works best for your next project.


What Is an In-Studio Video?

In-studio food photo shoot - Leduc Entertainment

An in-studio video refers to any video filmed in a dedicated studio space. Studios are typically designed to provide a controlled environment where you can manipulate lighting, sound, and background settings to achieve a specific look and feel.

Studios are often equipped with professional-grade lighting setups, soundproofing, and backdrop options.

You might film in front of a green screen, allowing you to change the background digitally, or you could use a simple backdrop like a plain white or black curtain. Studios also make it easy to manage sound quality, minimizing external noise distractions.


Advantages of Filming in a Studio

There are several key advantages to using a studio for your video production:

Full Control Over Lighting and Sound

Studios offer complete control over lighting conditions, making it easier to create the exact look you want.

Whether you’re going for bright, clean lighting or something more dramatic, a studio allows you to fine-tune these details. Because studios are often soundproofed, you won’t need to worry about unexpected background noise interfering with your recording.

Consistent Environment

Weather or other external factors won’t affect your shoot in a studio. You don’t need to worry about rescheduling due to rain, wind, or unexpected disruptions. Studios give you a stable, predictable environment where you can focus entirely on the content.

Professional Setup

Studios are equipped with top-quality cameras, microphones, and other necessary gear. If you need equipment, it’s usually available in a studio, reducing the need for complicated setup or transportation of equipment.

Privacy

Filming in a studio means you won’t have bystanders or random interruptions during your shoot. This can work for interviews, training videos, or any content that requires concentration and focus from the talent.


When to Choose an In-Studio Shoot

A studio setting is ideal when:

You need a controlled, polished look

Studio settings allow for precise control over the lighting and sound, ensuring a clean and professional look. Great for corporate announcements, educational videos, or product demos.

Your video requires consistency across multiple shots

If your video involves multiple takes or scenes that need to look identical, studios offer a consistent setting. This is crucial for product videos, tutorials, or anything that requires several takes of the same setup.

You plan to use post-production effects

If your video will involve green screen effects or post-production editing, a studio makes it much easier to capture the footage you need. Green screens or neutral backdrops make adding digital effects or custom backgrounds simple.


What is an On-Location Video?

Food on the table, outside shoot - Leduc Entertainment

 

An on-location video is filmed outside of a studio, often at a specific place related to your business or message. This could be at your office, a client’s place of business, or an outdoor setting that highlights your brand or product.

On-location shoots add authenticity and atmosphere to your video, giving it a more organic and dynamic feel. However, these shoots can be more unpredictable due to external factors like lighting, weather, or noises.

Advantages of Filming On-Location

On-location filming has its own set of benefits:

Authentic Atmosphere

Filming on location allows you to show your audience a real-world setting. This can make your video feel more relatable and engaging.

Visual Interest

Locations can add unique elements to your video that you wouldn’t be able to replicate in a studio. For example, shooting at a construction site, a busy office, or a bustling downtown area can enhance the storytelling and visually capture the essence of your business or brand.

Brand Storytelling

If part of your brand’s story is tied to a specific place, on-location shooting allows you to show that connection. For example, if you run a restaurant, shooting in the kitchen or dining area gives viewers a behind-the-scenes look at your process and atmosphere. This adds authenticity to your video.


When to Choose an On-Location Shoot

An on-location video is ideal when:

You want to showcase your business environment

If you’re highlighting your business, on-location shooting allows viewers to see your actual workspace. This works well for behind-the-scenes videos, customer testimonials filmed in your office, or promotional content showing your staff in action.

The location adds to your message

Sometimes, the environment where the video is filmed plays a role in telling your brand story. A video about sustainable building practices would benefit from being shot at an eco-friendly construction site. While a personal trainer might want to shoot their video in a gym or outdoor park.

You need a variety of visuals

On-location shoots offer more visual variety and allow you to capture different angles, perspectives, and backdrops.

If your video requires movement, such as someone walking through a warehouse or interacting with clients, an on-location shoot will give you the flexibility to capture that action in a realistic way.

Comparing In-Studio vs. On-Location

 

In-Studio vs. On-Location Table - Leduc Entertainment


When to Mix Both In-Studio and On-Location Filming

Sometimes, the best option isn’t choosing one over the other—it’s combining both. You might start with a studio setting for an interview or product showcase, then switch to on-location footage to show the product in action or your staff at work.

This mix of settings keeps your video dynamic and engaging. Combining the stability and professional look of a studio with the real-world feel of on-location footage helps you tell a story.

For example, a personal brand might film an in-studio introduction, where the lighting and sound are fully controlled, then transition to an outdoor setting to showcase how their product is used in real life. This blend helps maintain a polished look while still offering variety and depth.


Which Option Works Best for Your Business?

Ultimately, choosing between in-studio and on-location filming depends on your video goals. Consider the message you want to convey, your budget, and your timeline when making a decision.

Here’s a quick recap of when to use each:

Choose In-Studio

  • When you need full control over lighting and sound.
  • For polished, corporate videos or instructional content.
  • When you’re working on a tight schedule or need consistency across multiple takes.

Choose On-Location

  • When your business environment is part of your story.
  • For testimonials, behind-the-scenes footage, or showcasing products in real-life use.
  • When you want to create an authentic, engaging connection with your audience.

Leduc Entertainment Can Help You with Your Video Production

No matter which option you choose, Leduc Entertainment is here to help your business create compelling video content.

If you’re looking for the polished look of an in-studio shoot or the dynamic atmosphere of an on-location video, our team has the experience to bring your vision to life.

We’ll work closely with you to ensure your video aligns with your brand and resonates with your audience.

Contact us today to get started on your next video project!

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