Top Video Production Studios in the Bay Area
There are dozens of incredible studio spaces located around the Bay Area, each with its own charms (and challenges). Over the years, Kraken Cove has had the opportunity to test out many of them – and there are several that we really enjoy working at.
Since there’s no real definitive studio guide for industry folks who are new to the area - or the biz - we figured it was time to share that acquired knowledge.
Check out our rundown of some of the best video production studios in the San Francisco Bay Area. We cover the little quirks that make them unique, as well as the technical details you’ll want to know before booking.
Since this isn’t a complete list, be sure to reach out if you’re looking for more great recs!
BAY AREA STUDIO GUIDE
Location: Berkeley
The 411: Huge white walls punctuated by raw metal, rich wood, bright natural sunlight and loads of plants make Ciel Creative Space feel like a relaxing, creative retreat. The vibe is both inviting and inspiring, and the filming locations both beautiful and plentiful.
Technical Deets: Eight unique studios are available, ranging from a cozy 750 sq. ft. lounge to a massive 3,700 sq. ft. space with 23-ft high ceilings, so it’s safe to say Ciel can accommodate whatever size project you have cooking. The company also just added a new sound stage which has a private entrance, loading dock, and wall-to-wall sound acoustic panels. Curated add-ons are available too for office space, HMU, and even a cafe. There is a small parking lot on-site, and the whole space is right next door to Ranahan – so it’s easy to supplement if you forget anything.
Insider Tip: “Producers and filmmakers contribute countless unseen hours into perfecting a production,” says Miriam Jones, Director of Studios. “Ciel aims to make things just a little bit easier with in-house rentals, concierge options, and a sense of partnership in the success of every project that comes through our doors.” Studio Manager Marian McColm adds that Ciel understands each project has different needs, and is no stranger to random requests - i.e., "Can you hang a piano from the structural beams?"
FYI: Multiple studio spaces can increase the potential for sound contamination, so just keep that in mind if you’ll be recording. (Great reason to test out that new sound stage!)
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Location: Oakland
The 411: If reliable sound capture is what you’re after, Mama Dog has the goods. This 5,000 sq. ft. studio was built in a completely refurbished 1950s warehouse with technical performance and audio capture top-of-mind. This is a really comfortable, client-friendly space with a clean design and laid-back vibes.
Technical Deets: Mama Dog is a standalone studio consisting of three distinct areas: a 35 x 55 ft cyc and sound stage with dedicated 3-phase power, lighting grid, and SDI feed to a posh viewing room; a daylight studio which is part of the rental and features huge 10-ft tall south-facing windows; and then a 30 x 30 multipurpose space that you can add on for staging, video village or photography. Minutes off the freeway and less than a mile from Oakland’s downtown, Mama Dog is easy to find - and easy to access, thanks to the on-site parking.
Insider Tip: Stage manager Sam Gouldthorpe advises busy producers and filmmakers ask themselves some pointed questions when scoping out a studio space: Does the studio have the services and facilities required for your production? Is there space for clients to view the stage, eat lunch, and park? And, is the stage customizable to create the perfect look for your project? Ultimately, he says, the perfect space is “one that is happy to offer a variety of options and creative solutions for your project's needs.”
FYI: Being nestled in Oakland provides character and convenience – as well as some of the idiosyncrasies of city living. Keep an eye out for those few neighbors who think no one can see them double parking in front of Mama Dog’s roll-up door.
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Location: San Rafael
The 411: Sometimes, what you’re looking for is a space with real ‘working studio’ vibes. Somewhere you can get down to brass tacks and make a little video magic. 32Ten Studios is that place – and has the resume to back it up. Originally created by George Lucas to house VFX workers and their iconic creations for blockbuster hits like Star Wars, Indiana Jones and Pirates of the Caribbean, this studio has a rich history of visual innovation that will certainly get your imagination going.
Technical Deets: This is an enormous studio, offering a massive sound stage with 60-ft green screen walls, a beautiful 135-seat screening room with 3D digital projection, as well as mixing rooms, production offices, wardrobe and makeup rooms, fabrication studios, and a variety of other professional work spaces.
Insider Tip: CEO Tim Partridge says when considering a studio space, producers and filmmakers should look for ample and secure parking, easy load-in and loud-out access, useful ancillary spaces, and personnel who really understand production. “We have all the above - including a mill for set fabrication and multiple production offices,” he adds. “What makes the space unique though is its size -- it is 6,000 sq. ft., a grid at 30 ft and a 60 x 30 two-wall cyc.”
FYI: This studio caters to true industry professionals. Client types accustomed to very posh or trendy spaces may not see the forest for the trees here.
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Location: San Francisco
The 411: One of the few studios actually in the city, Capitol Art is like a hip, hidden gem. The vibe is urban industrial, so the spaces are big and airy, but somehow still feel cozy and inviting. Direct street-level, drive-in access makes load-in a breeze, and the unassuming exterior helps keep confidential or high-profile productions under wraps.
Technical Deets: Two studios are available: the “East” studio which offers 2,300 sq. ft. of production space and 1,000 sq. ft. of well-appointed “living” space, and then a 3,700 sq. ft. “West” studio which offers a 30 x 40 shooting area with cyc, roll-up door with high clearance, two parking spaces, lounge area, kitchenette, private restrooms, conference room and separate HMU area. Both spaces are very client-friendly with great layouts, and can be rented together.
Insider Tip: “The old adage ‘right tool for the job’ couldn't be truer when it comes to studios and productions,” says co-owner Liam Clickenger. He stresses the importance of matching up a studio's features, amenities, and functionality with the needs and goals of your production. “Some of the big things we look for are: working with cool people, easy load-in, welcoming creature comforts, and a productive and safe environment to get things done.”
FYI: It’s in the Mission, so budget extra time for street parking or parking in a garage - the nearest one is about six blocks away on 16th & Hoff.
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Sometimes, a studio just can’t provide the real-world feel you need. In that case, we suggest checking out Mint Locations. A nationally recognized leader in location service, Mint provides access to some of the most beautiful and exclusive homes and estates on the West Coast so it’s easy to find that one-of-a-kind environment your film or video project needs.
Shooting on location? Check out our checklist of scouting questions and must-have items so everything goes as planned.