We're delighted to offer you an in-depth look at the establishment of our new Editors Keys YouTube studio, situated in Cornwall, UK. This project involved a comprehensive approach to both the design and construction, transforming an empty industrial unit into a fully operational and professionally appointed video production facility.
Studio Layout and Strategic Planning
The initial phase involved meticulous planning of the studio's layout. Starting with an unoccupied industrial space presented a unique opportunity to design a facility optimised for our specific production needs. Our planning focused on creating distinct, highly functional zones:
- Primary Filming Set: This area is the core of our video production, designed to accommodate various content formats, including product demonstrations and presenter-led segments. Ample space was allocated to ensure flexibility for camera positioning, lighting setups, and subject movement.
- Dedicated Workspace: A designated area was established for editing, administrative tasks, and potentially serving as a secondary filming location. This space was configured to enhance workflow efficiency and organisation.
The overall layout was conceived with scalability in mind, allowing for future expansion and adaptation to evolving content requirements, such as interviews or more complex multi-set productions. Comprehensive planning also ensured optimal placement of power access points and network infrastructure for seamless operation.
Equipment Selection: Balancing Performance and Value
Our equipment choices reflect a strategic balance between high performance and cost-effectiveness, ensuring professional-grade output without unnecessary capital expenditure:
- Primary Camera System: The Panasonic GH5 serves as our main camera. It was selected for its robust video capabilities and proven reliability, making it a highly regarded choice within the content creation community for its quality-to-price ratio.
- Lens Integration: The Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 Art lens is a key component of our camera setup. This lens offers exceptional optical quality, providing a desirable shallow depth of field and versatile zoom range, which is crucial for dynamic video production.
- Monitoring Solution: A large TCL 4K television is utilised for video monitoring. This consumer-grade display offers an economical yet highly effective solution for checking focus, framing, and overall visual quality during production, negating the need for more costly professional reference monitors.
- Audio Capture: While specific microphone models aren't detailed, our studio incorporates professional audio recording equipment, reflecting our commitment to superior sound quality. Our own Editors Keys shortcut keyboards are integral to our post-production workflow, enhancing efficiency within editing suites such as Adobe Premiere Pro.
- Data Management: High-speed external SSDs are employed for efficient handling of large video files, a critical component for streamlined video editing.
Professional Lighting Implementation
Achieving a polished, professional aesthetic was a core objective, and our lighting setup is designed to deliver consistent, high-quality illumination:
- Key Light: A powerful Godox SL-200W LED light paired with a substantial Godox softbox serves as our primary illumination source. The large softbox ensures soft, diffused light, minimising harsh shadows for flattering subject lighting.
- Fill Light: An Amaran 200d LED light, also equipped with a softbox, functions as the fill light. Positioned opposite the key light, it effectively reduces residual shadows, creating balanced facial illumination.
- Backlight: An Amaran 100d LED light is strategically placed behind the subject to provide separation from the background and enhance visual depth.
- Accent and Ambient Lighting: Amaran T2c tube lights are utilised to illuminate the background, adding visual interest and enabling dynamic colour adjustments. Additionally, integrated LED light strips within the desk area and behind monitors contribute to the studio's ambient lighting and modern aesthetic.
- Control and Versatility: The use of advanced LED lighting systems allows for precise control over brightness and colour temperature, facilitating the creation of diverse visual moods and ensuring consistent lighting conditions across various productions.
Acoustic Optimisation and Sound Management
Superior audio quality is paramount for engaging content, and significant attention was given to acoustic treatment:
- Acoustic Panelling: Extensive application of Editors Keys acoustic foam panels on the walls is a prominent feature of the studio. These panels are strategically positioned to absorb sound reflections, significantly reducing echo and reverberation within the space.
- Sound Absorption: The installation of carpet tiles on the floor plays a crucial role in absorbing sound, mitigating reflections that would typically occur on hard surfaces. The strategic inclusion of furniture further contributes to sound dampening.
- Controlled Environment: By rigorously treating the internal surfaces, we have established an acoustically controlled environment, minimising undesirable sound reflections and improving the clarity of recorded audio. This focus on internal acoustics is fundamental to producing clean, professional sound for voiceovers and dialogue.
Organised Cable Management and Studio Aesthetics
A clean, organised studio environment is essential for both operational efficiency and visual appeal:
- Integrated Cable Management: We have implemented comprehensive cable management solutions, including under-desk cable trays and raceways, to route all power and data cables out of sight. This approach eliminates clutter and potential hazards.
- Cable Organisation: Visible cables are meticulously bundled using cable ties and sleeves, maintaining a neat and professional appearance throughout the studio.
- Streamlined Design: The selection of desks and shelving units prioritises both functionality and modern aesthetics. Integrated LED lighting further enhances the studio's contemporary design.
- Branded Elements: Subtle branding and curated props are incorporated to enhance the studio's professional identity without detracting from its clean, minimalist design. The overarching objective was to create an uncluttered, inspiring, and efficient workspace.
The Transformation: Before and After
The transition from an empty unit to a state-of-the-art studio is a testament to the comprehensive planning and execution of this project.
- Initial State: The video commences by showcasing the raw, unrefined industrial unit, highlighting the foundational state from which the transformation began.
- Development Process: The build process involved several key stages: thorough cleaning, painting, installation of acoustic materials and flooring, assembly of core furniture, and the precise setup of all technical equipment, including lighting and camera systems.
- Final Result: The completed studio represents a significant enhancement, presenting a highly functional, visually appealing, and acoustically optimised environment. This "after" state demonstrates a marked improvement in aesthetic quality, organisational efficiency, and the overall capacity for producing high-calibre video content.
This new studio facility significantly enhances our production capabilities, enabling us to continue delivering high-quality, engaging content for our audience! What do you think out our new Youtube studio? Would you make any changes? Let us know in the comments below and don't forget to check out the full Youtube video!
