A Day in the Life on Set: Studio Shoot in Manchester | 84Media

By 84Media

Studio shoots are often seen as controlled, polished, and efficient and while that’s true, there’s still a ton happening behind the scenes to make it all look seamless. Recently, we wrapped a full-day studio production in Manchester for an international brand campaign. Here's what that day actually looked like.

7:00 AM – Call Time & Crew Briefing

Our team arrives early, coffees in hand, kit bags packed. The studio’s already open, and lights are being rigged before the sun’s fully up. At 84Media, we pride ourselves on running a tight ship, so we always kick things off with a quick crew briefing: schedule, shot list, responsibilities, and any last-minute updates from the client.

Today’s project involves product shots, interview content, and motion graphics overlays, so we’ve brought in a full team: director, DOP, gaffer, audio tech, and two runners.

8:00 AM – Set Build & Lighting Setup

While some of the team begins prepping camera and audio gear, others are working on the set design. Even in a studio shoot, details matter. Backgrounds, props, and textures all play a role in brand consistency, especially when you’re delivering for a global audience.

Lighting takes time. We’re using a three-point key for interviews and softbox rigs for product visuals. It’s about making things look effortless, even though there’s a lot of effort involved.

10:00 AM – Client Walkthrough & Rehearsals

By mid-morning, the client arrives on set. We do a quick walkthrough, check everything aligns with the original brief, and run through a few rehearsals. For international brands, consistency with global campaigns is key, so we keep reference visuals close, matching tones, lighting styles, and framing down to the detail.

Studio shoots might be controlled environments, but they still require flexibility. We’re tweaking shot angles, experimenting with camera movement, and adjusting set pieces based on real-time feedback.

12:30 PM – Lunch (The Quiet Before the Next Storm)

Lunch is a welcome pause and often the only time everyone’s sat down at once. It’s also a great chance for informal check-ins with the client. How’s it looking so far? Are we hitting the right tone? Any extra pickups or inserts they’d like?

At 84Media, we don’t just shoot, we collaborate. That means building space into the day for feedback loops and on-the-fly creative decisions.

1:30 PM – Interview Time

Post-lunch, we dive into the interviews. The challenge? Make on-camera talent feel relaxed under the lights. Our director leads a short warm-up chat before the cameras roll. We use teleprompters when needed, or just natural conversation depending on the tone.

We’re shooting in 4K with multi-cam coverage for flexibility in post. Sound is clean thanks to lav mics and shotgun backups, because you don’t get a second chance at clear audio.

4:00 PM – Product Close-Ups & B-Roll

The final stretch is all about detail. We shift to tabletop setups for close-up product shots, using macro lenses and motorized sliders for smooth movement. This part is slower but crucial, tiny reflections, label positioning, even condensation on a bottle, it all matters when you’re creating high-end brand visuals.

We also grab plenty of B-roll: hands interacting with the product, slow pans across the setup, cutaway shots for dynamic edits later.

6:00 PM – Wrap & Debrief

Once the last shot is captured, we strike the set, pack down gear, and run a quick debrief with the client. Data backups happen immediately, because nothing leaves the studio without being backed up twice.

It’s been a 12-hour day, but we’re walking away with a full library of content that’s brand-aligned, platform-ready, and visually sharp.

Why It Matters

For international brands, a studio shoot in Manchester offers a perfect mix: world-class talent, top-tier facilities, and creative flexibility, without the London overhead. At 84Media, we bring structure, creativity, and a calm, professional energy to every set we step on.

Whether it’s a product launch, global campaign, or internal brand content, we make sure the process is smooth and the results are something you’re proud to share.

📍 Looking for a studio shoot in Manchester?
Let’s talk. At 84Media, we turn vision into visuals—and make the process feel effortless.
Contact us here or drop by our studio next time you’re in town.