For decades, the default assumption in film, photography and content production was simple:

If you’re shooting professional content, you book a London studio.

But is that still the best option?

As production budgets tighten and content demands increase, many agencies, brands and production companies are rethinking where they shoot.

Today, a growing number of projects are moving outside Central London and into purpose-built studios in locations such as Surrey, where teams can often access better facilities, easier logistics and significantly lower overall production costs.

The question is no longer whether you can shoot outside London.

The question is whether shooting in London still makes financial and operational sense.

Why London Became the Production Hub

There are good reasons London became the centre of the UK’s creative industries.

It offers:

• Access to talent
• Production suppliers
• Creative agencies
• Equipment hire companies
• Transport links
• Client convenience

For many years, proximity to Soho and Central London was viewed as essential.

However, the way content is produced has changed dramatically.

Modern productions often involve:

• Remote approvals
• Smaller crews
• Social media content
• Podcast production
• Product photography
• Corporate video
• Brand campaigns

For many of these projects, being in Central London provides fewer advantages than it once did.

The Hidden Costs of Shooting in London

Studio hire rates are usually the first cost producers compare.

In reality, they’re rarely the biggest expense.

The hidden costs surrounding a London shoot can quickly add up:

Crew Travel

When crew members spend hours navigating city traffic, production days become less efficient.

Travel delays increase overtime costs and reduce productive shooting time.

Parking Charges

Parking can become a surprisingly significant line item, particularly for productions involving multiple vehicles.

Charges for crew, clients, production vehicles and equipment vans can quickly escalate.

Equipment Access

Many city-centre studios face restrictions around:

• Loading times
• Vehicle access
• Parking permits
• Equipment deliveries

This can add complexity before cameras even start rolling.

Client Attendance

Clients travelling into Central London often face:

• Congestion
• Rail disruptions
• Parking challenges
• Additional travel expenses

All of which can create unnecessary friction on production day.

London Studio vs Outside the M25: The Real Comparison

When comparing studios, look beyond the postcode and focus on the overall production experience.

For many productions, these operational benefits translate directly into time savings and reduced costs outside London.

When Shooting Outside London Makes More Sense

Not every production should leave London.

However, many projects benefit significantly from an alternative location.

Brand Content Production

Marketing teams increasingly produce:

• Social media content
• Website videos
• Product launches
• LinkedIn campaigns
• Internal communications

These projects often require flexibility, space and ease of access rather than a Central London address.

Photography Shoots

Product photography, commercial photography, and editorial shoots often involve equipment, props, and multiple team members.

Studios with simple loading access and parking can dramatically improve efficiency.

Corporate Video Production

Corporate clients often appreciate locations that are easier to reach by car and provide a more relaxed environment for filming.

Podcast and Content Creation

The growth of podcasts, webinars and ongoing content production has increased demand for studios that support regular, repeatable production rather than one-off high-budget shoots.

The Value of Easy Access

One of the biggest factors often overlooked during studio selection is accessibility.

A studio may have excellent facilities, but if the crew spends hours navigating traffic or searching for parking, productivity suffers.

When evaluating studio locations, production teams should consider:

• Proximity to major road networks
• Train accessibility
• Parking capacity
• Equipment access
• Loading areas
• Client convenience

These practical considerations often have a greater impact on a shoot’s success than the studio’s postcode.

Why More Production Teams Are Looking at Surrey

Surrey has become increasingly attractive for creative productions because it combines accessibility with space and lower operational pressure than Central London.

Locations close to the A3 and M25 offer straightforward access from London while avoiding many of the operational challenges associated with city-centre filming.

For production companies serving clients across the South East, this creates an attractive middle ground between convenience and cost efficiency.

Typical Travel Times from Surrey Production Studios

This combination of rail and road access allows productions to accommodate both London-based and regional teams.

What to Look for in a Film Studio Outside London

If you’re considering alternatives to a Central London studio, it’s worth assessing more than the hire rate.

A good production studio should offer:

Practical Logistics

• Free parking
• Easy loading access
• Space for production vehicles
• Convenient transport links

Production Flexibility

• Adaptable studio layouts
• Set-building capability
• Client viewing areas
• Breakout spaces

Reliable Infrastructure

• High-speed connectivity
• Production support facilities
• Power requirements
• Comfortable crew areas

Attractive Surroundings

Many productions also benefit from access to outdoor locations, natural environments and visually appealing surroundings that can be incorporated into shoots.

Is a London Studio Still Worth It?

For some productions, absolutely.

If your project depends on immediate access to Soho post-production facilities or requires a highly specific Central London location, a city-centre studio may remain the right choice.

However, for a growing number of commercial productions, content shoots, photography projects and corporate filming days, the advantages of shooting outside London are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.

Lower logistical costs, easier access, free parking, flexible facilities and reduced production stress often outweigh the perceived benefits of a Central London postcode.

The Bottom Line

The best studio isn’t necessarily the one closest to Central London.

It’s the one that allows your production to run smoothly, efficiently, and cost-effectively, whether outside London or in London.

When evaluating your next shoot, look beyond the studio hire fee and consider the complete production picture: travel time, parking, equipment access, client convenience, crew wellbeing and operational flexibility.

• Travel time
• Parking
• Equipment access
• Client convenience
• Crew wellbeing
• Operational flexibility

For many agencies, brands and production companies, that’s why studios outside the M25 are becoming an increasingly attractive alternative to traditional London locations.

The question is no longer whether you can shoot outside London.

It’s whether your production still needs to be in London at all.