Answers

Studio or on location: where should I film my business video?

Film in a studio when you want full control of light, sound and background, and on location when the place itself is part of the story. A studio such as IAVA Studio in Kensington Market, Toronto, gives you controlled light, good sound and six setups, so interviews, brand films and podcasts look consistent. Location filming suits events, workplaces, products in use and any story that depends on a real environment.

By Anton Iakovenko, IAVA Productions · Last updated

When is a studio the better choice?

  • Interviews, testimonials and talking-head videos where the person should be the focus.
  • Podcasts and video series that need the same look every episode.
  • Shoots that need controlled light and clean sound.
  • Projects with several people on camera in one day.
  • Content that benefits from a branded or styled set.

When is on location the better choice?

  • Corporate events, summits and launches, where the energy of the day is the content.
  • Showing real work: a job site, a kitchen, a lab or a product in use.
  • Stories where the place proves the point, such as a landscaping transformation.
  • Teams that cannot travel to a studio.

How do they compare?

StudioOn location
LightFully controlledDepends on the space and time of day
SoundGood, with minor external noise possibleVaries with the location
SetupSix setups, dressed per projectDepends on the space
StoryFocus on the person and the messageThe place is part of the story
LogisticsOne address, makeup station, waiting areaTravel, access and permissions

Can you do both?

Yes. A common approach is to film the interview in the studio and add B-roll on location, which gives you clean sound and a sense of place.

Examples from our work

  • Fede Vargas podcast with Mathieu Chantelois. An episode recorded at IAVA Studio in Toronto during TIFF 2026, where controlled light and sound suited a conversation-led format.

    See the project

  • Banyan Software. A corporate event film shot on location, where the scale and energy of the day were the story.

    See the project

How IAVA Productions does it

IAVA Studio is 18 by 35 feet, fits up to 20 people and has a makeup station and a waiting area. It has fully controlled light, so there is no natural light to manage. Hours are flexible and booked by request, and we also film on location across Toronto and beyond.

Tell us what you are filming and who is on camera. We will recommend the studio, a location or a mix, and plan the day around it.

Talk to IAVA Productions →

Frequently asked questions

Where is IAVA Studio?
At 250 Augusta Ave, Unit 204B, in Kensington Market, Toronto.
How many setups does the studio have?
Six: Main, Blacked Out, Grass Wall, Grey Backdrop, Green Screen and White Curtains.
Do you travel for shoots?
Yes. Travel is factored into the scope of the project.
Can I attend the shoot?
Absolutely. The studio has a waiting area, and you are welcome on set.

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