Question & Answer
How Much Space Does an Inhouse Studio Need?
Short Answer
As a benchmark: a single speaker position needs about 20 to 35 m², presenting with a guest and camera movement 35 to 70 m², a multi-set studio 70 m² or more. Almost more important than the floor area is the distance to the background and a ceiling height of about 2.8 m or more, so light can be positioned cleanly.
In 30 Seconds
- Area by format: a single speaker position 20–35 m², presenting with a guest 35–70 m², multi-set 70 m² or more.
- More important than square meters is the distance to the background: at least 1.5 to 2 m, more for a green screen.
- From a ceiling height of about 2.8 m, light can be positioned noticeably more easily.
Benchmarks by Format
| Format | Area | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Single speaker position | 20–35 m² | distance to background, space for light |
| Presenting with a guest | 35–70 m² | second position, camera movement |
| Multi-set / talk | 70 m² or more | multiple sets, control position, storage space |
Why Distance Matters More Than Area
A common misconception: it's not the square meters that make the studio, but the distance between the person and the background. Too little distance creates hard shadows and makes a Green Screen practically unusable. That's why an elongated room is often more usable than a square room of the same area.
Rule of thumb
At least around 1.5 to 2 meters of distance between the person and the background — this avoids shadows and lets the background be lit cleanly. More for a green screen.
For the typical starting situations, this means:
Ceiling Height and Ancillary Space
Light wants to come from above — a height of about 2.8 m or more makes many things easier. It's also worth planning space for equipment, a changing/prep area and storage, so the studio works day to day and doesn't get cluttered between productions.
Where a Meeting Room as a Studio Usually Falls Short
- ceiling height too low
- ventilation that can't be switched off
- too little distance for clean lighting
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a meeting room enough as a studio?
Often, yes — provided ceiling height, distance to the background and acoustics are right. The usual sticking points are ceiling height, ventilation that can't be switched off, and too little distance for clean lighting.
How much distance to the background is needed?
At least around 1.5 to 2 meters, so shadows are avoided and the background can be lit cleanly — more for a green screen.
What ceiling height should a studio have?
From around 2.8 meters, positioning light becomes noticeably easier. Lower rooms are usable but limit lighting options.
Related
Does Your Room Work as a Studio?
We check floor area, height and distance — honestly, on site.