What is an in-house studio? Explanation, types and practical tips

“We’d like an in-house studio, but what exactly does that mean? Is it the same as a TV studio? Do we need a whole production crew?”

These are questions Jacqueline Borremans, Business Consultant at AVEX, hears regularly during introductory meetings. After nearly ten years in the industry, Jacqueline keeps seeing the same thing: many organisations don’t have a clear idea of what an in-house studio actually is.

That’s perfectly understandable. The term is used for a wide range of solutions, from simple video setups to fully equipped broadcast studios. As a result, there’s often confusion about the possibilities, costs and use cases.

Together with Jacqueline, we’ve put together this article to explain:

• What an in-house studio is (and what it isn’t)
• The different types available and which one may suit your organisation
• Which organisations benefit most from an in-house studio
• The key practical considerations
• How to take your first steps towards producing professional video content in-house

By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of what an in-house studio is, which solution best fits your organisation and what practical factors you should consider before making a decision.

What is an in-house studio?

An in-house studio is a professional video production setup permanently installed at your own location.

Depending on your requirements, this can range from a compact studio for everyday video content to a fully equipped production environment with multiple cameras, production control and advanced broadcasting technology.

A professional in-house studio often includes:

• Cameras pre-configured for your space
• Smart presets for image settings, lighting and camera angles
• Professional lighting that consistently delivers the right look
• High-quality audio without complicated microphone setups
• Simple controls that make the studio easy for anyone to use

The biggest difference compared to an external studio is flexibility. Need to record a message for colleagues tomorrow? Host a webinar? Respond to breaking news?

There’s no need to book a studio or arrange a production crew. Simply walk into the room and start recording.

What types of in-house studio are available?

Not every organisation has the same requirements. That’s why there are different types of in-house studio, depending on usage frequency, quality expectations and budget.

Basic Setup (€6.000 – €20.000)

A Basic Setup is ideal for organisations that want professional-looking video content without complicated technology. Typically, it includes a camera, professional lighting and high-quality audio. Everything is preconfigured so users can start recording quickly without technical expertise. It’s perfect for: CEO updates, internal communications, training and instructional videos and short presentations.

Professional Setup (€20.000 – €50.000)

If you’re regularly creating video content, hosting webinars or organising online events, a Professional Setup provides greater flexibility. These studios typically include multiple cameras, advanced lighting and capabilities for livestreaming and professional productions. These are suitable for: webinars, interviews, panel discussions, online events and more advanced video content.

Broadcast Setup (€50.000+ / € 75.000+)

For organisations producing high-quality video on a daily basis, a Broadcast Setup offers the most comprehensive solution. These are fully equipped studios with professional production control, multiple cameras and advanced audiovisual technology. They’re designed for intensive use where maximum image and sound quality are essential. Typical users include organisations that regularly host livestreams, online symposiums or large-scale productions, such as hospitals running medical conferences and online events.

Ultimately, the right solution depends on your objectives, the type of content you produce and how frequently you’ll use the studio.

When is an in-house studio the right choice?

An in-house studio isn’t the right solution for every organisation. Its value largely depends on how often you create video content, how important speed is and how much control you want over production.

An in-house studio is often a good fit if:

• You create video content at least twice a month
• You need to respond quickly to internal communications or current events
• You want to reduce the costs of external studios and production companies
• Multiple departments such as HR, Marketing, Sales and Leadership regularly create videos

For many organisations, the tipping point is around 20 to 30 video productions per year. Beyond that, an in-house studio can often become more cost-effective than repeatedly hiring external facilities.

An in-house studio may be less suitable if:

• You only produce a few videos each year
• You prefer to outsource production entirely
• You don’t have a suitable space available

In these cases, an external studio or hybrid solution may be a better fit.

Practical considerations

If you’re considering an in-house studio, there are several practical points worth thinking about beforehand.

From external dependency to complete control

More and more organisations are choosing to produce video content in-house. Companies such as Heineken, ABN AMRO and UWV have already taken this step. Their experiences show that an in-house studio helps organisations:

• Produce content more quickly
• Reduce production costs per video
• Become less dependent on external studios and production schedules
• Communicate immediately when situations demand it

You now know what an in-house studio is, which types are available and what practical considerations matter most.

The next question is: Is an in-house studio right for your organisation?

Many organisations assume that professional studios are only suitable for large companies or that they always require a full production team. In practice, the opposite is often true. Modern in-house studios are user-friendly, quick to operate and ideal for organisations that regularly produce professional video content.

At AVEX, we’ve helped dozens of organisations, including Heineken, ABN AMRO and St. Antonius Hospital, create their own easy-to-use studio environments. That experience allows us to recommend the solution that best matches your requirements, budget and expected usage.