Rental options
Kitchen Studio Hire for Filming and Photography
A working professional kitchen for filming, photography and content, with the practical details that make a shoot run smoothly.
Free to inquire. We reply by email, usually within one business day.
A kitchen studio is a commercial kitchen hired for filming, photography or content creation, giving productions an authentic professional set with real equipment. When booking, check lighting, power capacity, crew access, noise, camera positions, food safety rules and insurance so the shoot runs smoothly and safely.
What kitchen studio hire is
A kitchen studio booking turns a working commercial kitchen into a set. Production companies, food brands, chefs, authors and content creators hire these spaces because they offer authentic equipment, professional surfaces and real cooking in real conditions, which is harder to fake with a built set. Because the kitchen is a food facility, a shoot has to respect its safety and hygiene rules as well as its schedule.
This is different from simply renting kitchen time to cook. A shoot involves crew, equipment and cameras, so it needs more planning around access, noise, power and safe movement. A well-organized booking protects the kitchen, other tenants and your production schedule.
Lighting and power
Commercial kitchens are often lit for work, not for cameras. Overhead fluorescent or LED lights may have a color cast, and stainless steel produces reflections that need careful handling. Ask about natural light, the ability to switch or dim overhead lighting and where you can place stands.
Power is just as important. Lights, cameras, monitors and charging equipment add to the electrical load that cooking equipment already uses. Confirm the outlets available and their capacity, and ask whether you can use a generator or battery power. Never overload circuits or run cables across walkways without protection.
Working around other kitchen users
If the kitchen stays in use by other tenants during your booking, schedule filming for quiet windows and agree boundaries. Use a clearly marked area for your set and keep cables, stands and equipment out of other tenants’ spaces. Respect their privacy by avoiding filming their products, labels or people unless they agree.
The simplest way to avoid conflict is exclusive use. Booking the kitchen at a time when no one else is scheduled, or reserving the whole unit, gives you freedom to set up and shoot without worrying about crossing paths. Ask us about exclusive options when you request a quote.
Space, camera positions and movement
Kitchens are working environments with hot surfaces, sharp tools and wet floors. Walk the space with your director of photography to plan camera positions, tripod placement and movement paths. Decide where crew will stand, where monitors will sit and how talent will move between stations without blocking exits or crossing hazardous areas.
- Ceiling height and ventilation hood position for camera angles
- Counter depth and surface finish for food shots
- Floor space for dollies, tripods and crew
- Clear walkways and emergency exits at all times
- Places to hold props, packaging and wardrobe away from food areas
A pre-shoot checklist for kitchen studio bookings
- Share your shot list, crew list and schedule with the operator
- Confirm power outlets, circuit capacity and lighting restrictions
- Plan camera positions, walkways and emergency exits
- Bring sound blankets, cable covers and clean surfaces for equipment
- Prepare food, props and packaging in advance to save time on set
- Arrange cleaning supplies and extra time for clean-down
Walking through this list on a site visit can prevent most day-of problems.
Noise and sound recording
Extraction hoods, refrigeration compressors and dishwashers make noise that is hard to remove in post-production. If you are recording dialogue, ask whether noisy equipment can be switched off during takes, and consider recording at quieter times such as early mornings or weekends. A short test recording during your visit will tell you more than any description.
Shared kitchens can be noisy because of other tenants, so consider a private reservation for important recordings. The private kitchen page covers exclusive-use options.
Food safety on set
A shoot in a food facility must follow food safety rules. Crew and talent who enter food areas should wash hands, tie back hair, wear clean clothing and keep jewelry and personal items away from food. Equipment brought into the kitchen should be clean, and cables and stands should not touch food or food-contact surfaces.
Food used on camera should be handled safely. Keep hot and cold food at safe temperatures, and do not eat food that has been under lights for long. See the kitchen rules for the standards that apply to everyone in the space.
Access, insurance and permits
The operator will want to know who is on site and what they are bringing. Provide a crew list, a schedule and details of equipment such as lights, grip and special effects. Productions are usually asked to carry public liability and property insurance, and the operator may require to be named on the certificate.
If you plan to film in public areas, use drones or include minors, check separate permits. Allow time for access, setup and a thorough clean-down at the end, and plan to leave the kitchen exactly as you found it.
Booking a kitchen studio
- Share your briefTell us the shoot type, crew size, date, equipment and the kitchen areas you need.
- Visit or video callCheck light, space and sound, and walk through your shot list.
- Confirm termsAgree hours, crew access, insurance and any extra charges.
- Shoot and clean downComplete your booking, follow kitchen rules and leave the space ready for the next user.
Request a quote with your shoot details and we will reply with options.
More on kitchen rental formats
This page is part of our kitchen rental formats guide. Follow the pathways below to move up to the overview, compare alongside topics or go deeper into the detail.
Start with the overview
- Commercial Kitchen RentalEverything you need to choose between shared, private, hourly, ghost and production…
- Pricing and Rental PlansA clear explanation of what you pay for, what changes the price and how to get a quote…
- How Renting WorksSix clear steps from first inquiry to your first confirmed session, with what to prepare…
Compare alongside
- Teaching Kitchen HireHire a professional kitchen set up for teaching, with student workstations, clear…
- Test and Development Kitchen HirePrivate space and professional equipment to develop recipes, run trials and prepare samples…
- Kitchen Hire for Live Cooking EventsA professional kitchen for demonstrations and live food events, with the space, layout and…
- Short-Term Kitchen RentalFixed-date kitchen access for projects, trials, seasonal peaks and backup capacity, without…
Go deeper
- Request a Rental QuoteTell us about your production and get a clear, written quote built around your hours…
- Private Kitchen RentalExclusive access to your own licensed kitchen unit, on your schedule, with your equipment…
- Kitchen Rules and HygieneClear standards protect your food, your reputation and the other businesses using the…
- Book a Kitchen TourSee the equipment, test your workflow and ask the questions that matter. Tours are free…
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers to the questions food businesses ask most about kitchen studio.
Can I film in a working commercial kitchen?
Yes, with prior agreement. Filming must follow food safety rules and the operator’s access requirements.
How many crew can attend?
Limits depend on the space and the day’s other users. Tell us the crew size and we will confirm what is workable.
Can I bring my own lighting?
Usually yes, subject to power and safety. Confirm outlets and cable management in advance.
Do I need special insurance?
Productions typically carry public liability and equipment insurance. Operators may ask to be named on the certificate.
Can I film other tenants’ products or staff?
Not without their permission. We recommend booking times when the kitchen is not in use by others.
Can I cook real food during the shoot?
Yes, if you follow hygiene and temperature rules. Cooking equipment is available as agreed.
Can I film overnight?
Often yes, since our kitchens are open 24 hours, subject to your agreement and crew access.
Can I use the kitchen’s equipment on camera?
Yes, as agreed in your booking and following safety rules and any induction requirements.
Are props and food styling supplies allowed?
Yes, as long as they are clean and kept away from food contact areas, and you take everything away afterward.
Ask about this kitchen option
Tell us what you need and we reply by email, usually within one business day, with a clear next step.