Picturepool Studios
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about Picturepool Studios, including pricing, availability, equipment, and studio specifications.
Booking & Availability
How do I book the studio?
You can book the studio by contacting us via email at studio@picturepoolstudios.com or by SMS at +36 30 325 0165. We will send a written confirmation upon receipt. A valid booking must be made in writing.
What are the studio opening hours?
The studio is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (Monday to Sunday, 00:00–24:00). Weekend and after-hours sessions are always available — please contact us to arrange your booking.
How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking at least 2 weeks in advance for the best availability. Popular dates fill up quickly, so earlier booking is encouraged. For large productions, we recommend 4–6 weeks advance notice.
Is the studio available on weekends?
Yes — the studio is open 24/7, so weekend and after-hours bookings are always available. Please contact us with your preferred dates and we will confirm the schedule.
What is the cancellation policy?
If the client cancels more than 14 days before the booked date, there is no charge. Between 14 and 4 days, 50% of the booking fee (minimum 60,000 HUF + VAT) applies. Between 0 and 3 days, 100% of the booking fee applies. Both booking and cancellation must be done in writing.
What is the hourly rate of the studio?
The studio hourly rate is 16,500 HUF + VAT / hour, plus utility costs.
What is the minimum booking duration?
The studio is billed by the hour with a minimum rental period of 4 hours. Every started hour is billable until the space is handed over to the next booking, i.e., until the last person has left the studio.
Will I be charged for the full booking if we finish early?
Yes — the studio is billed by the hour and every started hour is billable. The booked hours are invoiced even if work finishes earlier than planned, until the space is vacated for the next booking.
Do you offer a discount for set-build or teardown days?
Yes. Set construction on the day before filming and dismantling on the day after receive a 40% discount on the studio rental fee. Please ask about this when booking.
What happens if there's a power outage or mechanical failure?
In the rare event of a power outage, mechanical failure, or similar circumstance beyond our control, we'll do everything we can to help you find an alternative solution and aim to compensate for the lost booking time. For full details, see our terms & conditions.
How does conditional booking work?
If a time slot is already tentatively held by another client, you can request a conditional (pencil) booking. This gives you a 2-hour window to confirm — if the other party doesn't confirm within 4 hours, the slot becomes yours. Once a booking is confirmed (firm), it is non-cancellable. See terms & conditions for details.
Studio Space & Facilities
How big is the studio?
The studio spans 300 m² (with additional attachable space), featuring an 8.2 m-wide infinity cove and 12 large windows for natural light. See the full studio specifications. The studio also includes an on-site makeup and changing area, which can optionally be separated into a dedicated room.
Can the studio be darkened?
The studio is primarily a daylight studio, but it can be made completely light-proof for fully controlled lighting conditions. If you need natural light, all 12 windows can be opened.
Can the studio space be expanded for larger productions?
Yes — additional areas can be attached to the 300 m² studio for larger productions, and upon request we can arrange truck parking and an expanded power supply. Our experienced team supports photo, video, film, advertising, and sound productions of any scale.
Is there a makeup and changing area?
Yes, the studio includes a dedicated makeup and changing area for talent and crew, alongside professional infrastructure such as 63 A industrial power, two one-tonne freight elevators, and guarded free parking.
Do you have Wi-Fi?
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the studio. The connection is suitable for file transfers and video calls, but not for live streaming. If you need a dedicated connection for a production, please discuss requirements with us when booking.
Do you have music playback equipment?
We have a built-in Bluetooth sound system, especially useful for band shoots. We recommend bringing your own active speaker for loud drum sounds. The large room has acoustics typical of such spaces — we can dampen this, and we are also prepared for recording live audio.
Can you record live audio or sound in the studio?
Yes. For sound recordings and film productions, our experienced team can shape the acoustic properties of the space and solve acoustic breaks. The room has acoustics typical of large spaces, which we can dampen as needed, and we are prepared for recording live audio.
Do you offer a green screen?
The studio's base color is white, but we can repaint it or rent you a Croma Green backdrop that is 11 m wide. We can also turn the entire studio black if you prefer, or if you just need a 15 m black backdrop — we have a BLACK fabric collection available for rent in stock.
Can the infinity cove be repainted a different colour?
The studio's base colour is white, but repainting is available upon request. If the production chooses to repaint, the cost of repainting back to white is borne by the renter — please request a quote. When using fabric backdrops, cleaning costs for soiled fabrics are also the renter's responsibility.
Can we bring animals?
Of course — the studio is animal-friendly!
Can we mount an aerial hoop or silk to the ceiling?
The ceiling system has attachment clamps installed that are suitable for hanging. Feel free to use them.
What is the electrical capacity?
Both sides of the studio have 16 A outlets installed, and in a central location there are 2 × 32 A industrial power units, totalling 63 A. Extension cords and power strips are also available on-site — please check current stock with us.
Should we budget for cleaning costs?
More than half of the studio is built from cyclorama material painted white, which gets dirty easily. We provide shoe covers free of charge to protect it — these must be put on and removed when entering the set. We also provide alternative protection for performers. If marks or stains still appear on the backdrop, a cleaning fee will apply. The amount depends on the extent of the dirt and can be up to 40,000 HUF.
Can the entire studio be turned black?
Yes — our BLACK fabric collection can cover walls, ceiling, and floor to create a fully blacked-out environment. This gives you complete control over lighting from any angle, ideal for dramatic or high-contrast setups.
Are the freight elevators suitable for heavy equipment?
Yes. We have two freight elevators, each rated for 1 tonne. They easily handle lighting rigs, set pieces, large backdrops, and other heavy production gear. The freight elevators are not suitable for transporting cars.
Is there a sofa or lounge area in the studio?
Yes — we provide a comfortable sofa and lounge area where you and your team can rest between shots or during changeovers.
Equipment & Services
Can you rent lighting equipment?
Yes, you can! We have a lamp warehouse, but for special equipment we can also provide gear after prior arrangement. Additionally, if you need other video or photo equipment, or decoration, that won't be a problem either. Our base price does not include lighting, and our quoted prices do not include VAT.
Do you have Profoto and Broncolor lighting equipment?
Yes! We provide access to industry-leading Profoto and Broncolor lighting systems as part of our production support and equipment rental services. These premium brands ensure top-tier quality for every shoot. Please let us know your specific lighting needs in advance!
Can I rent equipment for off-site or on-location shoots?
Yes. Our equipment is also available for rent at external locations, with delivery by a vehicle designed for the purpose, a driver, and a technical specialist available as needed. Request the equipment list.
Can you arrange catering for the crew?
Of course! Two local eateries operate within the studio premises, offering home-style Hungarian dishes for your guests. We also work with reliable catering companies near the studio and are happy to connect you with them for crew meals.
Do you offer airport transfer?
Yes — airport transfer is among our optional services, alongside equipment rental, production assistance, creative consultancy, in-house photography, catering, and more. Contact us to arrange it.
What equipment and services do you offer?
We offer a wide range of photo & video lights, photographic lights, stands, ARRI lamps, LED lamps, Profoto & Broncolor gear, mobile walls, green paper backgrounds, and decorative props available for both in-studio and on-location rental with delivery included. DSLR cameras are also available for rent. See our equipment rental page for details. Lenses and other accessories on request.
Can you help us build decorations?
Yes! We have a small workshop next to the studio where we build decorative elements. We take on decor construction jobs – just share your plans in advance and we'll design the solution together.
Can you help with creative direction or planning?
We can provide production crew, technical direction, and hands-on advice for space usage and lighting setup. For concept or art direction, we recommend trusted creative partners. Just ask and we'll connect you.
Can you support international productions?
Absolutely. We offer fixer services to handle local logistics, connect you with local professionals (DOPs, gaffers, stylists, models), source equipment and venues, and provide English-speaking crew. Whether you're shooting in Budapest for the first time or planning a multi-day production, we can support you end-to-end.
Rooftop
We saw you have a rooftop!
Yes, we do! Our rooftop features a 360-degree panoramic view of Budapest with a unique vantage point — perfect for fashion shoots, portraits, and creative projects.
How big is the rooftop?
The rooftop spans 2,200 m² with a 360° panorama of Budapest and no surrounding buildings to obstruct the view. Its 50 cm safety edge provides protection without blocking the panorama. See the rooftop details.
Is a liability waiver required for the rooftop?
Yes. Every person on the rooftop must sign a liability waiver before use. To protect the surface, high-heeled shoes are not permitted, and we aim to minimise the crew on the rooftop as there is no guardrail system due to the panoramic view.
Are high-heeled shoes allowed on the rooftop?
No — high-heeled shoes are not permitted on the rooftop to protect its surface. For your comfort and safety, we recommend appropriate footwear for the open-air shoot.
Are there limits on how many people can be on the rooftop?
The rooftop has no guardrail system (preserving the 360° panorama), so we aim to minimise the crew on it. Every person must sign a liability waiver, and high-heeled shoes are not permitted. Contact us to discuss your rooftop production requirements.
Getting Here
Where is Picturepool Studios located?
Picturepool Studios is located at Száva utca 9, Budapest 1107, Building A, 3rd floor. We are near Határ út metro station (Line M3) and easily accessible by bus (line 99 to Basa utca). The studio is about 15 minutes by car from Budapest airport. See our contact page for full directions.
Can we park there?
Free parking is available throughout the protected industrial premises in designated areas. For vehicles needing power, we can provide 16 A, and up to 63 A. For larger productions, area occupation for bigger vehicles and overnight parking is also possible.
Can we use the elevator?
Two 1-tonne freight elevators make loading and unloading easy. They are easily accessible and open almost directly into the studio.
Can I see or download the studio floor plan?
Yes! You can view the full studio floor plan interactively on our Studio page — open it in full screen, download the original image, or share a link directly. Visit explore the layout.