Common
questions.
If yours isn’t here, drop us a line. We come back the same working day.
Booking
Q.01How do I book the studio?
Send an enquiry with your shoot date, headcount and brief. We come back with availability, a quote, and the booking agreement within one working day. A 25% deposit confirms the date.
Q.02How far in advance do I need to book?
There is no fixed minimum, but popular dates fill quickly. We recommend booking as early as possible for full-day or multi-day shoots.
Q.03What is the minimum booking period?
Bookings run by the day, for spaces and the full studio alike. Multi-day and weekly rates are on the rate card.
Q.04Can I visit the studio before booking?
Yes. Recces are welcome by appointment.
Spaces
Q.05Can I take the whole studio for a single shoot?
Yes, and most productions do. Full-studio hire gives you the entire 3,500 sq ft floor, the kitchen, the client lounge, the props store and exclusive use of the building.
Q.06If I book one space, do I get the building to myself?
Not quite, and we are upfront about it. Hopclover is a collaborative, co-working studio: unless you hire the whole building, the other space may be in use by the CHS team or another crew, and the kitchen, toilets, client area, props and backgrounds are open for everyone, with each shoot respectfully mindful of the others. For total exclusivity, book the full studio.
Q.07Can I use the kitchen if I book Hopclover Two?
For coffee, water and stashing lunch in the fridge, absolutely. Cooking and food shoots stay with Hopclover One and full-studio bookings.
Q.08I am booking Hopclover One. Can I still hire props?
Yes. The props store sits on the Hopclover Two side, and prop hire includes access to it whichever space you book.
Q.09Is the kitchen separately bookable?
The kitchen sits inside Hopclover One. Production use (cooking, food and drink shoots, styling prep) comes with Hopclover One and full-studio bookings; every booking gets crew use for coffee, water and cold storage.
Q.10Can I bring vehicles inside?
Yes. The 4.0m electric loading door opens straight onto the studio floor, and a long-wheelbase van fits fully inside. Tell us on enquiry so we can plan the load-in.
Q.11Can I shoot with animals?
Yes, with prior approval. Some additional house rules apply.
Equipment
Q.12Can I bring my own equipment?
Absolutely. Dry hire is the default.
Q.13What equipment can I hire from you?
Both photographic and video equipment is available on request, alongside grip, surfaces and backdrops, and a 1,500-item prop library. Ask and we will send the full kit list.
Q.14Do I need insurance for wet hire?
Yes. Typically £2m public liability with hired-in equipment cover, or take our damage waiver.
Production
Q.15Do you allow set builds and painting?
Yes, with prior approval. Water-based paints, mandatory floor protection, and an enhanced security deposit. Prep and strike days are charged at 50% of the day rate.
Q.16Can I use smoke machines or pyro?
Smoke machines yes, with extraction. No naked flames, pyrotechnics or explosives.
Catering
Q.17Can I bring food and drink?
Yes.
Q.18Do you provide catering?
We work with a shortlist of local caterers and can coordinate the booking. Allergen and dietary requirements pass through us to the caterer.
Q.19Can I use the kitchen for food shoots?
Yes. That's what it's there for. Book Hopclover One or the full studio.
Cancellation
Q.20What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellations more than 14 days out are fully refunded; inside 14 days the deposit is retained against rebooking. Full T&Cs sit with the booking agreement.
Q.21Can I reschedule my booking?
Yes. Outside 14 days at no charge, inside 14 days subject to availability.
Ready to shoot?
Tell us the shoot date and the brief. We come back the same working day with availability and a quote.
Book the studio