Big Shed

Manchester Hire Studio

The Big Shed is a photographers and cinematographers dream space. Established 2004 with 5,000 sq ft of studio facilities, it has become one of Manchester’s favourite creative spaces. Located minutes from Manchester city centre, the M60 motorway, and the Metrolink tram network. Big Shed is the ideal space to shoot large sets, automotive photography, TV commercials, videos and ‘overhead’ shots.

Live action shoot

Main Studio

• Ground floor
• 3,000 Sqft
• large L-shaped Infinity cove
• Drive-in access
• Sound insulated
• Full blackout or Chromakey
• Rolling Overhead Shot Gantry
• Lighting
• Fork Lift Truck

Mezzanine Studio

• First floor
• 850 Sqft
• Infinity cove
• Chromakey Option
• Sound insulated
• Lift access

Big shed has all the usual facilities you would expect (and many you wouldn’t) from a professional studio space for hire.

At Big Shed photographic hire studio we aim to be both helpful and efficient, allowing your production to run as smoothly as possible, whilst also being an enjoyable experience. Big shed has all the usual facilities you would expect (and some you wouldn’t) from a professional studio space for hire. See our facilities page for a full list, but just to give you a flavour of what we offer, here’s a selection: car parking for over 20 vehicles, ample space for generators and catering vehicles, 2 studios with infinity coves, a totally unique overhead shot facility, meeting rooms and much more

Use the social link below to see many more images on our Instagram feed: @bigshedstudio

Making your shoot a pleasant experience

The Big Shed site also aims to be a useful source of reference for many of your shooting needs. There are links to various companies and suppliers of creative services and equipment as well as printable listings of freelance professionals with their contact numbers.

If you would like to be included on future up dates of these lists then please contact us and we will gladly add your details

Studio Layout plan
Click for download

Studio Guide

Our PDF guide to Big Shed studios, containing all you need to know about layout, dimensions, lighting grid and even car parking.

Cove dimensions
Click for download

Shooting Guide

A PDF document with a selection of shots showing a car on the scoop. All the pics have been shot with a full frame DSLR. Lens sizes, shooting positions etc have been marked on the images for you to get an idea of what can be achieved in the main studio.

Client Testimonials

Once those roller shutters go down, Justin’s studio is a warm and friendly place. Great kitchen facilities, and even beer. We got several big cars in there for filming with no problem.

Jonny Smith

TV Presenter

A fantastic professional studio to work in and just hang out, it has a great atmosphere and is like a home from home for me as I’ve spent weeks here over the last few years! Facilities are brilliant, the ‘help factor’ is superb and it has everything you need. I’ll be back!

David Anthony

Photographer

I’ve always found Big Shed studio a great place to work: spacious, really well appointed, friendly and easy to get to and from. One of the big bonuses is the height which means working with cranes is easy.

Richard Oliver

Director

We came to film a big block of episodes for our pre school science show after a great experience on the pilot. Our 3 week shoot has been a fantastic experience. Justin is a legend, helpful, creative and highly skilled at what he does. Big Shed is a gem of a studio and I would not hesitate to recommend!

Tom Cousins

Producer, BBC

3 weeks of contraptions, rigging,
de-rigging, and mad ideas. All of which worked! great stay, thanks for all the help
..like a second home!

Simon Kennedy

Media manager, Centre Screen

Peaceful, simple, and perfect for all our shooting needs. I could not be happier with the service provided. Swift and exceptional, Thanks.. now our #1 studio!

Samson Owolabi

Head of Video & Creative Director at Bearded Fellows

It’s always a pleasure shooting at Big Shed. Justin always seems to have that little something extra that we sometimes find we need on a shoot, and it feels way more homely filming in here than other studios that we’ve used over the years. Top marks!

Paul McHugh

Director, Carbon Digital

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