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Film set, real location or studio with your own set: which do you choose?

The differences between a built film set, a real location and an empty studio where you build your own set, and which questions decide the choice.

10 Nov 2026

Three ways to get a set

  • A built film set: the set is already standing and was made for filming. Nobody lives or works there, so scheduling is often more flexible. Examples are Ready, Set, Film! and RadarLAB.
  • A real location: an existing building, vehicle or museum you hire for filming, directly or through a location agency. The look is real, but you work around opening hours, visitors and house rules.
  • A studio with your own set: you hire an empty studio and build. Revontuli rents bare or with a set and technical support, and Allard Studios lists set walls, backdrops and props.

What the choice depends on

Start with the script. If you need one recognisable environment, such as a hospital corridor or a cell, an existing set or location saves a lot of build time. If you need several rooms on one day, an address with several settings helps: Ready, Set, Film! has a living room, kitchen, bedroom, office and interrogation room at one address. If you want full control over light and sound, or the set exists nowhere, a quiet studio with your own build is often more logical. Then also read renting a film studio and sound in a rented film studio.

With real locations, check the conditions. The former Diaconessenhuis in Voorburg is offered for a minimum of one month. According to its site, you book the Hondekop train at least eight weeks in advance. At the Blokhuispoort filming is allowed after written permission.

Comparing costs

Do not compare the day rate alone. With an empty studio you also pay for the build, materials and build days. A location agency often adds a fee: one agency in The Hague, for example, publishes €1,000 per day for photography and €1,500 to €2,000 per day for film, excluding VAT and utilities, plus a fee for the preparation stage (indicative). A built set can work out cheaper if the set is already mostly right. Put the options side by side with the same shoot days, build time and crew. More tips in saving money on studio hire.

Frequently asked questions

Is a real location always more convincing?
Not necessarily. A real location has real details, but you have less control over sound, light and time. A well-built set can look just as convincing on camera and often allows more camera positions. Look at the photos and ask for a viewing.
Is every filming location in the Netherlands on Shootspace?
No. We only list sets and locations that publicly rent out for filming. Location agencies often hold a much larger file of homes and business premises that cannot be booked publicly.

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