How is the studio space configured for different content types?

The studio is adaptable, with a default working setup that can be transformed into a podcast studio, a main channel filming setup (including livestreaming), and used for Q&A sessions. This flexibility allows for various production needs within the same space.

What specific filming equipment is used in the studio?

Key equipment includes Sony a7c and a7 S3 cameras, Aputure 300D Mark II and 120D lights, Sennheiser MKH 416 microphone, Zoom H6 audio recorder, and an Atomos AtomX Cast for multi-camera switching.

How does the speaker justify the high cost of the studio?

The speaker acknowledges the cost is high and likely not worth it purely on a monetary ROI basis. The justification leans towards experimental value, improved 'vibes,' team cohesion, and the convenience of a dedicated, managed space.

What plans do they have for future studio or workspace arrangements?

The speaker plans to move towards a hybrid model, utilizing dedicated home studios for filming and providing team members with co-working memberships like WeWork for general workdays.

What are the benefits of having a private office space versus hot-desking?

While hot-desking offers flexibility and cost savings, a private office provides better 'vibes,' allows for unrestricted use (e.g., playing music, filming without disturbing others), and was seen as an experiment to test its impact on team dynamics and creativity.

Can you describe the main lighting setup for YouTube videos?

For main channel filming, a single Aputure 300D Mark II with a Light Dome modifier is used, positioned at a 45-degree angle to create a soft, flattering light. The focus is on simplicity, akin to Peter McKinnon's lighting style.

Key Moments

My London Studio Tour (2022)

Ali Abdaal

Education3 min read33 min video

Sep 18, 2022|176,062 views|5,510|223

Ali Abdaal Ali abdal

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Key Moments

TL;DR

Ali Abdaal shares his London studio tour, setups, and a financial breakdown.

Key Insights

The studio tour showcases various setups for co-working, podcasting, main channel filming, and live streaming.

The space aims for a clean, organized aesthetic, primarily using white and blue color schemes with pops of greenery.

Key equipment includes Herman Miller furniture, Apple monitors, Sony cameras, Shure SM7B microphones, and Profoto lighting.

The studio's monthly cost of £10,800 is analyzed, considering location and premium co-working amenities.

While the monetary ROI is questionable, the space provides intangible benefits like good vibes and a dedicated workspace.

Future plans involve a hybrid model: two dedicated home studios (YouTube and podcast) and co-working memberships.

OVERVIEW OF THE STUDIO AND COMMUNAL SPACES

Ali Abdaal begins his 2022 studio tour by introducing a new series, 'Backstage,' which will offer behind-the-scenes insights into his YouTube channel and business. He first tours the communal areas of the co-working building, including a gallery space ideal for filming and team co-working. Free amenities like tea and coffee are available, and the building offers a cafe, reading room, and conference rooms for various team needs. This initial walkthrough sets the stage for exploring the dedicated studio space and its various functional setups.

THE DEDICATED WORKSPACE AND TEAM AREA

The core studio space is revealed as a primary work area for Ali's team. It features Herman Miller desks and various LG, Asus, and Apple monitors, allowing team members to plug in their MacBooks. A key element is the upload station with a Mac Mini, wired Ethernet, and multiple card readers, facilitating overnight footage uploads and backups for remote editors. Storage solutions are plentiful, housing camera gear, merchandise, and stationery, reflecting the operational needs of a growing content creation business.

FLEXIBLE SETUPS FOR CONTENT CREATION

The studio is designed for versatility, adapting to different content formats. The podcast setup utilizes multiple Sony cameras with prime lenses for a cinematic look, complemented by Shure SM7B microphones connected via a Cloudlifter to a Zoom H6 recorder. For main channel filming, a single Sony A7S III with a 50mm lens is used, often paired with an Aputure Light Dome for soft, flattering light. An overhead rig is also featured, invaluable for demonstrating processes like writing or drawing, enhancing the visual appeal of tutorials and explanations.

AESTHETIC CHOICES AND PRACTICAL MODIFICATIONS

Significant attention is paid to the studio's aesthetic and functionality. This includes adding blue filters to the built-in lights to achieve a cooler, daylight-like tone, combating the original yellow cast. Window tinting with ND filters helps manage sunlight variability, creating a more controlled and dramatic environment for filming. The color of the walls was also a deliberate choice, with a recent painting of a specific white shade enhancing the overall clean and bright look, contributing to a visually pleasing backdrop.

FINANCIAL BREAKDOWN AND ROI ANALYSIS

The studio incurs a substantial cost of £10,800 per month plus VAT, primarily due to its central London location and upscale co-working amenities. Ali breaks down this cost, comparing it to the price of hot-desking at other co-working spaces, which would amount to roughly £3,000 for his team. This leaves £7,800 for the private studio space. He analyzes the return on investment (ROI), concluding that monetarily, the space hasn't directly led to more videos. However, it provides intangible benefits like improved team morale and serendipitous idea generation.

FUTURE PLANS AND EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Reflecting on the past year, Ali finds the current studio setup not entirely fit for purpose, as filming often prevents the team from using it for collaborative work. Consequently, he plans to transition to a hybrid model. This involves creating two dedicated home studios—one for YouTube and one for podcasts—at his residence. The team will receive co-working memberships for days they need to work together in person. This experimental approach, akin to large creators in the US, aims to optimize workflow and cost-effectiveness for his business moving forward.

Mentioned in This Episode

●Products

●Software & Apps

●Companies

●Organizations

●Books

●People Referenced

London Studio Tour & Setup Guide

Practical takeaways from this episode

Do This

Utilize movable furniture (desks on wheels) for flexible studio configurations.

Invest in good quality chairs like Herman Miller for team comfort.

Organize gear with clear labeling for easy access.

Consider adaptable lighting solutions like softboxes and adjustable lights.

Use overhead rigs for dynamic filming angles, especially for tutorials or tech reviews.

Optimize audio with quality microphones and proper setup (e.g., Sennheiser MKH 416).

Implement solutions for consistent lighting, like ND filters on windows and blue film on lights.

Paint walls white for a clean, bright aesthetic that complements lighting.

Leverage additional spaces within the building (gallery, balcony) for varied filming environments.

Prioritize team comfort and well-being with good amenities and a pleasant workspace.

Consider a hybrid work model that balances in-person collaboration with remote flexibility.

Run experiments to find the optimal setup and workflow for your creative business.

Avoid This

Don't underestimate the need for ample storage space.

Avoid yellow or warm-toned lighting if a daylight aesthetic is preferred.

Don't rely solely on ambient office lighting for professional filming.

Avoid leaving the studio space cluttered with equipment when not in use if personal life is affected.

Don't assume a high rent in an expensive location automatically guarantees ROI.

Don't overspend on equipment that isn't 'worth it' (like the Pro Display XDR mentioned).

Herman Miller Chair Models Mentioned

Data extracted from this episode

Chair Model	Description
Sail Chair	Speaker's long-time chair, brought from Cambridge.
Embody	The chair Sam is sitting on.
Mirra II	The chair Jana is sitting on.
Cosm	Other chairs in the studio, with adjustable height but limited other adjustments.

Studio Cost Breakdown

Data extracted from this episode

Item	Cost per Month	Notes
Total Rent	£10,800 + VAT	Includes managed space benefits.
Reclaimable VAT	N/A	The business is VAT registered.
Value of Hot-Desking (WeWork Comparison)	£3,000	Estimated value for 10 team members at £300/person/month.
Cost for Private Office Space (Studio)	£7,800	Remaining cost after deducting hot-desking value.
Estimated Cost of Extra Bedroom for Filming	£1,500	Conservative estimate for a room in Central London.
Premium for Dedicated Studio Space	£6,300	The additional cost beyond having a separate room for filming at home.

Common Questions

The studio costs £10,800 per month plus VAT. While the VAT is reclaimable for a registered business, the substantial monthly rent reflects its central London location and premium co-working amenities.