Questions,
answered
Everything people ask about hiring Lake District Film Studios, Cumbria’s film, TV, podcast and photography studio near Carlisle. Can’t see your question? Just ask.
About
the studio
Is there a film studio in Cumbria?
Yes. Lake District Film Studios opened on 15 September 2026 at The Clocktower, Crofton Hall, Thursby, 15 minutes west of Carlisle. It is believed to be Cumbria’s first dedicated film and TV studio, with two studios under one roof: Studio One, a 650 sq ft film, TV and commercial space, and Studio Two, a 450 sq ft podcast and photography studio.
Where is Lake District Film Studios?
The studio is at The Clocktower, Crofton Hall, Thursby, Carlisle, Cumbria CA5 6QB, on the historic Crofton Hall estate. There is free parking right outside, a cafe on the estate open Wednesday to Sunday, and a motorhome and caravan park for crew staying over. Get directions.
How far is the studio from Newcastle, Manchester, Glasgow and Edinburgh?
Roughly 1 hour 15 minutes from Newcastle, 1 hour 30 minutes from Manchester, 1 hour 45 minutes from Glasgow and 2 hours from Edinburgh by road. Carlisle is 15 minutes away, and the M6 and the northern Lake District are an easy drive.
Who runs the studio?
The studio was founded by Ben Phoenix, a filmmaker since 2005, who built and ran a green screen studio in Birmingham from 2012, working with the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5 and The Gadget Show. Lake District Film Studios is operated by NEXI Media Ltd (registered in Scotland, company no. SC749267), and NEXI.tv is the resident production company. More about us.
Why build a film studio in Cumbria?
The Lake District draws film and TV production into Cumbria every year, but there was no studio to base it in, so productions, agencies and local businesses travelled to Manchester, Newcastle or Glasgow. The studio keeps that work and budget in the region and gives local crew and creatives somewhere to work.
Hiring
the studio
Where can I hire a green screen studio near Carlisle?
Studio One at Lake District Film Studios has a coved green screen infinity cove ready for keying, virtual sets and product work, plus a blackout curtain space, a full kitchen set and a rustic wood background. It costs £400 for a full day (10 hours) or £275 for a half day (4 hours). See all rates.
Is there a podcast studio in Cumbria?
Yes. Studio Two has a three-camera podcast suite: three Blackmagic Cinema cameras feed a live production switcher, with three Rode microphones in an acoustically treated room, so the show is cut as you record. A two-hour session is £250 with our producer mixing it live, or £150 if you bring your own producer. Live streaming is available.
Can I hire a photography studio near Carlisle?
Yes. The photography space in Studio Two has six interchangeable paper backgrounds on an overhead rail, for portraits, headshots, team photos, product and packaging work. It costs £100 for two hours, £175 for a half day (4 hours) or £275 for a full day (8 hours).
How much does it cost to hire the whole studio?
Full studio hire is £700 per day. It covers Studio One, Studio Two, the green room and the production office, so a whole production can run from one address.
Do your prices include VAT?
There is no VAT to add. The studio is operated by NEXI Media Ltd, which is not currently VAT registered, so the published price is the price you pay.
What is included in the hire price?
Exclusive use of the studio you have booked, the green room (with a changing room, toilet, and tea and coffee), the three-desk production office and free on-site parking. Camera, lighting and grip packages are charged separately.
Can you supply equipment and crew?
Yes. Camera and sound (Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro G2, Sigma Art 18–35mm and 50–100mm lenses, Sennheiser boom and radio mics), lighting (two Aputure Nova P300C and two Amaran 100d) and grip (Hauge K12 jib arm and tripod dolly) packages are quoted to the job. Our crewing service finds experienced local camera, sound, lighting and production crew, so you do not need to bring a team into the region. Facilities and kit.
Can you live stream from the studio?
Yes, from either studio. Mention it when you enquire so it can be set up ahead of the day.
Filming in the
Lake District
Is there a production base for filming in the Lake District?
Lake District Film Studios is built to be one. Productions shooting in Cumbria and the Lake District can use the studio for interiors, green screen and pick-ups, the production office for coordination and rushes, the workshop for set and prop building, and the crewing service for local crew. The motorhome and caravan park on the estate is handy for crew on multi-day shoots.
Can I look round before booking?
Yes. Get in touch to arrange a walkthrough, or come to one of our free events for Cumbria’s creative community, listed on the Events page.
How do I book?
Send the dates and what you are making through the enquiry form, call +44 7342 820336 or email studio@lakedistrictfilmstudios.com, and we will confirm availability and a price.
Still got a question?
Just ask
Call +44 7342 820336, email studio@lakedistrictfilmstudios.com or send an enquiry with your dates, and we will get back to you.