Blueprint Partners, the West London marketing agency marking its 30th anniversary next year, has launched Blueprint Studios London.
It’s a new hybrid production facility designed to serve creators, brands and producers looking for professional podcast and video content spaces.
Last night, attendees stepped into the studio for the first time, experiencing its podcast, video and live broadcasting capabilities in action.
The new studio has been created in direct response to what CEO and Creative Director Mark Anand told PodcastingToday, is a growing gap in the market between large, expensive television studios and small-scale podcast studios.
“When we looked at content production for our clients, we often had to hire studios that were either too big, too costly, or too limited,” Anand explained. “Most podcast studios started as audio-only spaces that then added cameras and lights. But you can’t really do television-style production in them.
“At the other end, TV studios require large crews and expensive set builds. We’ve created this sort of hybrid, effectively a mini television studio at a price point more aligned to podcast budgets.”
The idea came from Blueprint’s own frustrations with existing facilities. “Every time I walked away slightly dissatisfied. It wasn’t a great client experience because you were down the back of an alleyway, or technically it wasn’t up to scratch,” Anand said. “We reached the point where it was easier just to build our own rather than keep renting unsuitable spaces.”
Seven sets, multi-camera options and integrated branding
Blueprint Studios London offers seven different sets, designed to give creators flexibility without needing extensive set dressing or prop hire.
These include integrated LED screens for live brand graphics, a bookcase backdrop, a cabinet set, black, green and white cycloramas, and more. Clients can combine two sets for larger productions.
“What we have created is a very small space that really empowers content creators at every level,” Anand said. “If you’re an individual who wants to walk in and record a video podcast, we’ve got a turnkey solution.
“If you’re a brand wanting to present to stakeholders with professional confidence, we’ve got that too. And if you’re a rights-holder or YouTuber needing multi-camera production with graphics, remote guests and slow-motion, the studio can deliver.”
The facility includes a full gallery with 40 channels of video in and out, integrated graphics, and high-bandwidth connectivity capable of supporting live remote feeds.
Four-camera setups can be run quickly and efficiently, designed to mirror television standards but without the cost of a traditional broadcast environment.
Podcasts evolving into TV-style broadcasts
Anand, who began his career in TV and film before moving into corporate content in the early 2000s, believes the rise of YouTube and social platforms has fundamentally changed the expectations for podcasts.
“Any podcast these days needs video, not because the audience necessarily watches the full episode in video, but because the clips are what drive discovery through social media,” he explained. “I might listen to a podcast like The Rest Is Entertainment on my commute, but the reason I’m prompted to tune in is because I’ve seen a clip on Instagram or YouTube Shorts. That means podcasts need video capability built in.”
He added that consumer expectations are also higher than they were 20 years ago: “If you’re watching YouTube on your TV, you expect multiple cameras, good sound, graphics and proper lighting. People are used to the production values of BBC, ITV, Channel 4 or Sky. If podcasts want to hold audience attention, they need to meet those standards.”
Supporting brands and new rights deals
Blueprint Studios London is also targeting brands using video for internal communications, and producers working in sport and entertainment where new distribution models are emerging. Anand pointed to examples like Goalhanger’s football podcasts and YouTubers working with the Bundesliga as evidence of a shift towards non-traditional broadcast routes.
“We’re seeing podcasts effectively become TV shows,” he said. “That means multi-camera, remote guests, graphics, and broadcast-level production. But they need it at a budget that makes sense for podcasting. That’s the space we’re stepping into.”
Looking ahead
While Blueprint Studios London is the first site, the company is already considering expansion into international markets. “This could be the first of a network of studios,” Anand said. “We operate globally with our agency business, so it makes sense to explore other key markets.”
For now, the focus is on establishing the West London space as a go-to destination for creators who want professional standards without broadcast-scale costs.
“Our aim is to give content creators the tools to deliver better work, whether they’re individuals, brands, or producers,” Anand said. “It’s about creating the right environment to make content that stands out.”
Find out more by visiting blueprintstudioslondon.com.
Photo’s from last night’s launch:
