Podcasts and live performances at Laughing Around Studios now benefit from a cinematic look, following the studio’s upgrade to Sony FX3 cameras.
The London West End facility, whose clients include Jimmy Carr, Romesh Ranganathan, Shaun Ryder and The New York Times, aims to keep multi-camera production affordable and efficient for both new and established talent.
Founder Nick Mills created Laughing Around Studios after observing promoters and artists struggle with makeshift recording setups that produced poor results.
The studio offers a 300-capacity venue, a 60-capacity
The studio offers a 300-capacity venue, a 60-capacity room and a dedicated podcast and recording studio, operating as a hireable facility with pre-planning, multi-camera production and post-production services.
Ryan Dutch, Creative Director, says: “We’ve been Sony through and through since inception. It’s not just about the image quality on its own; it’s about how the cameras fit into your workflow.”
He describes the upgrade from Sony FS7s to FX3s as “phenomenal”.
The studio’s schedule requires quick transitions between podcasts and live gigs, so the FX3’s compact, 630g body allows for rapid setup and easy movement between spaces.
The camera’s full-frame imaging and portability mean
The camera’s full-frame imaging and portability mean it can be mounted or handheld without disrupting performances.
Ryan adds: “We need to be able to shoot with great quality without it taking over the room; without it disrupting any live events or action.”
Laughing Around also provides live streaming, using Sony’s Monitor & Control app to coordinate multiple cameras. This setup allows a single operator to manage a multi-camera shoot, reducing production costs.
The FX3’s high sensitivity and 15+ stops
The FX3’s high sensitivity and 15+ stops of dynamic range enable high-quality recording in low light, while precision autofocus and consistent colour matching streamline post-production.
Qays Nsanja, Video Producer and Editor, says: “The FX3s are easy to rig and are very useful in low light, especially for our multi-production venue.”
The move reflects a broader trend in content production, as smaller, more affordable cameras enable lean teams to achieve cinematic results.
Laughing Around Studios is now considering expansion, with plans for more studio space and possibly a second site to support more creators.
