First Option Location Studio Information

Situated in a private courtyard in the heart of Shoreditch, First Option is a versatile 1790 sq ft converted Victorian zip and suspender factory that has served as a highly acclaimed creative location for over thirty years. Built circa 1870 and renovated in 1986-87, First Option has been designed specifically for film, TV and stills, but is also a great event space. The split level studio is 1000 sq ft with a 204 sq ft mezzanine complete with built in desks and work tops, ideal as a production office or as a storage/ holding area. The studio space adjoins a 500 sq ft bespoke kitchen built by one of the last cabinet makers of old Shoreditch, and there is a second smaller kitchen of 230 sq ft on the ground floor, which serves as an invaluable prep space when filming in the main kitchen. Our fabulous main kitchen has marble and wooden work tops, along with many features designed specifically for shooting purposes; including a mobile island with built in hob, and a glass lighting balcony, an extremely useful feature when shooting in the kitchen which minimises the need for lighting cranes. Both the studio and the main kitchen have high pitched roofs and exposed Scots pine trusses and sanded wooden floors. Original Crittal windows line the Victorian brick walls to provide an abundance of natural light from the north and the south. Blackout blinds cover all windows and both skylights in the studio. As a dry hire space for events, you are free to choose all of your own suppliers and design your event yourself. Alternatively, we regularly work with incredible teams who know our space intimately and will bring your event to life according to your own specifications; whichever way works best for you.