Watching an empty studio turn into a recognisable clinical environment is satisfying - then seeing it on camera, where it looks real, authentic, and lifelike, is even more fulfilling. When we set up Trimble Studios, we knew we needed an environment where we could create multiple sets tailored to our client’s needs, all in a single day. In this blog, I’ll explain why we go to these lengths - and why simply filming in front of a plain backdrop with a few props isn’t enough.
Why?
So, firstly, why build clinically accurate sets? Well, it's all about making what you see on camera so realistic that the viewer looks past the set and focuses entirely on the key message. It’s called verisimilitude. If the viewer notices discrepancies between familiar environments and what they see on screen, it creates a distraction and distrust, weakening the impact of our key message.
Why not just film in an actual veterinary practice where everything is already real? It’s a fair question, but it brings me to the second reason we build sets. When filming, we need complete control over multiple factors. You might think of things like lighting and sound first - both crucial in a studio environment - but there's another equally important consideration: the busyness of a real veterinary practice.
Anyone who's been in a working clinic knows how busy they can get. Imagine trying to film amidst the noise, setting up equipment in a quiet spot, and minimising distractions like background noise and interruptions. If we’re working with a practising vet at their own clinic, there’s a delicate balancing act: we have to avoid slowing down their work, stay out of the way, and make sure the clinic runs smoothly. Vets can get pulled away for urgent tasks at any moment.
Now, don't get me wrong - we can, and often do, film in real clinics successfully. But having a controlled environment in the studio, where everyone can stay focused on the task without the distractions of their regular duties, clients in the waiting room, dogs barking, is invaluable. It ensures we capture the best results without compromising the workflow.
The Process of Set Creation
Creating a new set involves several key stages, each designed to ensure the set meets both visual and practical needs. Here’s a breakdown of our process:
- What’s the purpose of the set?some text
- What are we trying to show? Is it a waiting room, a surgical theatre, or a consultation room? Each environment has its own set of requirements.
- What’s the visual and functional need?some text
- From a visual perspective, we think about angles, size, and how many people (or animals) will be in the space. From a practical perspective, we consider the furniture and equipment needed to make the set look and feel functional.
- When do we need it?some text
- Timing is critical, especially for shoots with tight deadlines. We also plan for reusability, so many of our sets can be adapted for future projects, minimising waste and keeping environmental responsibility in mind.
- What type of practice are we showing?some text
- The aesthetic of a primary care branch practice is different from that of a tertiary referral hospital. Understanding the nuances of each type helps us create sets that feel authentic to the viewer.
Research and references
Building sets like this is about understanding what the real clinical environments look like. Taking time to understand the details of real clinical environments, both big and small, and what details are going to make the set convincing are important. Large elements like room layout and clinical equipment are essential, but it’s often the smaller details that make a set truly believable.
We consider what needs to be functional versus what only needs to look real. For example, an examination table needs to be functional so it can move up and down for ease of animal handling, and be wiped clean at the end of the exam just like in practice. However, background elements like cupboards, sinks, and shelves don’t need to be fully operational, but they need to appear as though they could be.
To get these details right, we visit real veterinary clinics and take photos and videos to use as references. This helps us capture the subtleties - like the placement of sharps bins, the posters on the walls, the general clutter which accumulates over time on shelves, or even the wear and tear on equipment. These small touches help create an environment that feels lived-in and not staged.
Design and construction
Once we’ve done our research, we move into the design phase. This is where we consider where people and animals might be placed, as well as where cameras and lighting need to go. Some sets are small, designed for close-up shots, while others require more space for wider angles and movement.
Next comes construction. We work with a skilled team of local carpenters, painters, and decorators to physically build the set. Each piece is crafted to not only look the part but also to function as needed for the shoot.
Set dressing
Once the set is built, it’s time for set dressing - the art of adding the small, often overlooked elements that give the space its realism. Our lead producer, Leanne Bruce, oversees this process, ensuring that every detail is considered. From signage, to fire extinguishers, to notice boards. An example of this is in the run up to a recent shoot, we created posters for local dog walkers, pet sitting and weight loss clinics to place on a veterinary reception notice board. Even though these elements might never be the focus of a shot, they play important roles in making the set as a whole have that verisimilitude we’re looking for.
Lighting and Filming
Once the set is dressed, our production team, led by Gareth Dakin, handles the lighting. Each set is lit individually, depending on the specific needs of the scene. There is an art in creating realistic lighting. We don’t just turn on the studio lights and go - Gareth and the team tailor the intensity and direction of each light to craft a realistic scene, down to the location of where natural light might be coming in through a window. As if you’re in the clinic - it has to enhance the mood without overpowering the realism of the set.
Finally, we’re ready to film. After all the planning, building, and dressing, the set comes to life as we start to film. And it never gets old seeing it all come together. And when everything looks so authentic that the viewer doesn’t even notice the set - just the story being told - that’s when we know we’ve done our job right.
Conclusion
Creating clinically accurate sets is a detailed process, but the results speak for themselves. It’s not just about constructing a space; it’s about building an environment that enhances the story without distracting from it. When the viewer can focus entirely on the message and forget they’re looking at a set, we’ve succeeded in creating an experience that feels as real as possible.
.jpg)
