The unfiltered truth about building a creative studio in the heart of the city.

When I first thought about setting up a studio in Kolkata, people said:

“No one’s going to pay for a premium studio here.”

“Budgets are too low.”

“Kolkata doesn’t have that kind of market.”

And they weren’t wrong.

Kolkata’s creative industry often grapples with limitations in budget, in infrastructure, in ambition. The idea of a large, clean, well-equipped studio in the heart of the city seemed... unprofitable. Maybe even unnecessary.

But I kept thinking why not?

I had access to a beautiful space in Ballygunge Circular Road, one of the most accessible parts of the city. I knew what creators needed, because I am a creator too. I’ve done backbreaking shoots in dingy basements. I’ve juggled gear in 6x6 rooms with peeling walls. I’ve prayed for “that one white wall” to shoot against.

So instead of asking “will this work?”, I asked,

“How can I make it work?”

And I focused on five things:

1. Location – Easy access for both clients and crew.

2. Hygiene – Because creativity can’t survive in a bad bathroom.

3. Space – 2000 sq. ft. with multiple shooting areas, makeup rooms, pantry, lights, modifiers, and backdrops.

4. Smart Pricing – Premium quality, practical rates.

5. Service – Fully air-conditioned, stress-free, and creator-first.

It wasn’t easy.

There were days and weeks of zero bookings. 

There were clients who wanted “exposure” deals and collaborations. 

There were whispers of “too expensive” from people who didn’t even visit the space. 

There was self-doubt.

The first booking came from a mid-scale crew looking to shoot a print campaign. They walked in, set up, and halfway through the day said, “You have made our lives easier”.

They were blown away by how much smoother the entire shoot felt simply because the space worked with them, not against them.

That was the turning point.

These days, we’ve got clients who won’t shoot anywhere else. Julien’s become their go-to studio space and we’re seriously thankful for that kind of loyalty.

We didn’t build Julien Studio because there was a demand.

We built it because there was a need.

Now, we’re seeing the demand catch up to that vision.

If you’ve already shot at Julien Studio before, thank you for being part of the journey.

And if you haven’t yet, come by and see what we’ve been building for you.