Who has just built a brand new studio and editing suite complex in Soho, London? YouTube. Yes the Google owned video site has set up its first facility. The game changes again...
We really wouldn't want to be the MD of a facility company this morning as this news isn't going to be the greatest start to the day you've ever had.
In the next few weeks, YouTube are opening up a new facility within Google's offices in London. It's called Creator Space.
"Our partners from all over Europe, Middle East and Africa will be able to book time in the space to create and collaborate with other creators, learn new techniques, as well as gaining access to state-of-the-art audio visual equipment, to help them generate great new content for their channels. The creator space is complete with the latest equipment such as DSLRs and cinema cameras, two studios including a green screen and fully staffed editing suites.
The space will be overseen by the YouTube Next Lab, a team focused on accelerating the growth and development of channels and creators on YouTube. The Next Lab has launched programs like YouTube NextUp (now in 11 countries), Creator Academy and the YouTube Creator Playbook. More information on how to book will be posted on our Creator Hub."
We have watched facility houses in Soho come and go, one old favourite having been bought, sold and gone bankrupt many times over its history. Making money in the facility business is hard, so having a Google backed rival round the corner isn't going to have a positive impact on a lot of companies' bottom lines.
We think this is an inspirational move by Google/YouTube and will no doubt be replicated by them in many capital cities around the world. No word yet on costs for the facilities, we will try and dig out a ratecard as soon as we can find one.
As we said the game changes again...
©Peter Wiggins FCP.co 2012
