Start 2026 Strong: Why Smart Brands Plan Studio Production Early

The beginning of the year sets the tone for everything that follows. Brands that enter 2026 with momentum don’t wait for Q2 to start telling their story—they hit the ground running.

January and February are when strategies turn into action, announcements roll out, and leadership teams look for content that feels confident, current, and intentional. Whether you’re planning PSAs, media tours, press junkets, or launching a podcast, early production planning is one of the smartest moves you can make to start the year ahead of the curve.

Momentum Favors the Prepared

The most successful productions we see are rarely rushed. They’re the result of teams who planned early, aligned stakeholders, and gave themselves room to think creatively.

Starting production planning at the top of the year allows brands to:

  • Translate annual goals into clear on-camera messaging

  • Build cohesive visual and editorial themes for 2026

  • Secure ideal studio dates before calendars fill up

  • Create content that supports PR, social, and internal initiatives simultaneously

When you plan early, production becomes a strategic asset—not a fire drill.

Q1 Studio Time Goes Fast

January may feel quiet on paper, but in reality it’s when studios book quickly. New campaigns, thought-leadership pushes, advocacy messaging, and media outreach all converge early in the year.

By locking in studio time now, brands avoid:

  • Limited availability during peak press windows

  • Compromising on space, layout, or technical setup

  • Last-minute scheduling conflicts with executives or talent

Starting 2026 strong means having the right space ready before demand spikes.

One Studio, Multiple Wins

Brands that plan ahead often maximize their studio time by producing multiple assets in a single, well-organized shoot window.

Our studio is designed to support:

  • PSAs that need authority, clarity, and broadcast-ready quality

  • Media tours with smooth transitions and consistent lighting and audio

  • Press junkets that create a professional, press-friendly experience

  • Podcasts that feel elevated, polished, and scalable

Early planning makes it possible to capture more content—without increasing chaos.

Smart Planning Protects Your Budget

Starting early isn’t just good creatively—it’s good financially.

Advance planning helps brands:

  • Avoid rush fees and overtime costs

  • Schedule crews and talent more efficiently

  • Reduce last-minute changes that drive up expenses

  • Get more usable content from each production day

A calm, well-planned shoot almost always delivers better value.

Set the Pace for the Year Ahead

2026 will be defined by brands that move with purpose from day one. The difference between reacting and leading often comes down to preparation.

If studio-based content is part of your communications strategy this year—whether for PSAs, media tours, press junkets, or podcasts—now is the moment to start planning.

At Murray Hill Studios, we help brands and agencies begin the year with confidence by providing flexible studio space, experienced crews, and production workflows designed to keep things moving smoothly.

Start early. Hit the ground running. And set the tone for everything that comes next!

Contact us today to plan your media goals.

Shaun Johnsen