STORY IN A BOX
Frequently Asked Questions
Read and Download Terms & Conditions
How can I book the space?
BOOKINGS
You can fill the form at the end of our “Studio Rental” page, or send an e-mail directly to hello@storyinabox.pt to confirm availability and discuss details. To guarantee your booking, after receiving a confirmation email from us, you’ll need to make a pre-payment of 50% of the total value. Only then your booking is fully confirmed. The remaining 50% will be paid on the day of the booking.
How early do I need to book the space?
Bookings should be made as early as possible to guarantee the availability of the space.
Can I visit the studio before booking?
Of course, we’re happy to show you our space. However, the studio is not open to the public, meaning that if you plan on visiting the space, you will always need to schedule a visit with us before. Please send us an e-mail to hello@storyinabox.pt to check our availability to show you around.
Can I book the studio before or after regular hours?
Yes. Regular opening hours are 9am to 8pm. To book the space before or after, the price is 50€/hour.
Is there a minimum number of hours to rent the studio?
Yes, bookings require at least 2 hours.
Can I arrive early to set up or leave later to disassemble and clean?
The booked hours include setup time, disassembling and cleaning. Because we might have back-to-back booked sessions it is imperative that you use only the time that you booked.
Can I extend my session for longer than the booked time?
Yes, as long as there are no other bookings after yours, you’re welcome to extend your session, but you must confirm with us before. Extra hour fees will then apply.
I’ve booked more hours than needed. Can I get a refund for the time I didn’t use?
Unfortunately, we cannot refund you for the time you booked and did not use, since we have reserved the space for you for the requested amount of time.
What if I need to postpone the booking to another date?
Please send us an email to hello@storyinabox.pt informing us of the new date you want to book the studio, so we can check availability and process the rebooking. If you postpone 5 working days or more before the session date you won’t be charged (you’ll just pay the remaining 50% on the new day you want to book). If you postpone 4 working days or less before the session you will be charged an extra 15%.
How can I cancel a confirmed booking?
If you need to cancel please email us at hello@storyinabox.pt. If you cancel 5 working days or more before the session date you will only be charged 50% of the total value (corresponding to the pre-payment needed to confirm your booking). If you cancel 4 working days or less before the session you will need to pay the full amount.
THE STUDIO
What is the area and configuration of the studio?
You can check the studio layout here.
How does the studio configuration allow me to make the most out of my rental time?
Our studio has an open space and it has three working areas that can co-exist simultaneously. So, for instance, you can have a videographer working with two models on the infinity wall area (white area in the floorplan), and a photographer working with another model in the photography area (blue area in the floorplan), with our paper cycloramas. Our office area (orange area in the floorplan) allows you to discuss details with your team/clients and to work/edit in your computer at the same time as the photographer or videographer are working, etc. Our makeup station allows for three models simultaneously.
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In the working area of the studio you must be barefoot, use socks or shoe protections (offered by the studio).
Does the studio have wifi?
Yes.
Can I wear shoes in the studio?
Does the studio have natural light?
Yes.
Does the studio have AC or fan?
Yes, we have AC and a fan.
Do you have a make-up station and dressing room?
Yes, we have a 10m2 dressing room with a full-body mirror, clothing rack with hangers, steamer, privacy curtains and a make-up station with three chairs, several plugs, a large mirror.
Is there a WC?
Yes.
Does your WC have showers?
No.
Is eating and drinking allowed in the studio?
Yes, at the office / lunch area (orange area in the floorplan). You’re welcome to bring your own food and drinks. The studio has a fridge, microwave, coffee machine, paper cups and tea kettle. For your convenience, we can provide coffee capsules, tea sachets and bottled water at the studio for an extra fee. Please be mindful of where you eat and drink so as to not make any damage. Eating and drinking at the white cyclorama area is strictly prohibited.
Can I bring my pets?
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed in the studio (except for guide dogs accompanying a visually impaired person) to prevent any damage to the white cyclorama area or technical equipment. However, if you’d like to book the studio to photograph or film your pet, we may open an exception under certain rules (please contact us at hello@storyinabox.pt).
Do you have a car park?
There’s plenty of free parking in front and around the studio.
Is there anything I need to do once my booking time ends?
Please make sure the studio is clean and tidy once you finish your session. The studio must be left the same way you found it or we will charge you a 40€ cleaning fee.
Does the studio have video surveillance?
Yes.
What is your policy in case of damage or dirt on the Infinity Wall (white cyclorama)?
Stepping or leaning on the curved area and back wall of the Cyclorama is strictly prohibited, as well as dragging equipment/props (objects must be carried instead of dragged). If any damage is verified, whether accidental or due to negligence, a fee of €1500 + VAT will be charged.
What is your policy in case of damage or dirt on the paper backdrops?
In case of damage to the paper backdrops, whether accidental or due to negligence, a fee of €10 + VAT will be charged per meter.
What happens if we inadvertently damage the studio or equipment?
If any damage occurs in the studio during the rental, whether accidental or due to negligence, the corresponding payment should be made at the time by the responsible person for the rental.
THE EQUIPMENT
What equipment is included?
CONTINUOUS IGHT
SmallRig 3621 RC220B COB LED Light Bi-Color (2x)
SOFTBOX
SmallRig 3585 RAD55 Parabolic Softbox (2x)
STAND
Manfrotto A0030CS Steel Baby Stand 30 (2x)
REFLECTOR​
Avenger I4834 Reflective Display Gold/White 120x90cm
FILTERS
Ecolour+ Sheet filters (several colors available).
Can you provide other equipment?
We can supply cameras, lenses, extra lighting, grip in our studio rental service for an extra fee.
Does the studio provide backdrops?
Yes, we have four backdrop colors available, including Chroma.
Can I bring my own backdrop?
Yes. Our backdrop support allows for backdrops up to 3m wide.
OTHER SERVICES
Can you provide a videographer and/or photographer on-site?
Of course, we can always supply crew in site. Please contact us to tell us about your needs and we’ll give you a quotation.
Can I get hair and makeup services on-site?
Of course! You can bring your own makeup and hair crew or you can ask us for it.
Can I order catering?
Yes, we can provide you with a catering service (prices upon request). It may be served at the office / lunch area (orange area in the floorplan). Please be mindful of where you eat and drink so as to not make any damage. Eating and drinking at the white cyclorama area is strictly prohibited.
Can I also rent the studio for workshops?
Of course! We would love to welcome your workshop in our studio, as long as the activity involved respects our space. We can provide one table and 14 chairs.
Can I also rent the studio for castings?
Yes. You can either rent the studio and take care of your own casting process, or you can hire our casting services and we’ll do all the casting process for you. Contact us for more info.
PAYMENTS
What are the available payment methods?
You can pay with MBWAY, Revolut or through a bank transfer.
What are the payment conditions?
You will need to pay 50% upon booking to ensure availability and the remaining 50% on the day itself.
Bank charges must always be paid by clients.