by Liam Ridolfi
Melbourne filmmakers and photographers should begin penciling in Kasabi at the top of their list of studio options, a space that truly lives up to its name in terms of expertise and craftsmanship.
The recently opened creative sanctuary in Melbourne’s North provides perhaps the city’s most chilled, groovy and handsome vibe that a studio has to offer.
Founded by Make-Up Artist Sam Pearce, Production Designer Bianca Milani and Photographer Kayzar Bhathawalla – the 400 square-meter Brunswick East production studio is everything you’d expect from a trio of professional creatives at the top of their game.
The space prioritises and satisfies all of the desires craved by a film/photography crew, no matter how big or small – from the abundance of power points (as Bhathawalla claims, ‘there’s never enough power points in studios!’) – to surround sound music with a dial placed in every room. Even the most trivial of things – some that only the likes of the three would understand in their many years of experience within the screen industry – are complimented, with elements such as a large section full of props and stools, as well as a wall on wheels, just to name a few.
The space itself is separated into distinct sections – the lounge, the green room, the kitchen, the cyclorama. Each space is built and intended for maximum use, comfort and efficiency.
What truly sets Kasabi apart is its commitment to its uniquely comforting and welcoming vibe. Firstly, the inclusion of high-quality, comfortable chairs in both the lounge and the green room already promotes a homey and cosy feel from the second you walk in. The lounge is filled with hanging pot plants and colourful paintings (some of which are by Sam Pearce herself), forming an environment that is both comfortable and inspiring. We challenge anyone to take a seat and not sense their creative juices flowing after just a few minutes.
The groovy vibe does not end there, however, as even the toilet facilities are decked out in a bright and colourful design painted by Melbourne-based artist and Production Designer Shanahbelle McDonald, creating the most attractive bathroom you’ll see in a while. And perhaps one of the smaller, yet undoubtedly important accoutrements to the space – a large cupboard full of snacks for that AD or Gaffer that rocks up to set just that little bit earlier than everyone else and didn’t have time to have breakfast! ‘Always snacks and always booze at Kasabi’, Bianca Milani confidently promises with a smile.
With Kasabi, three experienced and passionate artists come together to bring both the most efficiently practical – and the most welcomely chill space to Melbourne’s creative community. Whether you’re a high-end photographer on a large modelling shoot or an independent filmmaker shooting a film, Kasabi provides a specified environment that tailors to all your needs, without sacrificing the comfort necessary to execute your vision.
Officially opening in May, Kasabi will impact Melbourne’s artists and great things will certainly come from within those bright and colourful walls in the years to come.
Head to their website here for more information
