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Creator Pod (Studio A)

A versatile DIY studio designed to be the future of digital production, the Creator Pod (formerly known as Studio A) allows students to practice getting comfortable on camera and using a teleprompter, and produce their own work through open studio bookings. That can include on-camera in-person or remote interviews, live or streamed programs and the use of graphics — all without needing a crew or control room. The pod also serves as the classroom for a number of USC Annenberg classes. 

Who Can Use It*: 

  • Annenberg Students 
  • Annenberg Faculty & Staff 
  • Non-Annenberg Guests: USC students, faculty, and staff (please contact us for info) 

*Please note—all studio users must receive a 30-minute training session prior to use. Email annenbergmc@usc.edu to find out more about when trainings are available.

What It Is: 

  • DIY Broadcast Studio

When It’s Open: 

Studio A is reservable in one-hour sessions.

During fall/spring semesters:

  • Monday-Thursday 8AM-10PM 
  • Friday 9AM-5PM 

All other times:

  • Monday-Friday 9AM-5PM 

Studio A is closed on weekends.

Where It’s Located:  

  • 102A at the front of the Annenberg Media Center  

Why We Love It: 

  • Studio A offers a dynamic broadcast alternative to a traditional, heavily-staffed television studio. 

Studio A Open Usage Policy

Studio A (a.k.a “The Creator Pod”) is a versatile multi-camera DIY studio for:

  • Class assignments
  • Livestreaming a podcast or social media content
  • Interviews – in-person, Zoom, and phone
  • Teleprompter practice
  • Creating content

You must be trained in how to use the studio before you can access the equipment.

Book Studio A

Reservation Policies:

  • Reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance.
  • Reservations are for 1-hour.
  • One reservation per day.
  • No more than three reservations each week.
  • Over bookings will be deleted.
  • Walk-ins will be accepted if the studio is not reserved.
  • Reservations and walk-ins are first-come, first-serve.
  • More than 15 minutes tardy will be considered a no-show.
  • Too many no shows without canceling will result in revoked privileges.

Creator Pod Rules:

  • No food or drinks allowed. Only a resealable water bottle.
  • Do not move the cameras, lights, sets, or curtains yourself. Ask for assistance.
  • Do not abuse the reservation guidelines listed above.
  • Failure to follow the rules will result in studio privileges being revoked.

What You Can Do in the Creator Pod:

  • Multi-camera recording
  • Auto Director switches the cameras for you
  • Use podcast mics or wireless mics
  • Reading your script copy on the teleprompter
  • Images and graphics can be displayed in the set monitor
  • Zoom interviews
  • Phone interviews
  • Connect a slide show to display in the monitor
  • Livestream to YouTube
  • Make the desk 2-person or 4-person
  • Change color of accent lighting
  • You may also record in the studio using your own camera

Instructors wishing to reserve the Creator Pod for an entire class period or users wishing to create weekly podcasts/productions must email annenbergmc@usc.edu for review and approval.