Before booking a studio, one question always comes up: how much time should you plan to record an episode? The answer depends on the format, the number of guests and the level of preparation. This guide breaks down each step — setup, recording, editing — to help you book the right slot, and shows how live editing lets you leave with your video the same day.
1.The steps of a recording session
A studio podcast session breaks down into several phases. Here's what to expect:
- Welcome and setup (15-30 min): mic settings, camera framing, sound and light test.
- Brief and warm-up (10-15 min): final adjustments with the team and guests.
- Recording (30 min to 2 hrs): depending on format and number of takes.
- Editing: post-session (several hours/days) or live (delivered same day).
- Debrief and file retrieval (5-10 min).
2.How much time to book by format?
The right slot depends on your episode type. Here are realistic benchmarks:
- Short solo episode (15-20 min of content): plan 1 hr of studio.
- Two-person interview (30-45 min of content): plan 1.5 to 2 hrs.
- Round table with 3-4 guests: plan 2 to 3 hrs.
- Several episodes filmed back-to-back (batch): plan a half-day.
3.Live editing: leave with your video the same day
This is the factor that changes everything in the time calculation. With live editing, post-production happens during recording:
- No multi-day editing delay after the session.
- The multicam video is assembled in real time by the control room technician.
- You leave with a ready-to-publish file as soon as the session ends.
- Ideal for a regular publishing cadence or content to release fast.
Total time by editing method
Step
Post-session editing
ForCast live editing
Setup
15-30 min
Recording
30 min - 2 hrs
Editing
2-5 days
Included (real time)
Video delivery
After several days
Same day
Total time before publishing
Several days
A few hours
What ForCast.studio optimizes to save time
- Pre-set studio: mics, cameras and lighting ready on arrival
- 3 4K cameras with live editing (Live Cut)
- On-site technician / stage manager to keep the session smooth
- Edited file handed over at the end of the session (Live Cut), within 48h with Pro Edit
- Option to record several episodes in a half-day
- Studio accessible in Paris 12e (Gare de Lyon / Bastille)
Who is this guide for?
- Creators wanting to estimate session duration before booking
- Companies planning a B2B podcast shoot
- Podcasters looking to optimize their production time
- Beginners discovering how a studio session unfolds
FAQ
When do you get the final video?
With Live Cut, the edited file is handed over at the end of the session. With Pro Edit, the edit is delivered within 48h. With Essential Stream, the raw file is delivered right away.
Book online, from €89 incl. VAT per hour.