The entrance hall at AstroLab Studios, past the AstroLab backdrop

AstroLab Studios Toronto

About us

The AstroLab astronaut, an embroidered patch giving a thumbs up

AstroLab is an independently owned & operated Film and Photography Studio, founded in 2017.

We strive to provide boutique, hands-on service for Toronto’s production industry. We solve problems to facilitate the creation of high-quality visual content.

What makes The Lab special?

A camera assistant smiles through the eyepiece of a cinema camera while the crew looks on

Client service is priority

We don’t just say it, and yes we take it very seriously: serving you and your production is our way of life. Lots of studios have infinity walls and lighting. That’s the easy stuff.

What makes us different is the fact that we truly care. We’re here to relieve stress, not add to it.

A disco set built on the stage, a costumed cast posed on a round platform beside a camera on a crane arm

Constantly adapting

We put our clients front and centre. We’re constantly evolving based on client feedback to ensure you’re in the absolute best environment to create.

Two actors in a dressed period room set with a lit fireplace, built on the stage

High production value

We strive to make high production value attainable to those without Hollywood-sized budgets.

A camera operator grinning beside a film camera and its matte box on a dark set

Founded by creators

The Lab was launched by and for creators to let their minds wander and bring their out-of-this-world (pun intended) visions to life.

A fashion shoot in a room set dressed with flowers, moss and a mirror ball, five models on and around a sofa

Single production facility

When you book The Lab, you have exclusive access to our entire 5,500 SF space. You never have to share, ever. Let us be your home away from home.

Meet the crew

The Lab is a small local business. There are three of us and a few awesome part-time studio staff, and one of us is here for the whole of your booking.

Portrait of Adam Griffiths, arms folded, in an AstroLab T-shirt

Adam Griffiths

Owner

Portrait of Jesse Kellestine, arms folded, in a cap and a black T-shirt

Jesse Kellestine

Studio Manager

Portrait of German Prieto, arms folded, in an AstroLab T-shirt

German Prieto

Studio Assistant

Through the years

Studio 1 before the build, a bare white room with a table and chairs
beforeStudio 1

2017

The Lab is born

At the end of 2016 we took the keys to the space we call The Lab. It took a lot of love to transform it from a dull and uninhabited landscape to the lively and creative space it is today. On February 16, 2017 we officially launched!

A night time security camera still of the Studio 3 cyc, date stamped 2018

2018

Three studios became two

Did you know that we used to have three studios? In 2018, we removed the wall between Studio 2 and Studio 3 (RIP) to give you more space to create. As we said, we’re always adapting (and yes, it was a costly lesson to learn!).

2018

The Lab turns one

The first year for any small business is always tough. Thanks to all the wonderful people who created in our studios, 2018 managed to be an out-of-this-world year for us, and proved to us that we were on to something.

Read the year one post in the journal

2022

The Lab’s five-year anniversary

The Lab reached intergalactic heights in 2022, hosting clients like Warner Bros., IKEA and Wiz Khalifa and investing in the future of film with POV.

The stage with its dimensions drawn over it, 80 feet wide by 48 feet deep

2023

Two studios become one

After some thoughtful conversations with clients, we made the big decision to knock down the wall between Studio 1 and Studio 2 to create one 3,800 SF soundstage!

2024

A year of growth and transition

2024 was the first full year of our bigger stage. From editorials starring Hayden Christensen to PSAs featuring flash mobs, let’s just say that 2024 was one for the books.

Jesse Kellestine adjusts an Aputure LS 1200d Pro on its stand in the dark studio, the light trailing orange in a long exposure

2026

Bigger kit, better view

In 2026 we expanded the in-house lighting and grip kit behind our Lighting & Grip Package, and launched the Video Village & Comms Package: big screens with a direct camera feed in the support rooms, calibrated monitors on the floor, and headsets that keep the whole team talking.

The AstroLab rocket

2045

The Lab reaches space?

We can’t predict exactly what’s next, but we do know that with talented clients and our amazing crew by our side, the possibilities are infinite!

Community

Giving back

Giving back to the film community is also very important to us. Since we opened our doors, we’ve partnered with POV Film, a Toronto organization whose programs intentionally prioritize BIPOC, 2SLGBTQIA+, newcomer and refugee creators working to break into the TV and film industry.

We’ve also collaborated with FOFS, Reelworld Film Festival and Images Festival, among others, to provide studio space for up-and-coming creators.

A crew sets an orange armchair on apple boxes against a purple backdrop, a camera monitor in the foreground

Who we work with

  • POV Film, ongoing partnership
  • Reelworld Film Festival
  • Images Festival
  • FOFS

What we provide

  • Studio space for up-and-coming creators
  • Access to the stage and support rooms
  • Crew who show people how the room works

In the neighbourhood

  • On the Revival Film Studios lot, Leslieville
  • Ten minutes from downtown, in Toronto’s east end
  • Artisanal shops and independent kitchens

Collaborate with us

Questions?
Comets?

Hit us up!

  • 24/7Studio accessBy appointment
  • 10AM - 6PMSupportMonday to Friday
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