Create-it Studios Opens in Franklin, TN: Professional-Grade Studio Space for Local Creators
Create-it Studios has officially opened in Franklin, Tennessee, bringing with it a new kind of creative space designed for musicians, filmmakers, podcasters, digital artists, and content creators of all kinds. Located inside the Walmart at 3600 Mallory Lane, the studio celebrated its grand opening with a media preview event on May 30th, offering guests a first look at the professional-grade studios and multipurpose production areas.
The Vision Behind Create-it Studios
Jonathan Phelps created Create-it Studios with a simple goal: to make high-quality creative tools and spaces available to everyone, not just industry insiders. As the founder of both Create-it Studios and Full Sail University, he envisioned an environment where people of all backgrounds and experience levels could explore their creative potential. By placing the studio in a familiar, accessible location, Phelps aims to remove traditional barriers and foster a community where creativity feels possible.
This vision is evident in the design and offerings of Create-it Studios, which provides flexible room rentals, educational events, and hands-on workshops tailored to support creators at every stage of their journey. The studio’s mission is to serve as both a launching point and a support system for anyone ready to create.
This vision comes to life in a colorful, high-energy studio designed to inspire. Inside its 2,200 square feet are six specialized rooms: two for audio recording, two for podcasting, and two for video, livestreaming, and multimedia work. Each space is designed to adapt to the needs of users, from beginners to working professionals. Equipment, instruction, and support are available, but so is the freedom to explore and learn through hands-on experience.
The studio’s purpose goes beyond providing gear; it’s about removing intimidation and encouraging progress. Phelps believes that when people are given access to the right environment, they gain confidence and momentum. “The moment I walked into a recording studio at 17, I found my planet,” he said. “That’s what this space is for, helping people find their planet.”
Why Franklin—and Why Walmart?
Franklin stood out to Phelps as the ideal launch point for Create-it Studios, thanks to its creative energy and collaborative spirit. “Franklin has the right mix of creativity, community, and forward momentum,” he said. “We couldn’t think of a better place to start.” He added, “This town has such a mix of talent and ambition. We wanted to meet people where they are, and Franklin felt like the right place to do that.”
The choice of location inside a Walmart may seem unexpected, but for Phelps, it’s a deliberate part of the mission to remove barriers and make creative tools more accessible. Rather than placing it in a private or exclusive setting, Phelps wanted to put the space where people already are, removing the sense of intimidation that often comes with traditional studios. He described the idea as bringing creative opportunity to the heart of everyday life.
“Forever, the world of recording has been secret and exclusive; you couldn’t even get in the door,” Phelps said. “We’re opening that door in the middle of America.”
A Flexible Space for Creators of All Levels
Create-it Studios is designed to be accessible, flexible, and welcoming, whether you’re a professional or someone just beginning to explore creative tools. Users can rent studios by the hour, attend workshops, or schedule group learning sessions, all within a space built to support a wide range of media projects.
“Whether you’re 13, 18, or 30, you can come here and start. We’ll offer training, instruction, and even free seminars,” said Phelps. “We’re taking away the mystique and giving people the tools to create.”
The studio’s rooms support an array of uses, including podcasting, voiceover recording, YouTube content creation, promotional video production, livestreaming, animation, and even game audio. Rooms feature soundproofing, microphones, lighting rigs, and computers loaded with industry-standard software. Whether you’re filming a multi-camera interview, recording vocals, or streaming live, the studio can adapt to meet your needs.
“We’ve already seen parents walk in and say, ‘My son or daughter needs to check this out,'” Phelps added. “It’s a place where people can see what’s possible and get started right away.”
Studio Rentals: Flexible, Professional Creative Spaces
Studio bookings are available by appointment, and pricing depends on the type of studio and session length. Visitors can fill out a rental request form online, and a staff member will follow up to help plan the session. For full details and to request a booking, visit the Create-it Studios Rentals page.
Free Workshops and Events at Create-it Studios
In addition to room rentals, Create-it Studios offers free workshops and creative sessions that help participants explore new skills and connect with others. These programs are open to a range of ages and experience levels and aim to make creative tools more accessible to the Franklin area.
Examples include Create-this: Sample the Store Challenge, where participants remix everyday sounds into original beats; Pod Lab: Build Your Podcast Trailer, a beginner-friendly introduction to audio storytelling; and The Shortcut, a hands-on content session where one idea becomes a fully edited short-form video.
Open Mic Night is another recurring event, providing a welcoming stage for musicians, poets, comedians, storytellers, and anyone ready to share their voice. Whether performing original work or covers, guests are encouraged to try something new in a low-pressure, high-creativity setting.
These sessions are free, and registration is available online. To view the full schedule or sign up, visit the Create-it Studios Calendar.
Group Learning Opportunities
Create-it Studios also welcomes school groups, adult learners, and community organizations for hands-on group sessions. These visits introduce participants to music production, podcasting, video editing, and digital storytelling in a collaborative environment.
Sessions can be tailored by age and interest, with flexible scheduling throughout the week. Most visits last one to three hours and accommodate up to 30 participants. To request a group session, complete the interest form on the Create-it Studios Visit page.
What the Pros Are Saying About Create-it Studios
At the May 30th media preview, industry professionals were on hand to introduce the space and test its capabilities. These guests, including musicians, producers, engineers, and educators, used the studio’s tools to record audio, demonstrate immersive formats, and explore the video and livestream setups.
Chris Rodriguez, a longtime Nashville musician who has played with Faith Hill, Shania Twain, Michael Bolton, and Billy Joel, was surprised to find a professional studio inside a retail store. But once inside, he was impressed by the equipment and atmosphere.
“People will be blown away that they can walk into a space like this and create music, spoken word, poetry, video,” Rodriguez said. “It brings the technology closer to the average person.”
The Dolby Atmos room drew special attention from attendees. Grammy-winning mix engineer Leslie Brathwaite, whose credits include Beyoncé, Jay-Z, and Madonna, said the immersive experience could be transformative. “Once you hear music in Atmos, you can’t hear it any other way. It’s like being in the best theater you’ve ever been in. A lot of people who walk in and out of Walmart every day would never have had access to a space like this,” he said. “Now, they do.”
Stephen Beres, SVP of Production Operations at HBO and HBO Max, also explored the studio. Beres has worked on acclaimed series such as Game of Thrones, Succession, and Westworld, and sees Create-it Studios as a tool for discovery. “Access is the gateway to unlocking talent,” Beres said. “Sometimes all someone needs is permission, a space that gives them the confidence to create.” He added that creators today can build large audiences with simple tools like phones and ring lights, but facilities like Create-it Studios offer the resources to take their content to the next level.
Singer-songwriter Willie Porter highlighted the emotional potential of the space. “I see so much hope in the song that hasn’t been written. In the film that hasn’t been made. In the podcast that hasn’t been shared. This is a place that doesn’t say no. It says yes.”
Looking Ahead: A Model for Nationwide Expansion
The Franklin studio is the first of many planned locations. Phelps envisions a national network of Create-it Studios, many of them inside Walmart stores, offering affordable creative space across the country.
“We’re imagining a future where you can take a class through Full Sail and do your labs here, in your own town,” he said. “Kansas City, Denver, Dallas, we want this everywhere.”
Over time, Phelps hopes to launch hybrid courses that pair remote learning with hands-on studio sessions. “It’s always been either campus-based or online,” he said. “We’re looking at a hybrid model where you can be an online student but take your labs in your hometown, whether that’s Nashville, Phoenix, or somewhere else.”
Franklin will serve as the pilot location, giving the Create-it team a chance to refine the model and build local partnerships. With a creative community already in place, Franklin is well-suited to lead this next chapter.
Now Open: A Creative Space for Franklin’s Next Big Idea
Create-it Studios is now open in Franklin, offering a flexible, professional-grade space for anyone looking to produce music, podcasts, video, or digital content. Whether you’re starting from scratch or refining your craft, the studio is designed to support creative work at every level.
The studio is located inside Walmart at 3600 Mallory Lane, immediately inside the Grocery entrance on the right. For more information about studio rentals, pricing, or available resources, visit the Create-it Studios website.
