A film studio is an environment - interior or exterior - which is designed specifically for the production of motion pictures. Most studios consist of at least a series of sound stages, and usually a controlled exterior or backlot of standing exterior settings and open land. The term has commonly been misused to identify a large, corporate motion picture production company which also owns and operates its own studio (as opposed to renting studio facilities from other concerns), and often releases and distributes its product as well.