How to Rent Your Home Out for Location Shoots: A Step-by-Step Guide
Wondering if your home could earn you extra income by being rented out for film or photography shoots? Whether it’s a feature film, a TV advert, or even a magazine photoshoot, there’s a growing demand for unique and varied locations. Renting out your home for location shoots can be a lucrative and exciting way to make use of your property, and the good news is that it’s a lot easier to get started than you might think.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to prepare your home for filming and how to get started as a shoot location host. Whether you’re just curious about the process or ready to list your home, these tips will help you understand what’s involved and how to make your home appealing to location scouts.
Step 1: Understand What Makes a Home Attractive for Shoots
Before diving into the logistics, it’s important to understand what makes a home attractive for film or photography shoots. You might assume that only grand, high-end properties are suitable, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, many location scouts are looking for homes with character, whether that’s a quirky layout, vintage décor, or simply a cosy lived-in feel.
What Are Location Scouts Looking For?
• Unique Features: Location scouts are often on the lookout for homes that offer something different, whether it’s an unusual architectural detail, large windows that let in plenty of natural light, or a quirky, eclectic design.
• Versatility: A versatile space is highly attractive to scouts. Open-plan living areas, spacious rooms, and neutral décor that can be adapted to fit different shoot themes are all major selling points.
• Good Lighting: Lighting is crucial for both film and photography shoots. Homes with large windows, bright rooms, and spaces that allow for easy lighting adjustments are particularly in demand.
• Parking and Accessibility: Consider the logistics of hosting a shoot in your home. Production crews often have vans full of equipment, so easy access and sufficient parking space are important considerations.
Many homeowners are surprised to discover that even homes with minimal decoration or a bit of wear and tear can be in high demand for shoots. The key is to highlight your home’s unique aspects and play to its strengths.
Step 2: Marketing your property
Once you’ve decided that your home could be suitable for shoots, the next step is to consider the best way to market your property. There are several ways to go about this and we run through all of these in the onlline course Becoming a Shoot Location Host.
Should I use an Agency and if so which one?
Location agencies are experts in connecting homeowners with production companies looking for filming locations. They handle the logistics of booking, negotiating contracts, and ensuring that both parties are protected throughout the process. This takes a lot of the stress out of managing shoots yourself but isn’t for everyone.
How to Choose the Right Agency
There are several location agencies in the UK that specialise in different types of properties and shoots. Some cater to high-end homes, while others focus on more everyday properties. When choosing an agency, consider:
• Reputation: Look for agencies with positive reviews and a proven track record in the industry.
• Types of Properties: Make sure the agency deals with homes like yours, whether that’s urban flats, rural cottages, or something more unique.
• Contract Terms: Review the agency’s terms and conditions carefully. Make sure you understand their fees, cancellation policies, and any clauses regarding damage to your property.
Step 3: Prepare Your Home for a Shoot
Thinking about the practicalities of hosting a shoot can be daunting - no two homes or shoots are the same. Depending on the type of shoot, you might need to make a few adjustments to ensure that your home is shoot-ready.
Tidying Up
While your home doesn’t need to be spotless, it should be clean and tidy to create a good impression. Declutter where possible, and remove any personal items like family photos that might distract from the shoot.
Making Space for Equipment
Film and photography crews often bring large amounts of equipment, from lighting rigs to cameras. Make sure there’s enough space for them to move around, especially in living areas and open-plan spaces.
Protecting Your Home
It’s important to protect any valuable or fragile items. Remove anything that could be easily damaged, and consider placing protective covers over furniture or floors if you’re concerned about wear and tear.
Step 4: Agree on the Fees and Terms
One of the most exciting aspects of renting out your home for shoots is the potential income. Fees can vary depending on the size of your property, its location, and the type of shoot, but most homeowners can expect to earn anywhere from £1,000/day.
Negotiating Rates
When negotiating rates, it’s important to consider the following:
• Daily Fees: Most shoots are charged at a daily rate, which can range from £1,000 to £3,000, depending on the project and location
• Overtime: Some shoots may run longer than expected, so it’s worth discussing overtime rates in advance.
• Additional Costs: Be sure to factor in any additional costs, such as cleaning fees or insurance.
Insurance and Liability
Make sure that the production company has appropriate insurance in place to cover any accidental damage to your property. It’s also vital to check with your home insurance provider to see if you’re covered for commercial activities, and get the correct insurance in place if not
Step 5: Enjoy the Process!
Once everything is in place, all that’s left to do is enjoy the process. Having a film crew in your home can be a fascinating experience, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at how films, TV shows, and adverts are made.
Many homeowners find the process of renting out their home for shoots to be surprisingly hands-off. Once the shoot begins, the crew will usually take over, and you’ll have little involvement beyond providing access to the property and enjoying the experience.
Post-Shoot Wrap-Up
After the shoot, it’s important to conduct a final walk-through of your home to ensure that everything is left in the same condition as it was before. Most production companies will leave the property as they found it, but if there are any issues, address them immediately.
Ready to Get Started?
Renting out your home for location shoots can be a fun and lucrative way to make the most of your property. If you’re ready to take the next step, visit [The Shoot Academy] to learn more and find out how our consultation service and course will help kick start your new income stream.
