Compare Locations Direct with Peerspace, Giggster and Scouty for film, TV, photography and commercial productions. Discover which platform is best for UK shoots, professional search tools, budget-friendly booking and international options.
Quick summary
- Locations Direct — Best for UK productions, with advanced professional search tags, the ability to switch easily between Direct (Host Managed) and Agent Managed bookings, and both high-end and budget-friendly options at competitive industry rates. While the direct booking platform is a relatively new addition, all locations in the Location Library remain available via an Agent.
- Peerspace — Best for fast, flexible hourly bookings in the US (and select international cities), with a huge variety of spaces.
- Giggster — Best for production-oriented shoots in the US, with clear hourly rates and built-in protections.
- Scouty — Best for small UK shoots that need a simple, low-fee booking process and straightforward filters.
How the platforms differ
Locations Direct
- Coverage & catalogue: UK-first platform specialising in shoot houses and production-friendly locations.
- Professional-level search: Advanced tagging system makes it easy to filter by production needs (e.g. architectural style, décor, space type).
- Booking flexibility: Switch seamlessly between Host Managed direct bookings (budget-friendly, quick flow) and Agent Managed listings (professional support).
- Professional & budget-friendly: Built for industry professionals who need detailed search tools, but also offers cost-effective options with competitive rates and an easy booking flow.
- Agency backing: Locations Direct is a well-established locations agency; while the Direct Booking platform is a newer addition and the database of Host Managed options is still growing, all locations on the Location Library can still be booked via an Agent for full support.
Peerspace
- Coverage: Huge catalogue of studios, lofts, galleries and event venues, primarily across the US.
- Booking model: Hourly pricing, self-service and instant bookings. Great for short shoots or last-minute hires.
- Best for: Variety and speed when booking in Peerspace-covered cities.
Giggster
- Coverage: Large US catalogue, geared towards film and TV shoots as well as events.
- Booking model: Clear hourly pricing with transparent fees and production-friendly terms.
- Extras: Built-in protections, insurance options and detailed listing info.
- Best for: Film and event productions needing straightforward booking with added peace of mind.
Scouty
- Coverage: UK-based, with a strong focus on London.
- Booking model: Simple booking flow with basic search filters.
- Best for: Smaller shoots where simplicity and lower fees are more important than advanced search or agency support.
What each site is best for
- Locations Direct — UK-based productions, especially those needing curated shoot houses, detailed search tags and the option of either agent-backed service or quick direct booking.
- Peerspace — International variety, especially in the US; ideal for fast, flexible hourly bookings.
- Giggster — Production-focused listings in the US, with insurance and protections built in.
- Scouty — Simple, low-cost bookings for small UK shoots with straightforward requirements.
How Locations Direct compares
Strengths:
- UK specialist platform with curated, production-ready shoot houses.
- Professional-level search features (advanced tags for precise filtering).
- Flexibility to toggle between Host Managed Only direct listings and agent-assisted bookings.
- Competitive industry rates with options for both professional productions and tighter budgets.
- Backed by an established locations agency — full Agent support remains available for all locations.
Trade-offs:
- The Direct Booking platform is relatively new, so the database of Host Managed options is still growing.
- Smaller international catalogue compared with US-focused giants like Peerspace and Giggster.
- Fees depend on booking type (direct vs agent-assisted).
Final thoughts
If your production is UK-based, Locations Direct is a strong choice — offering advanced professional search tools, curated locations, and the flexibility to book either directly with hosts or through experienced agents. While the direct booking platform is still expanding, the Location Library remains fully bookable via an Agent. It’s built for industry professionals but equally accessible for budget-conscious shoots.
For international shoots or fast US bookings, Peerspace and Giggster are excellent alternatives. For simpler UK shoots where ease and low fees matter most, Scouty can be a quick option.