List Your Property With a Location Agency Like No Other!

With so many experienced UK location agencies to choose from, deciding where to list your filming location can feel like a challenge. If you’re wondering what makes Locations Direct stand out, it’s a great question — and luckily, an easy one to answer.

When listing with a film location agency, you’ll usually come across three main types of representation:

Agent-Managed Bookings: Your property is supported by dedicated location agents who handle every step of the booking process.

Direct Booking Platforms: You create your own account, receive enquiries, and manage your bookings independently within the platform.

Exclusive Location Agencies: You sign an exclusive agreement, meaning only one agency can represent your property.

So, which UK location agency model is right for your property? Each comes with its own benefits — from lower commission rates and more control with direct bookings, to personalised support through agent-managed or exclusive representation.

At Locations Direct, we offer something different: complete flexibility. Our platform supports all three booking models, allowing you to choose the approach that fits your lifestyle, experience, and hosting preferences. We’ve invested heavily in building an industry-leading system designed to give you choice, control, and a tailored hosting experience that works for you.

FAQs on Listing Your Property as a Film Location

Thinking about listing your home or property as a film or photoshoot location? We understand it can feel daunting if you’ve never hosted a production before. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive FAQ guide. Here, you’ll find answers to all your questions — from how to register your property, set restrictions, and get paid, to tips on making your space more appealing to productions. Whether you’re a first-time host or an experienced property owner, this guide explains everything you need to know about working with Locations Direct, the UK’s leading film location agency.

Why Rent My Property Out for Filming?

Renting your property for filming is a simple and rewarding way to earn extra income while showcasing your space to a wide audience. Productions, from commercials and TV shows to films and photoshoots, are constantly searching for unique homes, studios, and outdoor spaces, making your property a valuable asset. Beyond financial gain, hosting a shoot can be an exciting experience, allowing you to see your home featured in creative projects. With Locations Direct, you benefit from expert support, secure bookings, and flexible booking options, ensuring your property is protected and the process is seamless.

Do I Need Experience?

No prior experience is required to list your property for filming. Locations Direct works with first-time hosts every day, guiding you through the entire process so you always know what to expect. Our Host-Managed and Agent-Managed options make it simple to start earning from your home without any industry knowledge. All you need is a property with character, good communication, and the willingness to host productions — we can handle the rest.

How Often Will My Property Be Booked?

Booking frequency varies depending on your location, style, and availability, but high-quality properties with strong images typically receive more enquiries. Productions look for everything from stylish townhouses and period houses to industrial warehouses or high-rise flats, so demand can be surprisingly broad. While no agency can guarantee bookings, Locations Direct actively promotes your listing across search engines, social platforms, and direct industry contacts to maximise exposure.

What Happens If My Home Gets Damaged?

When you list your property for filming, protecting your home is a priority. Productions hiring through Locations Direct must provide full public liability insurance, and we ensure all shoots are covered before confirming a booking. In addition, we hold a damage deposit to allow for swift resolution of minor issues on the day. In the rare event of major accidental damage, claims are handled professionally through the production’s insurance, and our team supports you throughout the process to ensure everything is resolved quickly and fairly.

How Will Locations Direct Market My Property?

As a leading UK film location agency, Locations Direct promotes your property through a search-optimised website, direct relationships with production companies, photographers, and creative teams, as well as Google Ads campaigns, SEO, social media, and newsletters.

Do I Need to Be Present During Filming?

Whether you need to be present during filming often depends on your personal preferences and the production’s requirements. It’s most common for a production to need you there in the morning for access, ensuring they know where everything is and giving you a chance to answer any questions. After that, as long as they have a point of contact, you can step back until the end of the day. It’s best practice to do a walkthrough with the production at the end of the shoot to ensure you’re happy with how everything has been left, and to give the crew an opportunity to rectify any issues before they leave.

Will I Need to Move Out?

Most shoots only require access for a day or two, so you won’t usually need to move out. However, larger productions or multi-day bookings may need more space and may request exclusive use of the property. You can always decline if it doesn’t suit you — you set your availability and comfort levels. Many owners enjoy the flexibility of choosing the shoots that fit their schedule. If a booking does require your to move out, we will ensure that alternative accommodation is provided in your agreement.

What Does It Cost to Become a Shoot Location?

Listing your property on Locations Direct is free. We only take a commission when your property is successfully booked for filming or photoshoots. This makes it a low-risk, high-reward opportunity for homeowners, venues, and commercial spaces looking to earn additional income from creative work. Our fee structure is set at 20% commission for standard agent bookings, or 15% commission for direct platform bookings or exclusively listed properties.

When Do I Get Paid?

Payments are released promptly after the booking starts, ensuring you receive your income without delay. Most owners are paid on the first day of the shoot unless a different arrangement is agreed for long-term hires. Full transparency is provided for every booking — no hidden fees, no slow processing. However, when booking via the platform, payment may take up to 8 days to clear from the date the booking was confirmed, due to Stripe’s card payment processing timeframe. Full transparency is provided for every booking — no hidden fees, no delays.

What Are My Registration Options?

Locations Direct offers three flexible ways to list your home for filming: Agent-Managed, Host-Managed or exclusive listings. Whether you want full support, total control, or a hybrid approach, you can choose a registration type that suits your lifestyle. There’s no long-term commitment — you can adjust your preferences at any time.

What Do I Need to Provide for the Crew?

Requirements vary by project, but productions typically need access to power, parking where possible, and a clear understanding of which areas they can use. Any special requirements will be discussed and agreed upon in advance, before any agreements are signed. Most owners simply tidy the space and make it ready for filming — no specialist equipment or preparation is required. However, some hosts like to provide a few complimentary extras, such as tea and coffee. This is usually only for smaller bookings with reduced crew numbers.

What Restrictions Should I Set?

You decide how your property can be used. Hosts often set restrictions around certain rooms, late-night access, footwear, vehicle access, or large crews. Clear boundaries help ensure a smooth filming experience. Locations Direct captures your restrictions in your listing so productions understand expectations before booking.

What Makes a Property Suitable for Filming?

Almost any property can be a film or photoshoot location — from lived in family homes to country houses to industrial units and quirky spaces. Size, character, and good natural light are always appealing, but productions also look for diversity and authenticity. If your property tells a story, it’s likely to attract interest.

What Are Clients Looking for in a Shoot Location?

Clients look for spaces that match their creative brief — this could be a bright kitchen for a food shoot, a contemporary living room for a TV commercial, or a period home for a drama. They value easy access, natural light, interesting features, and versatility. High-quality photos of your property help you stand out and appear in more searches.

What Happens After Registration?

Once you register your property, our team reviews your listing, optimises it for search results, and publishes it to the Locations Direct platform. You’ll then start receiving enquiries agents, along with direct enquiries from productions if you choose a host-managed option. You remain fully in control of availability, pricing, and booking approvals.

Do I Need Insurance for My Property?

Yes, it’s highly recommended to have Public Liability Insurance to be in place when renting your property for filming. This protects against any accidental damage or injury during a shoot. All productions booking through Locations Direct carry their own insurance, but having your own home insurance can add an extra layer of protection and peace of mind.

Can I List Multiple Properties?

Absolutely! Locations Direct allows hosts to list multiple homes or spaces. Each property can have its own profile, images, rates, and availability. Many hosts increase their bookings and income by listing a variety of locations, from city flats, family homes and country retreats or commercial spaces.

How Long Does It Take to Get Approved?

After you submit your property, our team reviews the listing, checks all details, and optimises it for search results. Approval typically takes just a few business days, after which your property goes live and is ready for enquiries. Fast approvals mean you can start attracting bookings quickly.

Can I Choose Which Productions Can Book My Property?

Yes! You remain in control of who can book your property. With Host-Managed or Agent-Managed bookings, you can approve or decline requests. This ensures your home is used for projects you’re comfortable with, whether that’s photography, TV, commercials, or film.

Are There Minimum or Maximum Booking Durations?

Booking durations vary depending on the production type. Some shoots only need a few hours, while others may require a full day or multiple days. Full day bookings are generally between 8-12 hours, but can go into overtime. You can set availability and restrictions to match your preferences. Locations Direct ensures all bookings respect your terms.

What Happens If a Shoot Goes Over Time?

If a production overruns, additional fees may apply. These are agreed upfront in the booking contract. Hosts are always informed in advance, and our team is available to manage any adjustments. This ensures that extended shoots are handled fairly and transparently.  Overtime is usually charged at 1.5x the hourly rate.

Do I Need to Prepare My Property Before Listing?

Minimal preparation is needed. Clear, well-lit spaces photograph best, and tidying or decluttering helps your property look its best in listings. High-quality images make a big difference in attracting productions, and our guide provides tips for photographing your home effectively.

Can I Offer My Garden, Driveway, or Other Exterior Spaces Separately?

A production may wish to shoot only on your driveway or in your garden for specific briefs. However, we do not list individual rooms or areas; the full property must be registered for filming on our site. Productions often seek outdoor locations for commercials, social media content, or film scenes, making your outdoor spaces valuable assets, but they will likely require additional rooms for production support spaces.

What Kind of Productions Can Book My Property?

A wide range of productions may be interested: commercials, TV shows, feature films, short films, music videos, lifestyle photoshoots, influencer campaigns, editorial phaeton shoots and social media content. Locations Direct connects your property to all these creative opportunities.

Can I Set a Preferred Time of Year or Day for Shoots?

Yes! You control your availability, including specific days, times, or seasons. This ensures shoots fit around your schedule, whether you prefer weekday mornings, weekends, or summer-only bookings. Flexibility is entirely up to you. But bear in mind, the better your availability, the more likely you will be to secure a booking.

How Are Rates Determined for My Property?

Rates depend on property type, location, size, and demand. Locations Direct provides guidance based on market trends, comparable properties, and production budgets. You can set your own rates while ensuring they remain competitive and attractive to productions.

Can I Cancel a Booking if I Change My Mind?

Hosts can cancel bookings under certain conditions. Once a signed hire agreement is in place, you can only cancel in line with the terms of that agreement. If the booking is via the platform, cancellations will be automated according to your cancellation policy. We generally prefer working with reliable property owners, so please ensure you try to honour any commitments and only cancel as a last resort. Locations Direct provides clear guidelines and support for cancellations to ensure minimal disruption for both parties. We encourage open communication to find a solution that works for everyone.

How Do I Handle Confidentiality or Privacy Concerns?

Privacy is a top priority. Hosts can set restrictions on which areas of the property can be used, whether photography is allowed, and if crew access is limited. Productions are contractually obligated to respect confidentiality and your home’s privacy.

Will the Production Bring Their Own Equipment?

Yes, productions bring all necessary filming or photography equipment. Hosts do not need to provide lighting, cameras, or props unless specifically requested. This keeps your home protected and minimises your responsibilities.

Do I Need to Provide Furniture or Props?

In most cases, productions bring their own props and equipment. Hosts only provide the property as it is. However, if your home has unique furniture, décor, or features, these may be highlighted in your listing and used in the shoot.

How Do I Handle Noise, Pets, or Other Household Restrictions?

You set the rules. Hosts often establish guidelines for pets, noise levels, and other household matters. Locations Direct ensures these restrictions are communicated clearly to productions to prevent misunderstandings and ensure a smooth filming experience.

Can International Productions Book My Property?

Yes, productions from around the world often book UK properties. Locations Direct handles all communications and contracts, ensuring that language, payment, and insurance requirements are managed professionally.

Can I Host Multiple Productions at the Same Time?

Typically, each production requires exclusive access to your property for safety and efficiency. However, multiple bookings can occur if your property has lots of space to facilitate each production separately - this would need to be agreed in advance by both bookings. Our team advises hosts on best practices to maximise bookings without disruption.

Photography for your property 

High-quality images are crucial for showcasing your filming location on the Locations Direct platform. Photos create a very important first impression for productions looking for a location to hire. They have to look through thousands of images, and you want yours to stand out. Clear, well-lit photos that highlight the unique features your space has to offer can significantly increase your chances of being chosen for a shoot. If you’re unsure about the quality of your images, feel free to send us samples before creating your profile. We can also offer image editing or professional photography services if required.

Reads our set-by-step Photography Guide, to help you take your own images.

What is expected of me as a film location?

All we ask is that your property is kept in the condition advertised, ensuring that it is clean and ready to accommodate production crews on the day of the booking. If any alterations are made to the property, please update your images or note it in your description. We ask all hosts to be as reliable as they can and prompt with replying to messages. Please note that accepting bookings may lead to some disruption depending on the shoot, so we recommend carefully considering whether this is for you before registering your property.

Are you new to hosting? Read our Hosting 101 Shoot Guide for all the essential information and jargon.