Have you ever wondered how to get your house used for filming or photography? Offering your house for filming can be an exciting venture, giving you new opportunities and extra income. Whether you’re a homeowner or business, knowing how to hire your house out for filming can open doors to the entertainment industry. At Locations Direct, we help property owners transform their homes into sought-after houses for filming.
Before diving into the process of how to offer your house for filming, it’s important to understand what a location house actually is. A location house is a property hired out to production companies for films, TV programmes, commercials, or photo shoots. Properties can range from quaint cottages to modern urban homes. The key is showcasing the unique aspects of your home that can appeal to different production needs.
What is a Location House?
A location house serves as a temporary stage for various productions. It’s not just about having a beautiful home—it’s about having a space that can be adapted to different narratives. Demand for location houses spans from indie films to major blockbusters, so understanding this variety can help set realistic expectations for what filmmakers are looking for.
Types of Productions Looking to Hire Your House for Filming
Different productions have different needs:
TV & Film: Often require a home for a long-term shooting schedule and usually prefer real, lived-in homes.
Commercials: Might only need a location for a day or two, and the type of house can vary depending on the brief.
Music Videos: Typically look for unique and visually striking homes. Shoot days can be quite long.
Fashion & Editorials: Often seek stylish, contemporary, and high-end houses. These shoots are generally completed in a single day.
Knowing these differences helps you tailor your approach when marketing your property to potential productions.
The Appeal of Unique Features
The charm of a House for Filming Location often lies in its distinctive features. Whether it’s an ornate fireplace, panoramic views, or an eclectic interior, these details can set your home apart. Filmmakers look for spaces that tell a story or create a particular atmosphere, so highlighting what makes your property special will boost its appeal.
Why Offer Your House for Filming?
There are plenty of reasons to hire out your house for filming:
Generating Extra Income
Renting your house as a filming location can be highly lucrative. Depending on the production and your property’s appeal, you could earn a substantial sum. A few days of filming can sometimes match or exceed a month’s rental income, making it an attractive option.
Gaining Unique Experiences
Hosting a film crew can be exciting. You’ll gain a behind-the-scenes look at how films, TV shows, and commercials are created. It’s a fascinating insight into the creative process and production logistics.
Enhancing Property Exposure
Your property could gain recognition after being featured in a film or show, this could be a fun talking point with friends and family or even potentially increasing interest from buyers.
Steps to Become a Location House
So, how to become a location house and hire your house out for filming? Here’s our guide:
1. Evaluate Your Property’s Potential
Start by assessing your property. Consider its style, location, and unique features. Is it a vintage home, a modern apartment, or a property with a stunning garden? Understanding what makes your house stand out will help you market it effectively to filmmakers.
2. Capturing High-Quality Visuals
Take professional-quality photos of your home, both interior and exterior. Capture different angles, lighting, and standout details. Clear, high-quality visuals are essential when promoting your home as a House for Filming Location.
3. Registering with Location Agencies
Agencies like Locations Direct specialise in helping homeowners hire their house for filming. By registering, your property gets promoted to our network of production companies, significantly increasing your chances of being chosen.
4. Marketing Your Property Independently
In addition to agency promotion, you can showcase your home on social media or a dedicated website. Highlight accessibility, amenities, and standout features. Engaging with local film communities can also raise your visibility.
5. Navigating the Logistics
Before hiring your house out for filming, understand the practicalities: contracts, insurance, and potential disruptions. Being prepared ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone. Consulting a legal adviser can help protect you and your home.
Collaborating with Filmmakers
Once your property is marketed, you’ll start receiving enquiries. Here’s what to expect:
1. Conducting Site Visits
Filmmakers may want to visit your property to see if it fits their vision. Be ready to answer questions and highlight your home’s features. Flexibility and clear communication are key.
2. Negotiating Rental Terms
Agree on rental fees, shoot duration, and any specific requirements. Always have terms documented in a contract to protect both parties. Don’t hesitate to get legal advice to ensure fair terms. By working with a Location Agency like Locations Direct, these details will be handled for you.
3. Preparing Your Property for Filming
This could include decluttering, cleaning, or temporary modifications. Production teams might bring in furniture or equipment, so collaborate to ensure your home meets requirements while maintaining its integrity.
4. Hosting and Supporting the Crew
During filming, provide access to essentials like electricity, toilets, and parking. Open communication ensures a smooth process and positive relationships for future projects.
Tips for a Successful Experience
Let take a look an how you can become a successful location house.
Embracing Flexibility and Adaptability
Be open to adjustments. Filmmakers may request changes to fit their vision, or need to make last minute changes to schedules and flexibility often results in better outcomes for both parties.
Managing Expectations and Timelines
Filming schedules can change. Understanding timelines and having contingency plans helps manage any surprises smoothly.
Establishing Clear Communication
Maintain clear, consistent communication with the production team. Set expectations and points of contact to avoid misunderstandings.
Registering with Locations Direct – A Leading UK Film Location Agency
Once you’re confident that your home is ready, the next step is registering with a location agency such as Locations Direct, one of the UK’s leading and trusted location agencies. The registration process is simple and designed to showcase your property effectively. You’ll fill out an online form with details about your home, including its size, layout, architectural style, and any unique features that make it stand out. High-quality photos are essential – these images are what filmmakers will use to decide if they want to hire your house for filming. The more impressive your photos, the higher the chance of securing bookings! Read out step-by-stem registration guide.
What Happens Next?
After registration, if your home is deemed suitable for filming projects, it will be added to the agency’s database of potential locations. When production companies are searching for specific types of homes, they’ll browse this database. If your property matches their requirements, a member of the Locations Direct team will contact you.
It’s worth noting that becoming a location house doesn’t guarantee regular bookings – demand depends on what productions are looking for at any given time. However, when your property is booked, it can be highly lucrative. Fees vary depending on the type of production (TV show vs feature film), the length of the shoot, and how much preparation or disruption is involved. By offering your house for filming with Locations Direct, you open the door to a world of exciting opportunities and extra income.
Conclusion
Becoming a location house is an exciting opportunity. By following these steps, you can hire your house out for filming and transform your property into a sought-after house for filming location. Whether it’s the extra income or the unique experience that appeals, offering your house for filming is a rewarding venture. Take the first step today and explore the world of film and photography with Locations Direct. Create a Host user account here.