Welcome to our Direct Booking Platform – the perfect way to discover and book locations with ease.

Direct bookings are ideal for quick-turnaround projects, shorter shoots, or productions on a budget.

Create a Production user account to start booking today! 🎉

This guide will walk you through the process so you can start making bookings with confidence on a platform you can trust.

If you ever have questions about using the platform, contact us for guidance – we’re always here to help!

📧 Support: submissions@locationsdirect.co

1. Find Direct Booking Options

• Go to the Locations Direct search page.
• Toggle the Host Managed Only switch under the search bar.
• This will filter results so you only see direct booking locations.
• Browse listings as usual until you find a location that suits your shoot.

2. Submit a New Enquiry

• On the location page, click New Enquiry.
• Select Send Message to Host.
• This opens a booking enquiry form where you can enter your shoot details and requirements.
• Once you’ve created your Host account, all replies will be stored in your Enquiries folder on your dashboard.

Whenever a Host replies, you’ll receive an email notification with a direct link to the enquiry.

3. Communicate with the Host

• Use the built-in messenger to discuss shoot details, requirements, and any recce visits.
• Keep all communication on the platform.
  • This ensures all agreed terms are saved agains the booking to avoid any disputes.
  • All bookings must be made through the platform. Any off-platform bookings which were initiated on the Platform will result in your account being suspended.
• File Sharing – If you need to share any files, such as reference images, during the enquiry stage, you can do so via the document uploader on your enquiry page. Simply upload a document and click Update Enquiry. This will share the document with the other party, allowing them to download and view it. They can also do the same for you if you need to see any additional images shared.

4. Confirming Your Booking

Once you’ve agreed terms with the Host:

1. Update your shoot details if required so everything matches what’s been agreed.
2. The Host will then create a booking request.
3. You’ll receive a notification asking you to:
   • Review and accept the booking terms.
   • Upload your Public Liability Insurance (PLI). 
   • Wait for the Host to approve your PLI. 
   • Make payment for the hire fee and any deposit (if required).

5. Payment

• You can update your invoicing address directly from the Booking page to ensure your payment invoice reflects the correct details.
• All payments are made securely by card through the platform.
• A 2% service charge will be added to your total fees.
• Once paid, the booking is confirmed.
• You’ll receive a confirmation email with the location address and full booking details.
• For added security, Hosts will not receive payment until the day of the shoot. Please check cancellation policies if needed.

6. Damage Deposit & Additional Fees

• Any damage deposits being held are automatically returned to your payment card 72 hours after the shoot, unless the Host submits a reimbursement request.
• If there are post-shoot charges (e.g. overtime, parking, damages), these must be paid separately by card through the platform.
• Once those payments are completed, your full deposit is returned to your card.
• If you feel any charges are unfair, you can dispute and escalate to Locations Direct for review.

7. Day of the Shoot

• Arrive on time and follow any access instructions provided by the Host.
• Keep communication open via the platform messenger for any last-minute questions.
• A professional, smooth shoot experience builds trust with Hosts and makes future bookings easier.

Key Reminders

✅ Use the Host Managed Only switch to find direct booking options.

✅ Keep all communications on-platform.

✅ Upload your PLI doc to proceed to payments.

✅ Payment must be made by card to confirm the booking.

✅ Deposits are automatically returned after the shoot once post-shoot payments (if any) are settled.

✅ Escalate disputes to LD if needed.

Coming Soon

We are developing features to make the production experience even smoother, including easier file sharing and enhanced booking management tools. Stay tuned for updates!

Final Note

We are always striving to create the best platform possible for productions and are continually looking for ways to improve and enhance your experience. If you have any feedback, please share it with us — we will discuss it with our developers to see what we can do to help.

Looking for the Host booking guide?