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Blog-post-2708

 

Film production companies and photographers are always looking for a range of incredible and diverse locations to film adverts, televisions shows, and even fashion photo shoots. It’s not just grand, luxury spaces that are sought after. Many companies are always on the hunt for interesting and quirky homes to use as a unique backdrop or film set. Traditional studio shoots can be expensive and ultimately end up feeling cold and impersonal, so the use of real homes is on the rise.

Hiring out your home can be incredibly rewarding, and generate an extra revenue stream without you really having to do very much.You never know, you could have the perfect location without even knowing it. Do you want to make extra cash hiring out your home? Before you start there are a few things you should know.

1. Do your calculations

Rates can vary massively from production to production. Commercial budgets are usually more generous than TV budgets but it varies. Also,
a location scout or producer will be trying to get the best available space for the lowest price. As a benchmark, you can expect a day film shoot to begin at around £400 for the average sized home. Photography and editorial budgets are often much lower, but can be a great way for you to get a feel for how much disruption a shoot will be.


Also, remember you’ll need to pay tax on anything you earn, so before you start fantasising about buying a private island, make sure you save some to avoid getting stung at the end of the financial year.

2. Take good photographs

Allowing local photographers to use your home for a low rate, or even free means you could end up with some really beautiful pictures of your home looking its best.

If you’d prefer to take your own shots, put them into a universal format (like PDF) and add a bit of flair to help your home stand out. You can jazz up the pictures with a few useful notes and complimentary fonts to ensure you’re communicating as much essential information as possible. Most reputable location companies like 1st Option will really appreciate clear photography as it helps them get a good impression of the space.


3. Be prepared for disruption

The majority of companies will be respectful of your home, but film crews have a tendency to pack large amounts of equipment into small spaces, and accidents can happen.

Interiors don’t usually have enough natural light for filming, so crews will bring their own additional lighting. This usually involves connecting lengths of electrical cables, creating trip hazards. You may also find that paintwork occasionally gets damaged or scuffed. If you’re worried about long-term damage or health and safety, chat to a location company or the production staff before you proceed to get some reassurance.

Renting your space to the creative industries can be rewarding both financially and socially. Often inconvenience is minimal and the excitement having your home used in media outweighs any inconvenience. The extra cash is a bonus, plus you’ll be able to claim bragging rights for years to come.

 

Image credit: melgil123 via morguefile

This post has been contributed by Sam Bolton.