What to Expect When Hosting a Production
A comprehensive guide for property owners considering renting their location for film, TV, and commercial productions.
List Your PropertyLocation Agreement
Understanding the legal framework
Before any production begins, you'll sign a location agreement that outlines the terms of the rental. This legally binding contract protects both you and the production company.
Key elements typically include:
- Specific dates and times of access
- Areas of your property that can be used
- Compensation terms and payment schedule
- Insurance requirements and liability coverage
- Restoration obligations after the shoot
- Cancellation and weather contingency clauses
- Rights to use footage featuring your property
Tip: Always have a lawyer review the agreement before signing, especially for larger productions. Don't hesitate to negotiate terms that work for your situation.
Payment & Compensation
What you can expect to earn
Location fees vary widely based on the type of production, your property's unique features, and the scope of the shoot.
Typical fee ranges:
Student/Indie Films
$500 - $2,000
per day
Commercial Shoots
$2,000 - $10,000
per day
TV Productions
$3,000 - $15,000
per day
Major Features
$10,000 - $50,000+
per day
Payment typically includes:
- Base location fee for use of the property
- Prep and wrap day fees (usually 50% of shoot day rate)
- Overtime charges if the crew exceeds scheduled hours
- Additional fees for special equipment or modifications
Payment terms: Most productions pay 50% upon signing the agreement and the remaining 50% on the first day of the shoot. Always get payment terms in writing.
Insurance Requirements
Protecting your property and yourself
Professional productions carry comprehensive insurance policies. You should always be named as an "Additional Insured" on their policy.
Standard coverage includes:
- General Liability: Typically $1-5 million coverage
- Property Damage: Covers repairs or replacement of damaged items
- Workers' Compensation: Covers crew injuries on your property
- Auto Liability: For production vehicles on your property
Important: Request a Certificate of Insurance (COI) at least 48 hours before the shoot begins. Verify that your property address is listed and coverage dates match the production schedule.
Your homeowner's insurance:
Notify your insurance company before hosting a production. Some policies exclude commercial activities, and you may need a rider or temporary coverage adjustment.
Damages & Restoration
What happens if something goes wrong
Professional productions take property care seriously, but accidents can happen. Here's how damage situations are typically handled:
Before the shoot:
- Document your property with photos and video
- Create an inventory of valuable or fragile items
- Discuss with the Location Manager which areas are off-limits
- Remove or secure items you're concerned about
If damage occurs:
- Document the damage immediately with photos
- Report to the Location Manager or Production Manager on set
- File a written damage report before the crew leaves
- Production's insurance will cover legitimate claims
Security deposit: Some owners require a security deposit (typically $1,000-$5,000) that's returned after the shoot if no damage occurs. This is negotiable and can be included in your agreement.
Location Protection
How productions protect your property
Professional crews are trained to protect the locations they use. Here's what to expect:
Floor Protection
Masonite boards, carpet runners, and furniture pads
Wall Protection
Corner guards, padding on doorways and tight spaces
Furniture Care
Items moved are photographed and returned to position
Cleaning
Professional cleaning crew restores property post-shoot
You can request:
- Specific rooms or areas to remain off-limits
- No smoking anywhere on property (standard practice)
- Designated parking areas only
- Restricted access to certain outdoor areas
- To be present or have a representative on-site
What to Expect on Shoot Day
A typical production day at your location
Pre-Production (Days/Weeks Before)
Location scouts and managers visit to plan camera angles, lighting needs, and logistics. They may take measurements and photos.
Prep Day (Day Before)
Crew arrives to set up equipment, arrange furniture, and prepare the space. This is usually a shorter day with fewer people.
Shoot Day
The full crew arrives (can be 20-100+ people depending on production size). Expect 10-14 hour days. Catering trucks provide meals. Generators may power equipment.
Wrap Day
Crew removes equipment, returns furniture to original positions, and professional cleaners restore the space. A final walkthrough ensures everything is in order.
Hotels & Accommodations
If your property is used as a base
For multi-day shoots in remote or unique locations, productions may request accommodation for key crew members nearby.
Options to consider:
- Guest houses or separate units: If you have additional structures, these can be rented at a premium rate
- Local hotel partnerships: You can recommend nearby hotels and negotiate group rates
- Basecamp setup: Productions may bring trailers for hair/makeup, wardrobe, and cast rest areas
For rural locations: Being able to offer or coordinate nearby accommodations can make your property more attractive to productions that would otherwise face logistical challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from location owners
Do I need to leave my home during filming?
It depends on the production's needs. Some shoots require exclusive access, while others allow you to remain in a designated area. This should be discussed upfront and included in your agreement.
What about my neighbors?
Productions typically notify neighbors and may compensate them for any inconvenience. Permits often require community notification. You should give neighbors a heads-up as a courtesy.
Can I see the final product?
Most agreements include the right to use footage of your property without additional payment. You can request a screening copy or DVD, but this isn't always guaranteed.
What if they want to make changes to my property?
Any modifications must be approved by you in advance. Productions will typically restore everything to its original condition, or you can negotiate to keep changes you like (fresh paint, landscaping improvements, etc.).
How do I handle taxes on location fees?
Location fees are considered taxable income. You'll receive a 1099 form (in the US) or equivalent documentation. Keep records of any expenses related to hosting the production. Consult a tax professional for guidance.
What if I change my mind after agreeing?
Cancellation terms are specified in your agreement. Last-minute cancellations can result in significant penalties since productions invest heavily in pre-planning. If you have concerns, address them early in the process.
Can I refuse certain types of content?
Yes. You can specify in your listing or agreement that you won't allow certain content (adult material, violent scenes, etc.). Be upfront about your restrictions to avoid wasted time for everyone.
Sample Listing Agreement
Template contract for location rentals
We've prepared a sample location rental agreement to help you understand the typical terms and conditions used in the industry.
- Covers rental periods, fees, and payment terms
- Insurance requirements and liability provisions
- Property access and crew size limitations
- Damage and restoration policies
- Cancellation terms
Note: This is a template for reference only. We recommend having a lawyer review any agreement before signing.
Ready to List Your Property?
Join hundreds of property owners earning income by hosting film and TV productions. Listing is free and you maintain full control over which projects you accept.