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Running an event venue or business premises can be all-consuming. From managing bookings to hosting clients, there’s rarely time to explore new ideas. However, one opportunity that is often overlooked is transforming your space into a photography shoot location. Whether you operate a wine bar, church hall, rooftop venue or even a car garage, there’s every chance it could become the backdrop for a photoshoot, film, advert or music video.
At Shootfactory, we specialise in sourcing and representing shoot locations across the UK. Many of our most successful listings are event spaces that initially had a completely different purpose. If you have an interesting venue with strong visual appeal, good proportions, and easy access, your space could be in high demand, with brands, creatives, and production companies looking for somewhere new and distinctive.
Creative teams are constantly searching for shoot locations that bring something unique to the table. The idea that only traditional film sets or grand period homes are in demand is outdated. Today’s clients are looking for spaces with character, flexibility and a story to tell.
Whether it’s a stylised interior for a fashion shoot, a raw industrial backdrop for a music promo or a stylish café setting for a cookbook, shoots happen everywhere. In fact, the more unique the space, the more likely it is to stand out.
And it’s not just big productions. Smaller brand campaigns, content creators and editorial teams often prefer working with flexible event venues that are shoot-ready and more accessible than purpose-built studios.
One of the main benefits of listing your event space as a shoot location is the potential to earn income outside of standard event hours. Shoots often take place on weekdays, during quieter periods or even before venue opening hours, meaning you don’t have to cancel bookings to accommodate them.
Here’s what you can typically expect:
This added income stream can support your core business, fund upgrades, or create more flexibility during off-peak months.
Shootfactory collaborates with a wide mix of event spaces across the UK. Below are just a few examples that show the range of what works well for production teams.
A beautifully restored period church with dramatic brickwork, vaulted ceilings and arched windows. The space includes a large hall, kitchen facilities and an outdoor area, all styled with a warm, contemporary touch.
This grand suite, set across five connected Victorian townhouses, offers over 650 square metres of shoot space. Elegant rooms, a sweeping staircase and an ornate ballroom make it ideal for fashion and luxury lifestyle brands.
A former theatre and concert venue, Planet features Art Deco details, bold architectural lines, and three separate event spaces, including a 1,200-capacity hall, a 700-seat theatre, and a mezzanine bar and kitchen.
This modern event space in central London blends flexible interiors with unique features, including a garden terrace, private bar, bakery and partitionable rooms. Stylish and full of natural light, it’s popular for both press events and product photography.
Spanning six floors, this King’s Cross venue includes a private members’ club, rooftop terrace, bar, restaurant and more. It’s luxurious, contemporary and packed with features, making it a go-to location for brands looking for variety in a single setting.
These venues are proof that with the right space and approach, event venues of all kinds can attract commercial shoots.
When production teams are reviewing potential locations, they often focus on a few core factors:
Large, open spaces are easier to work in, particularly when crews need space for lighting equipment, monitors, stylists and models.
Good light is always in demand, particularly in spaces with large windows, skylights or south-facing orientation.
Architectural features, bold interiors or standout design details help create a memorable backdrop and reduce the need for heavy styling.
Easy entry for kit and crew, as well as parking for vans and couriers, or at least a nearby loading area, makes a big difference during setup and wrap.
Spaces that can be rearranged, dressed or sectioned off allow crews to adapt them to their creative brief.
Your space doesn’t need to have all of these things, but the more flexible and camera-friendly it is, the more likely it will catch a client’s eye.
Once a booking is confirmed, there are a few simple steps you can take to make the day run smoothly:
We make it easy to add your venue to the Shootfactory. There’s no cost to register, and we’ll guide you through the process. Here’s what we need to get started:
Once approved, your property will appear in our location library, where our network of clients and production companies can view it. We handle enquiries, negotiate fees and help coordinate the shoot schedule.
We’ve helped hundreds of location venues earn extra income by hosting shoots of all kinds. From independent coffee shops and bars to hotels, galleries and performance spaces, there’s room in the market for a wide range of properties.
Many owners are surprised to learn how little effort is required to get started. The most important thing is to have a space with visual interest and a willingness to explore a new opportunity.
We work closely with venue owners throughout the process and support each booking from the first enquiry to the final call sheet. Whether you’re looking to supplement your primary business or utilise a space that’s currently underutilised, adding your location to our library is a straightforward and rewarding step.
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