So You Want To Be in the Movies?, your Apartment or House could be!

Have you ever wondered how those stylish homes and stunning apartments end up in your favourite TV shows, movies, or glossy magazine spreads? Your apartment or house could be the next big thing in film, television, and advertising—raking in some serious cash while you’re at it. By renting out your property as a filming or photo shoot location, you can turn your stylish space into a source of income, sometimes earning more than you do at your day job.

So, how do you transform your property into a sought-after location, what it takes to attract the right clients, and how to manage the process smoothly.

So You Want To Be in the Movies?, your Apartment or House could be! - Shootfactory

Your Apartment or House as a Shoot Location

If you’ve got an eye for design and enjoy creating a space that feels like a film set, letting out your home for photo shoots and filming can be incredibly lucrative. Take Michael Minns, a former art director for BHS. His one-bedroom flat in the historic Alaska Buildings earned him twice his annual salary last year just by being used as a shoot location.

Over one month, his flat was booked solidly for various projects. “Every day, I’d come home from work, put everything back in its place, clean up, and stock up on supplies for the film crew the next day,” he explains. While it may sound like a lot of work, Michael assures that it was well worth the effort.

The Transformation of a Location Apartment

Michael’s flat is a prime example of how a property can be transformed to appeal to production companies. When he purchased the flat in 2003, it was far from what you see today. It was cramped, with small rooms and a galley kitchen. But Michael had seen first-hand how homes made money while their owners were out and had a vision.

He completely gutted and refurbished the apartment, turning it into an open-plan, industrial-chic space perfect for filming. He kept the building’s character by preserving its original features—exposed brick walls, metal columns, and large windows—but modernised the layout. He installed wide stairs, clever storage solutions, and dramatic lighting to give the apartment a contemporary edge while maintaining a stylish aesthetic.

Now, the space features a sleek black and white colour scheme, large chandeliers, and unique design touches like a solid teak bath. It’s no wonder the flat has been used for high-profile shoots, including interviews with Joan Collins and photo sessions for brands like Debenhams, IKEA, and Marks & Spencer. It has even graced the pages of Italian Vogue.

Using a Location Agency

While you might be tempted to go it alone, signing up with a location agency can make the process much smoother and more profitable. Agencies like SHOOTFACTORY are experts at connecting property owners with the right clients. Their director says, “I only consider exceptional properties. I look for great décor, open spaces, interesting furniture, and good design.”

Location agencies typically have strict standards and will create house rules that all parties must follow, ensuring the experience runs smoothly. They’ll manage contracts, timelines, and any specific requests from the production team, like ensuring the property is spotless before each shoot or certain rooms remain off-limits. This way, you won’t have to deal with awkward misunderstandings or unexpected damages.

The fees you can earn vary depending on the type of shoot. You can expect between £400 and £600 per day for magazine editorial shoots. Advertising campaigns for brands like Burberry or M&S can fetch upwards of £1,000 daily. The highest earners are film shoots, with some properties commanding up to £2,500 per day—especially for high-profile projects.

Is Your Property Right for a Shoot?

Not all properties are suitable for filming or photo shoots, but don’t let that deter you. What agencies and clients look for most is a property with character, space, and good design. Larger homes with open spaces and stylish decor are in higher demand. Properties within London’s M25 are especially attractive, as proximity to the city makes them more accessible for crews.

However, not just grand luxury homes are in demand. Even smaller, quirky spaces can catch a client’s eye if they offer something unique: bold interior design, unusual architecture, or original features. One property in south-east London, which is empty but rich in original character, gets used frequently despite its lack of furnishings.

Tips for Letting Your Property for Shoots

A little preparation goes a long way to make the most out of renting your property as a location. Here are some top tips to ensure everything goes off without a hitch:

Set Clear Boundaries
Specify in advance which areas of your property are off-limits and what items shouldn’t be touched or moved. This is crucial to avoid any misunderstandings or potential damage.

Plan Shoot Hours
Be clear about start and finish times, and ensure that clients agree to stick to these. If they run over, you should be compensated for overtime—around £100 per hour is standard.

Protect Your Floors and Furniture
Film crews can be heavy-handed with their equipment. To avoid scratches on wooden floors, put down dust sheets. For added protection, buy some tennis balls, cut them in half, and place them on the legs of tripods and furniture to prevent damage.

Be a Thoughtful Host
Little touches like leaving out coffee, tea, and biscuits for the crew can go a long way. It sets a positive tone and ensures everyone is happy working in your space.

Keep Your Property Shoot Ready
To ensure your property is always ready for its close-up, design your space with plenty of hidden storage. This will allow you to keep clutter out of sight while maintaining a polished, picture-perfect appearance.

The Final Cut

Renting out your home for shoots can be incredibly rewarding financially and in terms of the excitement it brings. While it requires flexibility and some work, the potential earnings make it worthwhile. Whether it’s a full-scale film production or a small editorial shoot, your home could become the next unnamed screen star.

So, if you’ve got a stylish, spacious property within reach of a major city, why not register it with a location agency like SHOOTFACTORY? It could be the start of a lucrative and exciting new venture that puts your home in the spotlight—while padding your wallet in the process!

 

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